Study Effectively
GRADE 7 LESSON 5
Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Content Standards:
AA.S. 1
Students will acquire attitudes, knowledge, and
skills that contribute to effective learning in
school and across the lifespan.
Indicator:
AA.A.7.1.04
Demonstrate effective study skills.
GOAL: Students will identify and use effective study techniques.
Activity Statements:
Students will learn the meaning of procrastination and take a self assessment to determine
their own level of procrastination. the some of the excuses used as a reason for procrastinating.
They will explore the pitfalls of procrastination and will review effective study techniques.
Materials:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Handout 1: Procrastination (one copy per student or display handout electronically)
Paper, pens or pencils for students
Teacher Resource 1: Dealing with Procrastination
Teacher Resource 2: Why Students Procrastinate
Teacher Resource 3: Definition of Procrastination
Procedures:
1. The teacher writes the word “procrastination” on the board. Ask students to give the
definition and examples. (See Teacher Resource 3: Definition of Procrastination or
another source for more information if needed.)
2. The teacher distributes copies of Handout 1: Procrastination or displays it
electronically. Students answer the questions on Handout 1 independently. If the
handout is displayed electronically, they will record answers on their own paper.
After students have responded agree or disagree to each of the items, explain that
agreement with five or more of the statements indicates that you probably
procrastinate excessively.
Study Effectively
GRADE 7 LESSON 5
3. Explain to students that study skills development is important because it can help
students reach goals successfully:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
Development of positive work habits
Setting goals
Using planners effectively
Managing their time
Understanding and using vocabulary
Understanding and using various mnemonic strategies
Developing reading strategies
Taking effective notes
Keeping track of homework
Planning how and when to study for tests
Making use of other strategies based on personal learning style
4. The teacher asks students to share reasons they procrastinate. The teacher then
reviews Teacher Resource 2: Why Students Procrastinate and uses the information to
supplement reasons students listed.
5. The teacher then asks students who scored low on the self assessment to share ways
they avoid procrastination and way this helps make their lives more enjoyable.
6. The teacher then facilitates an activity by following instructions from Teacher
Resource 1: Dealing with Procrastination. Students are asked to listen carefully for
those things they believe will help them deal with procrastination, be more successful
and use time more wisely.
7. The teacher will then facilitate a class discussing using the following discussion
prompts.
Discussion:
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Does everyone procrastinate sometimes? Why or why not?
For those students who do not procrastinate (as a rule), was there a turning point that
caused you to stop procrastinating. Explain.
What clues can help you recognize procrastination?
When might procrastination become a problem?
Does procrastination cause problems in other areas of our lives? Explain.
How does procrastination work against us?
How can you stop procrastinating?
How does procrastination affect study skills?
Why is important to develop effective study skills?
Study Effectively
GRADE 7 LESSON 5
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How can we use time management to improve our study techniques?
Additional Resources:
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http://research.cs.queensu.ca/~skill/learning.html - Learning Techniques
http://missouricareereducation.org/CDs/GuidanceLessons/All-Gr6-8.pdf - lesson plans
http://www.greatschools.org/students/homework-help/study-skills-for-middle-school-and-beyond.gs?content=322
– Study Skills for Middle School and Beyond
http://math-and-reading-help-for-kids.org/study_skills_for_middle_school_students.html - Study Skills for
Middle School Students
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/study-skills/listening/2025.html - Memorizing Important Facts
http://www.fmschools.org/eagle-hill.cfm?subpage=1328 – Study Skills for Middle School
http://students.msbcollege.edu/media/files/pdf-files/procrastination.pdf - Study Skills: Overcoming
Procrastination
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/study-skills-ten-steps-to-stop-procrastinating-859309.html - Ten
Steps to Stop Procrastinating
Extension Activities:
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Students may continue research on dealing with procrastination and time management.
Students may develop personal action plans for completing tasks.
Students may research effective study skills and continue to develop their own techniques.
Students may chart their own habits to determine how much time is wasted
procrastinating.
Other activities as assigned by advisor.
Developed by: Dr. Penny Fisher, Director, Putnam County Schools (2010)