The easiest, most efficient
way to get the information is
to actively attend every
class—beginning to end
10 Bad Listening Habits
1. Calling the subject dull
2. Criticizing the speaker
3. Becoming over-stimulated
4. Listening only for facts
5. Trying to outline everything
6. Faking attention
7. Tolerating distraction
8. Choosing only what’s easy
9. Letting emotion-laden words get in the way
10. Wasting the differential between speech & thought speed
Develop a system that
enables you to:
Review regularly
Recite
(repeating key concepts from class)
Reflect
(connecting class ideas to other notes and readings)
Cornell Note Taking System
2 ½ inches
Recall Column
2. Reduce:
ASAP,
summarize as
concisely as
possible.
6 inches
1. Record: During the lecture, record
meaningful facts and ideas, legibly
3. Recite: Cover this column and recall
as much as you can using only the cues
in the Recall Column. Use your own
words.
4. Reflect: Mentally add your own
opinions and previous knowledge.
5. Review: Spend 10 minutes weekly
reviewing all notes.
SQ3R Reading Method
Before you read, Survey the chapter
Question while you are surveying
Read each section separately
Recite after you’ve read a section
Review: an ongoing process
Review:
Day One:
Read your notes; ask yourself questions
Day Two:
Page through the text &/or your notebook
Develop mnemonic devices for material to memorize
Make flash cards for difficult terms, etc.
Days Three, Four, & Five
Alternate between notes, flash cards, & questions
Weekend:
Use textbook & notebook to list all topics & subtopics
Make your own study guide for periodic review
Preparing for THE TEST
Test performance begins the first day of class, with attendance
and participation.
Budget your time so you are well-prepared
Be sure to be alert in class immediately before the test; that’s
when key information of often defined
Review class notes & practice tests
Eat a sensible meal before a test
Get a reasonable amount of sleep before a test.
Set your alarm a little early so you won’t feel hurried
Use the restroom before walking into the classroom.
Arrive about 5 minutes before the test will start.
Test Taking tips
When you first receive your test, survey the entire test.
First do:
-easiest items
-items with greatest point value
Read the entire question carefully
Write legibly
Work at a speed that is comfortable for you but allow
time to complete the test.
Double check for your first and last name written
legibly
Multiple Choice Tests
Read the question before you look at the answers
Come up with an answer of your own before looking at
the choices.
Read all choices before selecting your answer.
Eliminate answers you know aren’t right
Always select an answer unless there is a guessing
penalty.
Usually the correct choice is the one with the most
information.
True-False Test Tips
Read through each statement carefully, noting qualifiers
and key words.
If any part of the statement is false, the answer is false
Qualifiers like “never,” “always,” and “every” mean the
statement must be true all of the time. Usually they
indicate a false answer.
Answer every item unless there is a guessing penalty.
Qualifiers like “usually,” “sometimes,” and “generally”
usually lead to a true answer, but statements must be
read carefully.
Short Answer Tests
Read the question carefully, and make sure you answer
everything that it asks for.
Try to anticipate questions ahead of time. Most
instructors emphasize key words.
If you can’t come up with the word(s) you need, finish
the test and come back to the item.
Often words that are needed for short answers appear
elsewhere on the test.
If you don’t know the exact answer, come as close as you
can.
Essay Tests
Read the directions carefully.
Make sure you write every that is asked of you and a
little more.
Budget your time.
If the questions is asking for facts, avoid giving an
opinion.
Essay grading is always somewhat abstract. Neat papers
usually receive higher marks.
Proofread for mistakes.
Open Book/Note Tests
Study as you would for a closed book exam.
Familiarize yourself with the book.
Highlight important ideas.
Use post-it notes and bookmarks.
Bring all the resources you’ll be allowed to use.
Answer questions you know first, and use your book for
the rest.
Use information from the book to support your
answers.
Online Tests
Master the login process to access the test.
If you take the test at home make sure your computer
has the correct software and internet speed.
Be aware of whether or not the test is timed.
Know if the test is continuous, or if you can leave and
return.
Read and be sure you understand instructions.
Be sure you save and exit correctly so your work is not
lost.
After the Test……..
When your test is returned, check it over for grading
errors.
If you don’t understand your mistakes, ask the
instructor to explain.
If you review the test in class, take notes for future
reference.
If you’re grade is low, ask the instructor if there is a
make-up exam or if there’s extra credit work.
Save the test as study material for future tests.