Study Skills DOs, DON’Ts, and Everything Academically Successful In

advertisement
Study Skills
DOs, DON’Ts, and Everything
Else You Need to Know to Be
Academically Successful In
College
UMKC Counseling Center
Getting Ready to Study
• Know what the requirements are for
EVERY class for the WHOLE semester
• Keep a calendar of due dates – and
CHECK IT FREQUENTLY
• Plan regular study time into your
schedule
Getting Ready to Study
• Prepare a quiet study space, free from
distractions
• Expect to study 3-4 or more hours a
week for each class
• Know your learning style – auditory,
visual, tactile
Reading Your Textbook
• DO read assigned readings before class
• DON’T get behind on readings and
assignments
• Use ACTIVE READING
– Mark up your book (you paid for it!)
– Check out headings, first sentences,
boldface words, section summaries
– Test yourself with review questions
Reading Your Textbook, continued
• Divide up the assignment
• Test your understanding at the end of
each section
• Take breaks
• Reward yourself
Taking Good Notes
• Get to class early; review notes from last class
• DO sit in near the front of the room to
minimize distractions
• Date and title the lectures
• If the instructor provides power point slides,
still take your own notes
• DON’T try to write everything down – use
active listening to discern the main points and
supporting information
Taking Good Notes, continued
• Try to use your own words to capture
concepts; this is not about memorizing what
the instructor said
• If you don’t get it all, leave a space, then ask
the instructor or another student after class
• ASK QUESTIONS!!!
• DO review your notes after class and make a
note of concepts you don’t understand; check
these against the text or with the instructor
Studying for Exams
• DON’T wait to study until test time
• DON’T assume the instructor will tell you
what’s going to be on the test
• DO assume that any information from the text
or lecture is fair game
• DO join a study group
Studying For Exams, continued
• Know what kind of test it is – multiple choice,
problems, essay, etc.
• Test your knowledge using the kind of
questions that will be on the test
• Anxious? Eliminate irrational fears about testtaking. Seek help if needed.
For More Help…
Center for Academic Development
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
www.umkc.edu/cad
235-1174
Writing Center
http://cas.umkc.edu/writingcenter/
235-1146
Counseling Center
www.umkc.edu/chtc/counseling
235-1635
Download