STUDY METHODS THAT WORK
How Do YOU Study?
Ways You Can Study
• Acronyms/Acrostics
• Location Method
• PRWR Method
• Verbal Repetition
• Study Tree/Web
• Flashcards
• Compare/Contrast
Grid
• Note Review
• Homework Review
• Study Groups
• Practice Exams
• Study Guides
Acronyms

An acronym is a word that is formed through a
combination of letters.
 Example:
HOMES – 5 Great Lakes
 Huron
 Ontario
 Michigan
 Erie
 Superior
Acrostics


An acrostic is a sentence that has been made-up
using a combination of letters.
The 1st letter of each invented word is a prompt to
remember a fact, concept, event, math problem, or
even musical lines.
 Example:
 King
KHDMDCM – Metric System
Henry Died Monday Drinking Chocolate Milk
 Kilo-, Hecto-, Deka-, Meter, Deci-, Centi-, Milli-
Acrostics
Location Method

This is used to memorize certain items on a list by
imagining where each one is located in a specific
location.
 Example:
 Your
Closet
 Cupboard
 Planets
 Alphabet
PRWR Method

Preview, Read, Write, Recite:
 Preview
the assignment by skimming through it.
 Read the chapter or assignment straight through and
re-read it.
 Write down important information that can be used as
study notes such as title, subheadings, vocabulary
words, definitions, facts, dates, etc.
 Recite the material/notes to yourself several times.
Verbal Repetition



Repeating things over and over is a highly effective
way to commit information to memory.
Read out loud to yourself or in a study group.
Create rhymes, acronyms, or acrostics and practice.
Study Tree/Web


Using a study tree/web that branches out is an
excellent way to fill in the gaps for areas that you
have not memorized yet.
This is a study method for scientific or technical
subjects where you need to know a lot of
information for just a few main points.
Compare/Contrast Grids




Compare – shows how two items are alike.
Contrast – shows how two items are different.
Great way to study for tests that require written
responses.
The grid helps you to organize information in a
different way and think about how it is all
connected.
Similarities
1st Concept
2nd Concept
Differences
Conclusion
Flashcards

Flashcards are excellent tools for memory recall
that can be used in a variety of ways.
 Example:
 Spelling
Words
 Places
 Facts
 Languages
 Multiple-Choice
 True/False
 Vocabulary
Note Review



Regularly review your notes in anticipation of exam
preparation and classroom discussions.
This will reinforce your memory.
The more you review your notes, the quicker you will
be able to recall them.
Homework Review


This is recommended when preparing for exams
that involve problem-solving techniques for classes
like math, science, physics, etc.
Every day select a couple of challenging problems
from your homework.
Study Groups



Great study method for exams, reports, or class
discussions.
Can help you understand new ideas and concepts
by sharing with one another.
Can offer support and encouragement to peers.
Study Groups






Decide when, where, and how long you are going
to meet.
Plan an agenda for the group and set specific
goals.
Assign each member specific responsibilities so they
will feel part of the group and be more inclined to
participate.
Keep focused and stay on task to avoid getting
distracted.
Remember this is not a gab session!
Reward yourselves after by doing something fun.
Practice Exams


“Practice makes Perfect”
Recommended when preparing for tests that
involve multiple choice or problem-solving
techniques for classes like math, science, physics, etc.
 Example:
 PSAT
 End-of-Chapter
Tests
Study Guides



Using study guides are important when you are
going over a lot of material that will be covered on
an exam.
You can make your own from your notes.
Textbooks often contain study guides at the end of
chapters.
Ways You Can Study
• Acronyms/Acrostics
• Location Method
• PRWR Method
• Verbal Repetition
• Study Tree/Web
• Flashcards
• Compare/Contrast
Grid
• Note Review
• Homework Review
• Study Groups
• Practice Exams
• Study Guides