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Form study groups to help achieve academic success. Participants help each other in learning the material. Each member of the study group will have a different perspective on the course content and may bring up different questions. Study Groups should consist of 4-6 students, meet at least once a week for 1-2 hours, and meet only after EVERYONE has done the class assignment. Students can use the idea of a study group for critiquing of papers. Undergraduates utilizing this technique should give feed back on second drafts only and avoid word-for-word editing.
Students who work in study groups:
- Commit more time to their course work
- Feel more challenged by their course work
- Express a much higher level of personal interest in their work
- Are more likely to seek help if needed
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The object of studying is placing material from short memory into long term memory. This can be accomplished by using a variety of study techniques:
- Tape lectures -- read back notes into a cassette recorder and play them back in your car. Thus, you're seeing the material, hearing the material, and speaking the material.
- Review notes before recitations and after lectures enhances the transfer process.
- Another technique is to carry fact-laden index cards with you. They can be easily accessed and studied whenever you have free time -- whether in a bank line or between classes.
- Make notations and write questions in the margins of the readings.
- Outline textbook chapters and/or class notes.
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An important technique about studying is how you study. Remember, it's not how hard you study, but how smart you study. When you study, you need to develop and learn how to use your memory. One thing to remember is that the first and last facts are remembered the best. Therefore, it is best to study in short bursts of maybe 5-7 minutes. In an hour you could learn up to 12 first and last facts as opposed to studying for an hour straight and learning only 2 first and last facts. Take small breaks between small study periods. |
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Break large or overwhelming assignments into more manageable parts: Assign a realistic time frame to completing each step of the task, and take a short break after finishing each portion. Spread your studying throughout the day. Break the day into three parts and commit yourself to study during each of these segments. |
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Early, unpressured study is the least boring. Reading material is more interesting when you are not pressured to read it. |
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Highlighting your textbook postpones learning. Why? Because, you are putting off learning until later; you're not really digesting the material. A good alternative to highlighting is taking notes on the section in a notebook or on index cards. Review will then be easier because not only have you read the information before, but you've summarized and written it down too. |
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Study in bright light because people respond better to bright light. Doctors now proscribe bright light for people who suffer with depression during the dark days of winter. Also, study according to your Biological Clock. If you’re an early bird -- study in the mornings; early in the day. If you’re a night owl -- study in the evenings; at night. |
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Whenever you read you should be doing it ACTIVELY not PASSIVELY. What was the author trying to say? What were the main points of the article/chapter? Read with a pen in hand and write down possible exam questions or classroom discussion topics and then answer them. If you can not answer them fully, then ask your professor or teachers aids. This will show your teacher you are prepared for class and interested in the discussion. |
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Use the SQ3R method of studying.
- SURVEY - Skim through the chapter focusing on the chapter headings and key words.
- QUESTION - Turn the chapter headings into questions. Ask yourself questions about the chapter sections
- READ - Actively read the chapter for general understanding.
- REVIEW - Review your notes taken from text and lectures, and try to answer questions you have developed.
- RECITE - Answer the questions aloud. This action "stimulates the thinking process."
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Find a place that is conductive to productive studying.
- Avoid noise distractions ( such as stereos and TVs).
- Avoid the urge to talk on the phone. Call friends back.
- Politely tells people not to disturb you while you study. It only means your grade!
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Use Campus Resources, such as the Writing or Math Center, Counseling Center, Career Services or Computer Center. Students don't always know they exist. Students often use Campus Resources too late. Academic advisors can be critical for student's successful academic career.
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Don't eat huge meals before a night of studying or a test. The blood in your body travels to your stomach to help digestion and less goes to the brain. One technique for rejuvenating yourself when you feel tired during a study period is to:
- Put your feet up. This will cause the blood to flow to your brain. Sitting with your feet on the ground causes the blood to leave the brain.
- Eat something sweet. Your blood sugar drops when you are tired. This gives you some added energy.
- Take deep breaths. After a long time of studying we begin to take shallow breaths, causing less oxygen to flow to the brain. Deep breaths rectify the problem.
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REMEMBER -- Persistence Pays Off.
- An unsuccessful person may give something 3-6 months to succeed.
- A successful person has no time limit.
- Students that have clear academic goals are more successful. A successful person thinks through the steps of how they will succeed. What problems or barriers will have to be overcome? What on-campus resources are at your disposal?
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