Take Control

Improve Your Study Skills

Set the tone for planned learning to meet goals and make better grades. The more a person knows, the more he/she can do. The most important aspect of studying is attitude -Think Positively.

Monitor your physical and mental health. Make time for the right experiences:

1. plenty of sleep

2. plenty of exercise

3. plenty of fun

4. regular varied meals

5. regular checks for eyes and teeth

Using study skills and being creative makes learning easier.

GOOD STUDY HABITS

1. Follow a schedule.

2. Study in the same place at the same time every day.

3. Use the preview, question, review, summarize, and test method.

4. Do periodic review.

5. Keep pencil or pen in hand for notes when reading.

6. Organize notes in legible form.

7. Budget time for long-term assignments.

8. Tackle the hardest subjects first.

9. Keep track of assignments and due dates.

10 Organize materials in a folder.

Conditions for Effective Study

1. Flat-top desk

2. Straight-back chair

3. Ample lighting

4. All necessary materials handy

5. Adequate room temperature

6. No internal or external distractions

Hints for Better Grades

1. Set short and long term goals.

2. Take frequent, short breaks.

3. Review material often.

4. Study alone, not in groups.

5. Memorize before going to sleep.

6. Identify the time of day when you learn the best and take advantage of it.

7. Develop sets of note cards (3x5) for main points: (a) easily sorted; (b) easily carried; (c) easily modified.

8. Review and practice prior to a test.

9. Evaluate methods after each assignment and make improvements.

* Record all homework tasks on the day they are assigned. Be sure to include the due date.

* Write down tests and long-term projects, such as essays, on the day they are due as well as on the day they are assigned. A reminder in between in also a good idea.

* Record assignment/test results. This will assist you in determining which of your subjects require improvement and extra study time.

* Record upcoming events that you plan to attend.

* Record details about projects and assignments that need to be broken up into smaller parts.

* Fast-forward to the appropriate week to enter a future assignment.

After Class/At Home:

• Arrange your work in order of priority by assigning numbers (For example; 1,2,3).

• Commit yourself to a schedule and stick to it. Remember to the goals which you have set for yourself.

• Schedule your time in half-hour blocks. Plan to spend more time on the subjects which require improvement.

• Allow yourself time to review your work two or three days before a test or quiz.

• Remember to schedule time for long-term projects. Record this in the long-term assignment space in your monthly pages.

• Take time for review of assignments/tests returned by your teacher.

• Transfer all unfinished tasks to a future date.

• Check off assignments that you have completed.

• Review your weekly schedule regularly and adjust it as required.

Managing Your Tasks:

Prepare a schedule that clearly indicates when you will study and when you will be occupied with other regular commitments or recreational activities.

Reflect regularly on your time use; set priorities for your work.

Adjust your schedule until it is just right for a particular semester or school year. Setting unrealistic goals will only discourage you.

Divide lengthy or difficult assignments into short, manageable units.

Take a short break or reward yourself after completing a unit; this will help you concentrate better on the next task.

If certain facts or details must be memorized, do not try to memorize all of them at one time.

Wait a day before editing the rough draft of a written assignment.

J. E. Terry

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