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… Academic Support & Mentoring Supplemental Instruction (SI) www.umkc.edu/asm 235-1174 Writing Studio www.umkc.edu/writingstudio 235-1146 Counseling Center www.umkc.edu/counselingcenter 235-1635