Top Ten Study Strategies

2-Minute Spill: One of the easiest and most effective testing strategies is to take a blank sheet of paper with you to your test. Show it to your instructor or have the Testing Center stamp it so they know it is blank. When you get your test, don't look at it. Instead take up to 2 minutes to write, on the blank paper, anything you struggle to remember. Don't waste time writing down things you already know, only the things that are confusing or difficult to remember (equations, lists, etc.). You can then begin working on the test without the anxiety of trying to remember those difficult things.

Q Cards: These worked when you were a kid, so why not use them now? Using index cards, write a question on one side of the card and the answer on the other. You can take these with you and review them while waiting for a bus or when you have a few spare minutes. They are quick and convenient. Some variations include wording the answer like a question as well (That way you learn the material two ways.), drawing pictures, using different colors, etc.

Visualization: On of the best study tools you can use is visualization. As you try to remember something, tie it to a visual picture in your mind. In fact, the stranger the picture you create, the more likely you are to remember it. This also works great for reading your textbook. Imagine what the things look like that you read about. People tend to do this naturally with novels, but it can also be done with textbooks. For example, if you are reading about the holocaust you might utilize images from the movie Schindler's List.

Preview: Scanning over a chapter before you read is called previewing. This strategy helps you get a feel for what you are going to learn in your reading. Notice things like the headings, bold words, charts, graphs, pictures, introduction, summary, questions, etc. This allows you to become familiar with what you will read. If the text has a list of questions at the end of the chapter, pay close attention to them. Looking for the answers while you read will help you stay actively engaged.

Semester Calendar: If you seem to always be unprepared for deadlines, this is the strategy for you. Take each syllabus you receive and transfer important assignments, tests, etc. onto a blank calendar. By doing this you will be able to see at a glance all you need to do during the semester. If a week is fairly open, get things done ahead of time for the busier weeks to come. A great hint with the calendar is to mark each course in a different color so you can readily tell which class needs what.

Control's: Have you ever read a book and suddenly realized that you can't remember what you've read for the last several paragraphs, or even pages? Control ?'s prevent you from doing this. The trick is to draw a little box at natural stopping places, like between headings, in your chapter. If the material is easy, you will probably use fewer boxes than if it is difficult. You decide how often to place them. When you get to the box ask yourself if you can explain what you just read. If you can, place a check in the box and move on. If not, you only have to go back to the last box you checked to re-read, look up unfamiliar words, or mark it to ask for help later.


STOP: When beginning a study or reading session, you want to make sure you are ready to do it effectively. Before you dive into anything STOP to make sure you have prepared your mind and study materials for the session.
Setting - Minimize the external distractions in the place you choose to study and make sure you have everything you need to complete the tasks at hand.
Thoughts - Address your thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative, that could get in the way and use up energy you need to learn.
Options - Quickly review your study options such as the amount of time you have, the subjects you have to study, and how easy or difficult they are to study. Prioritize based upon the review.
Physical needs -- Monitor your physical needs such as hunger, rest, exercise, or relief, and then meet those needs before studying.

Mind Maps: This is a fun strategy for those of you who consider yourselves to be visual learners. Mind maps take the information you need to know and put it into pictures, diagrams, or charts so you can see how all of it fits together. Creating maps allows you to creatively lay out your notes in a way that works for you. Like visualization, the more strange you make the map, the more likely you are to remember the information.

555 Rule: This rule is a good planning strategy to keep you active with the notes you take in class. After each class, predict at least 5 questions from the material that was presented. Then, make sure you review your notes within 5 hours after taking them. Finally, do a 5-day focused study session. Instead of cramming at the last minute for the test, take 5 days to review your notes, predicted questions, etc. By looking at the material in different ways, you tend to remember it better. You can utilize Q Cards and mind maps, or even create a practice test with your predicted test questions.

Cornell Notes: Do you need better organized notes? If so, the Cornell Notes system will work for you. You can still take your notes the same way you always have. However, before you write on the paper, draw a line down one side of the paper about two inches in from the edge. In the large section of the paper take notes like you usually do. Later, in that 2-inch margin, you write down key words or test questions next the information in your notes. You now have a "table of contents" for your notes. You can also fold down the margin and use the words or questions to test your knowledge. Another organization tip is to title and date your notes at the top of each page.

 

*"Taking Control of Your College Reading & Learning", 2001, pp. 65-67, Elaine Byrd, Elaine Carter, Stacy Waddoups, Heinle & Heinle