Study Skills Module com

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    1/24

    Study Skills Online ModuleStudy Skills Online ModuleThis online module was created with the goal of helpingThis online module was created with the goal of helping

    interested students like you succeed in your study skills! Tointerested students like you succeed in your study skills! Toachieve our goal, this module covers everything from timeachieve our goal, this module covers everything from time

    management to preparing yourself physically and mentally formanagement to preparing yourself physically and mentally fora test, all in the effort to help you improve your study skills.a test, all in the effort to help you improve your study skills.

    Created by Heather M. Eggsware, Colorado State University, 2005

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    2/24

    22

    Welcome!Welcome!

    Module Directions:Module Directions:

    Take your time and make notes on topics of special interest.Take your time and make notes on topics of special interest.

    Use the buttons at the bottom of each page to maneuver throughUse the buttons at the bottom of each page to maneuver throughthe module.the module.

    InformationInformation underlined in yellowunderlined in yellow or on a , onceor on a , onceclicked, will take you to insider tips and games.clicked, will take you to insider tips and games.

    At the end you have the opportunity to provide feedback on thisAt the end you have the opportunity to provide feedback on thismodule.module.

    Good luck and happy learning!Good luck and happy learning!

    Back(to previous slide)

    Home(to first slide)

    Next(to next slide)

    yellow button

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    3/24

    33

    Time ManagementTime Management

    How can managing my time help me with studying?How can managing my time help me with studying?Thats a great question! What you may not realize that when you cram forThats a great question! What you may not realize that when you cram fora class your work and energy for your other classes may falter. This leadsa class your work and energy for your other classes may falter. This leadsto more cramming and many upto more cramming and many up--latelate--stressedstressed--out nights.out nights.

    What should I do to manage my time?What should I do to manage my time?Try making a schedule; your schedule can be weekly, monthly or evenTry making a schedule; your schedule can be weekly, monthly or evendailydaily--toto--do lists. Learn more about the different types of schedules. Clickdo lists. Learn more about the different types of schedules. Clickbelow to see samples of each.below to see samples of each.

    Weekly SchedulesWeekly Schedules!!

    Monthly SchedulesMonthly Schedules!!

    Daily "To Do" ListsDaily "To Do" Lists!!

    Click the infounderlined in yellow!

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    4/24

    44

    Study GroupsStudy Groups

    Why is a study group important?Why is a study group important?

    Well, in study groups students can share study strategies and quizWell, in study groups students can share study strategies and quizone another before the test. Effective study groups have a commonone another before the test. Effective study groups have a commongoal to do ones best. Students tend to conform to peer groupgoal to do ones best. Students tend to conform to peer group

    norms in their patterns of achievement (Wigfield & Asher, 1984). Sonorms in their patterns of achievement (Wigfield & Asher, 1984). Soif the group values achievement, its members are likely to workif the group values achievement, its members are likely to workhard; conversely, if the group does not value achievement, studentshard; conversely, if the group does not value achievement, studentsare likely to do less than their best in order to be accepted by theare likely to do less than their best in order to be accepted by thegroup.group.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    5/24

    55

    StudyingStudying Tips for Studying in GroupsTips for Studying in Groups

    Select group members who are asSelect group members who are asconcerned about beingconcerned about beingsuccessful as you are.successful as you are.

    Share the responsibility ofShare the responsibility ofteaching and learning.teaching and learning.

    Use study groups to complementUse study groups to complementpersonal study timepersonal study time -- not replace it.not replace it.

    Try to stay on track.Try to stay on track.

    Meet in a location free from outsideMeet in a location free from outsidedistractions.distractions.

    Read the material before theRead the material before themeeting so you can contribute tomeeting so you can contribute tothe discussions.the discussions.

    Tips for Studying by YourselfTips for Studying by Yourself

    Schedule a set time each day duringSchedule a set time each day duringyour "alert" times of the day.your "alert" times of the day.

    Choose a quiet, comfortable,Choose a quiet, comfortable,distractiondistraction--free area.free area.

    Study your most difficult or leastStudy your most difficult or leastfavorite subjects first.favorite subjects first.

    Take study breaks and avoid marathonTake study breaks and avoid marathonsessions.sessions.

    Grab stolen moments of time to study,Grab stolen moments of time to study,like when waiting for an appointment.like when waiting for an appointment.

    Ifyour instructor offers a studyIfyour instructor offers a study

    session, then GO! This is a great time tosession, then GO! This is a great time to

    ask questions and will help to clarify orask questions and will help to clarify or

    reinforce what you already know.reinforce what you already know.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    6/24

    66

    Memory and ConcentrationMemory and Concentration

    To really learn well, there areTo really learn well, there aretwo things you need:two things you need:

    1.1. The ability toThe ability toand minimize distractions whileand minimize distractions while

    you are studying.you are studying.

    2.2. techniques to helptechniques to helpyou remember what youyou remember what youhave learned.have learned.

    concentrate

    Memory

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    7/24

    77

    Improve your ConcentrationImprove your Concentration

    Were not talking about orangeWere not talking about orangejuice! This is about being an activejuice! This is about being an activelearner.learner.

    Many people approach studyingMany people approach studying

    from afrom a passivepassive standpointstandpoint -- theytheyread their textbook, attendread their textbook, attendlectures, and go over their notes.lectures, and go over their notes.But they do notBut they do not dodo anything withanything withthat information.that information.

    Learners who are more effectiveLearners who are more effective

    tend to retend to re--organize theorganize theinformation in a way that makesinformation in a way that makessense to them.sense to them. They have learnedThey have learnedto becometo become activeactive learners.learners.

    Ways to improve concentration andWays to improve concentration andbecome an active learner:become an active learner:

    1.1. Create a quiet, wellCreate a quiet, well--lit studylit studyenvironment.environment.

    2.2. Study the same subject at theStudy the same subject at the

    same time in the same location.same time in the same location.

    3.3. Take notes on what you areTake notes on what you arestudying and restudying and re--arrange thearrange theinformation in some other way.information in some other way.

    4.4. Make an association withMake an association withsomething you already know.something you already know.

    5.5. Make flashcards to study fromMake flashcards to study fromand then have someone quizand then have someone quizyou.you.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    8/24

    88

    This gets your body and mind into a routine thatThis gets your body and mind into a routine thatmakes it easier to "get into" studying.makes it easier to "get into" studying.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    9/24

    99

    Make a diagram to get the "big picture" of what youMake a diagram to get the "big picture" of what youare studying,are studying,

    If you are reading text, draw pictures of what youIf you are reading text, draw pictures of what you

    are learning, orare learning, or

    If you are learning from pictures (such as inIf you are learning from pictures (such as inanatomy class), write down what you are learning inanatomy class), write down what you are learning in

    paragraph form.paragraph form.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    10/24

    1010

    For instance, a cat ion (in chemistry) has a positiveFor instance, a cat ion (in chemistry) has a positivecharge, if you like cats, you can associate the positivecharge, if you like cats, you can associate the positive

    charge with your feelings about cats.charge with your feelings about cats.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    11/24

    1111

    Helpful Memory TechniquesHelpful Memory Techniques

    To memorize information, most students simplyTo memorize information, most students simply repeatrepeat what they havewhat they havelearned over and over.learned over and over. While repetition is one memory technique, it isWhile repetition is one memory technique, it issurprisingly inefficient.surprisingly inefficient. A combination of memory techniques increases theA combination of memory techniques increases theability to recall information.ability to recall information.

    There are several ways that memory can be categorized:There are several ways that memory can be categorized:

    ShortShort--Term vs. LongTerm vs. Long--Term MemoryTerm Memory

    Recognition Memory vs. Recall MemoryRecognition Memory vs. Recall Memory

    ooSo how do you move information from shortSo how do you move information from short--term memory to longterm memory to long--termtermmemory so you can recall the information?memory so you can recall the information? Here is a great site to show youHere is a great site to show yougames you can play to enhance your ability to remember.games you can play to enhance your ability to remember. Don't forget!Don't forget!Playing Games with MemoryPlaying Games with Memory

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    12/24

    1212

    ShortShort--Term vs. LongTerm vs. Long--Term MemoryTerm Memory

    ShortShort--term memoryterm memory is used when you just need to rememberis used when you just need to remembersomething for a short period of time, like when you look up a phonesomething for a short period of time, like when you look up a phonenumber and then dial it.number and then dial it. Ten minutes later youll probably notTen minutes later youll probably not

    remember the number.remember the number.

    LongLong--term memoryterm memory is used when you want to rememberis used when you want to remembersomething for a long time, such as the information for yoursomething for a long time, such as the information for yourChemistry test.Chemistry test. Memory techniques help move information fromMemory techniques help move information fromyour shortyour short--term to your longterm to your long--term memory.term memory.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    13/24

    1313

    Recognition Memory vs. Recall MemoryRecognition Memory vs. Recall Memory

    InIn recognition memoryrecognition memory, youre trusting your brain to remember, youre trusting your brain to remembersomething when you see it or recognize it again.something when you see it or recognize it again. For example, youFor example, youare going somewhere and you left the directions at home.are going somewhere and you left the directions at home. YouYou

    mostly remember how to get to your destination, but you can'tmostly remember how to get to your destination, but you can'tremember the name of the street you need to turn on.remember the name of the street you need to turn on. You mightYou mightthink to yourself "I'll know it when I see it".think to yourself "I'll know it when I see it".

    InIn recall memoryrecall memory, you can remember the exact name of the, you can remember the exact name of thestreet you need to turn on.street you need to turn on. You have brought the memory of theYou have brought the memory of thestreet name out of your longstreet name out of your long--term memory and into your shortterm memory and into your short--termtermmemory.memory.

    oo To see an example of how this works, try the exerciseTo see an example of how this works, try the exercise Common CentsCommon Cents..

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    14/24

    1414

    The SQ3R method is a proven method for getting moreThe SQ3R method is a proven method for getting moreout of reading your textbook. Reading a textbookout of reading your textbook. Reading a textbookrequires a different approach than reading a novel or forrequires a different approach than reading a novel or for

    fun.fun. SQ3R stands for:SQ3R stands for: SurveySurvey

    QuestionQuestion

    ReadRead

    ReciteRecite

    ReviewReview

    Textbook ReadingTextbook Reading

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    15/24

    1515

    SQ3R ~ SurveySQ3R ~ SurveySurveying provides a framework you can use to fill inSurveying provides a framework you can use to fill in

    information while you are reading the chapter.information while you are reading the chapter.

    Take about5 minutes to locate core ideas fromTake about5 minutes to locate core ideas fromthe chapter you are reading.the chapter you are reading.

    Read the introduction at the beginning of the chapter.Read the introduction at the beginning of the chapter.

    Flip to the end of the chapter and read the summary.Flip to the end of the chapter and read the summary.

    Flip back to the beginning, and go through the chapter.Flip back to the beginning, and go through the chapter. Look atLook atthe titles, words in bold or italics, and the pictures andthe titles, words in bold or italics, and the pictures andillustrations.illustrations.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    16/24

    1616

    SQ3R ~QuestionSQ3R ~Question

    Everyone sometimes gets to the end of a page and thenEveryone sometimes gets to the end of a page and thencant remember anything they read.cant remember anything they read. Asking questionsAsking questionswhile you read will help end that cycle and help youwhile you read will help end that cycle and help youremember what you just read.remember what you just read.

    Ask yourself questions about what you are reading.Ask yourself questions about what you are reading.

    Stop at each new heading and ask yourself What did I justStop at each new heading and ask yourself What did I justread? and What am I about to read?read? and What am I about to read?

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    17/24

    1717

    SQ3R ~ ReadSQ3R ~ ReadRead with a highlighter and pen handy. HighlightRead with a highlighter and pen handy. Highlight

    information of importance and jot in the margin why thatinformation of importance and jot in the margin why thatinformation you highlighted is important.information you highlighted is important.

    Read to answer the questions you developedRead to answer the questions you developedin the last step.in the last step.

    Make notes in the margin; it is not bad toMake notes in the margin; it is not bad towrite in your textbooks anymore!write in your textbooks anymore!

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    18/24

    1818

    SQ3R ~ ReciteSQ3R ~ Recite

    Reciting what you learn is one of the most importantReciting what you learn is one of the most important

    things you can do to transfer information from yourthings you can do to transfer information from yourshortshort--term to your longterm to your long--term memory.term memory.

    Say the answers to your questions out loud.Say the answers to your questions out loud.

    Pretend like you are teaching someone else what you just read.Pretend like you are teaching someone else what you just read.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    19/24

    1919

    SQ3R ~ ReviewSQ3R ~ ReviewReviewing what you learn is essential in retainingReviewing what you learn is essential in retaining

    information.information.

    oo If you review what you learned within 24 hours of learning it,If you review what you learned within 24 hours of learning it,

    you will remember 80% of what you learned.you will remember 80% of what you learned.

    oo If you dont review, you remember only 20%.If you dont review, you remember only 20%. Then you justThen you justhave to spend a lot of time learning information you alreadyhave to spend a lot of time learning information you alreadylearned once.learned once.

    Think of the big picture when you review.Think of the big picture when you review. How does what youHow does what youlearned relate to other things in that course?learned relate to other things in that course?

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    20/24

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    21/24

    2121

    Test TakingTest Taking -- Ways to Stay Calm!Ways to Stay Calm!Before the ExamBefore the Exam Get good sleep the night before.Get good sleep the night before.

    Give yourself enough time in theGive yourself enough time in themorning to do your regular routine.morning to do your regular routine.

    Eat a good, nutritious breakfast.Eat a good, nutritious breakfast.

    Give yourself positive, reassuringGive yourself positive, reassuringstatements throughout the daystatements throughout the day (such(suchas "you can do it" or "you know theas "you can do it" or "you know thematerial, so relax")material, so relax")..

    Quit studying at least halfQuit studying at least half--anan--hourhourbefore the exam and do somethingbefore the exam and do somethingrelaxing.relaxing.

    Avoid getting to class too early.Avoid getting to class too early. (The(Thetime right before the exam is usuallytime right before the exam is usuallyspent worrying about the test.)spent worrying about the test.)

    During the ExamDuring the Exam Avoid students who'll ask youAvoid students who'll ask you

    questions before the exam.questions before the exam. (This will(This willonly increase your anxiety.)only increase your anxiety.)

    If possible, sit in the seat you normallyIf possible, sit in the seat you normallyoccupy in class.occupy in class.

    Be sure to read all directions.Be sure to read all directions. Look over the test and do theLook over the test and do the

    questions worth more points first.questions worth more points first.

    Don't change your answers.Don't change your answers. (Unless(Unlessyoure sure you were wrong the firstyoure sure you were wrong the firsttime.)time.)

    Read each question twice, slowly.Read each question twice, slowly.

    Skip questions you can't answer andSkip questions you can't answer andgo back to them later.go back to them later.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    22/24

    2222

    Physical & Mental WellPhysical & Mental Well--BeingBeing How to RelaxHow to Relax

    Stress is a basic survival skill and can be very useful in emergency situations. BeforeStress is a basic survival skill and can be very useful in emergency situations. Beforea test however, stress or anxiety can undermine your ability to do well. To restorea test however, stress or anxiety can undermine your ability to do well. To restoreyour body to a lessyour body to a less--stressed state, try the following exercises:stressed state, try the following exercises:

    BreathingBreathing

    Breathe in for 6 seconds, hold for 6 seconds, then breathe out for 6Breathe in for 6 seconds, hold for 6 seconds, then breathe out for 6seconds.seconds. This will counteract your body's stress response of shallowThis will counteract your body's stress response of shallowbreathing.breathing.

    Visual ImageryVisual Imagery

    Imagine that you are in a place that you loveImagine that you are in a place that you love ---- your Grandmother's houseyour Grandmother's houseor a beautiful meadow in the woods.or a beautiful meadow in the woods. Imagine that you can hear, smell, feel,Imagine that you can hear, smell, feel,taste, and see what is happening around you. This counteracts your body'staste, and see what is happening around you. This counteracts your body'sstress response of racing thoughts.stress response of racing thoughts.

    Muscle RelaxationMuscle Relaxation Tighten your muscles as hard as you can for a few seconds, then relaxTighten your muscles as hard as you can for a few seconds, then relax

    them.them. This will allow your muscles to be more relaxed than when youThis will allow your muscles to be more relaxed than when youstarted, counteracting your body's stress response of tense muscles in thestarted, counteracting your body's stress response of tense muscles in the"fight or flight" response."fight or flight" response.

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    23/24

    2323

    Keys to Success: Campus ResourcesKeys to Success: Campus Resources

    TheThe Learning Assistance Center (LAC)Learning Assistance Center (LAC) can help you with everything incan help you with everything inthis module, including how to stay focused, get better grades, andthis module, including how to stay focused, get better grades, anddetermine if you may have a learning difficulty contributing to any academicdetermine if you may have a learning difficulty contributing to any academic

    problems.problems.

    TheThe LACLAC is located in room 104 of the General Service Building and can beis located in room 104 of the General Service Building and can be

    reached at (970) 491reached at (970) 491--5527.5527.

    Check your stress and utilize management techniques by learning about theCheck your stress and utilize management techniques by learning about theStress Management Program (SMP).Stress Management Program (SMP).

    TheThe SMPSMP is located in room C10 of the Clark Building and can be reached atis located in room C10 of the Clark Building and can be reached at(970) 491(970) 491--6053.6053.

    The Learning Assistance Center and the Stress Management Program are providedThe Learning Assistance Center and the Stress Management Program are providedto by theto by the University Counseling CenterUniversity Counseling Center. Learn about the many resources. Learn about the many resourcesavailable by visitingavailable by visiting http://www.counseling.colostate.eduhttp://www.counseling.colostate.edu..

  • 8/3/2019 Study Skills Module com

    24/24

    2424

    FeedbackFeedbackThanks for completing this online module on study skills.Thanks for completing this online module on study skills.

    We hope you found it informative, educational, andWe hope you found it informative, educational, andmildly entertaining!mildly entertaining!

    In order to improve our modules your feedback would beIn order to improve our modules your feedback would be

    appreciated. Please complete the survey linked below.appreciated. Please complete the survey linked below.

    The completed evaluation may be sent to Jody Donovan at [email protected],

    Office ofStudent Transition and Parent and Family Programs. Thank you.