Study Skills Habits
Effective Study Skills/Habits
a.) Keep a course notebook.
b.) Clearly understand the assignment and
follow instructions.
c.) Keep assignments up to date.
d.) Schedule a time and place
to study.
e.) Don’t procrastinate.
f.) Study in short segments
instead of “cramming”.
g.) Complete hard assignments
first.
h.) Participate in class
activities/discussions.
Poor Study Habits
a.) Completing easiest
assignments first
b.) Studying around loud
noise/distraction
c.) Studying in a cluttered
environment
d.) Letting your thoughts wander
e.) Studying when tired or hungry
f.) Failing to reflect on the
meaning of the assignment
g.) Staying up late to study
h.) Cramming
Test Taking Strategies
General Test Preparation Strategies
• Stay healthy and well-rested
(Remember Maslow’s Hierarchy.).
• Avoid over-studying.
• Develop a plan of action.
Test Taking Strategies
1.) Relax during test administration..
2.) Glance over the test; number of questions,
format, points per
question/section, etc.
3.) Read instructions completely.
4.) Answer the easiest questions first
5.) Eliminate answers.
6.) Go with your first guess.
7.) Check answers before turning the test in.
Writing Strategies
– Write legibly.
– Remember the 3
C’s: Clear,
Concise, and
Convincing.
– Write simply in an
understandable
format.
– Proofread your
work.
Reading Comprehension
Strategies
– Scan the chapter
– Use the TEACH format.
» Think: What will this chapter
be about? What do I need to
learn from this chapter?
» Explain: Decide what you
already know about the
chapter.
» Ask: Who?, What?, Where?,
When?, What?
» Clues: Title, Key words,
Headings, Illustrations
» Handwrite chapter
highlights: Definitions,
Formulas, Main Concepts
Note-taking Strategies
– Listen carefully.
– Write well.
– Follow the leader.
» Copy from the board.
» Record repeated phrases.
» Record topics of
emphasis (teacher’s voice
tone, repeating of
ideas/phrases, pace).
– Organize your notes.
» Outline
» Diagram
– Compare notes.
– Review notes within 48
hours.
Memory Strategies
– Employ listening and
concentration skills.
– Repeat verbally or in
writing.
– Associate material with
the familiar (analogies).
– Employ mnemonic
devices.
» Use the first letters of
the material/list to
make a silly
sentence/story.
» Create an acronym.
Concentration Strategies
– Avoid distraction keep a single focus.
– Concentrate on the
present task.
– Study in a quiet
relaxing environment.
– Take breaks as
needed/avoid
over-studying.
Listening Strategies
– Stop talking.
– Practice active
listening.
– Focus on teacher.
– Repeat messages
back to the teacher
to determine
understanding.
Evaluation of Personal Study
Habits/Test Taking Strategies
• Identification of current
practices/habits
• Identification of current
academic performance
level (progress reports,
report card, transcript)
• Identification of
effective/ineffective
strategies
• Determination of areas
for improvement
Development of Personal
Learning Plan
Components:
– Location
– Time
– Goals
– Strategies
a. Overall
b. Course specific