Improving Your Study Skills
Student Counseling Services
Ellington 202
7/27/2016
1
Improving Your Study Skills
• Increase your
motivation
• Find a good study
environment
• Take notes
accurately and
effectively
• Review periodically
7/27/2016
2
Motivation
Motivation is influenced by both
internal and external factors.
Motivation is not a stable trait.
It is not an innate part of your character.
Motivation can be improved!
7/27/2016
3
Motivators
• Social
• Emotional
• Cognitive
7/27/2016
4
What is the relationship?
Motivation
Hard Work
Motivation
Hard Work
7/27/2016
5
NEWS FLASH!
• It is VERY
IMPORTANT that
you read textbook
• Don’t wait until last
minute
• Best to read text
before lecture
7/27/2016
6
SQ3R Method
• S = Survey
Look for structure & organization of chpt.
• Q = Question
Turn each heading into question
• 3 R’s = Read, Recite, & Review
Read to answer above question
Recite the answer to question
Review – immediate & delayed
7/27/2016
7
Study Environment
• Keep regular study hours
• Be comfortable, but not
too comfortable
• Use a clean, clear work
space
• Assemble all required
materials
• Limit distractions –
QUIET!
7/27/2016
8
Taking Notes in Class
• Active vs. Passive Listening
• Develop a system
– Date and number pages
– Listen for key words
– Use Roman numerals, letters,
numbers, or indent
– Develop your own shorthand
– Leave a recall column
7/27/2016
9
Note taking No Nos
• Do not depend on someone else’s notes.
• Do not tape lectures, unless you have a
good reason for doing so.
• Do not cause or tolerate distractions.
• Do not assume for any reason that going to
class is unnecessary.
7/27/2016
10
Avoiding Cramming I
Review (Reading and Comprehending)
Daily Reviews
Take 10 minutes after each lecture to
review the days material.
Do this within 24 hours.
Use the recall column now.
Repetition Aids Retention
7/27/2016
11
Avoiding Cramming II
Weekly Reviews
Allow one hour per
class each week to
review all material for
the week.
Integrate all the
information to get the
“big picture.”
Weekends are a good
time.
7/27/2016
12
Plan for academic success
Students don’t
plan to fail,
they fail
to plan.
7/27/2016
13
Academic success
is within your reach
• Increase motivation
• Find a positive study
environment
• Actively listen and
take accurate class
notes
• Read text before class
• Review daily and
weekly
7/27/2016
14
Upcoming Workshops
• Time Management –
Sept. 21
• Nontraditional Student
Issues – Oct. 5
• Stress & Wellness – Oct.
19
Student Counseling Services
7/27/2016
Ellington 202
221-6162
15