KATE

Study Skills

Core Connections

We have all said these words at one time or another; "I just can't get it", "I don't know where to start", "there is so much to study and too little time". The truth is we can all learn, we just need effective study habits to help us get started.

Marcia MacLaren, study skills instructor at Eastern Kentucky University recommends 4 steps of learning. 1. Identify, what is important. 2. Understand, what you need to know or do. 3.Remember, recite out loud. 4. Express,what you have learned as required for each class.

Good Study Habits are important for all students no matter the age or grade level. Professional educators suggest the following strategies for success in the classroom.

Decide what to study (reasonable task) and how long or how many (chapters, pages, problems, etc.). Set and stick to deadlines.

Do difficult tasks first. For procrastination, start off with an easy, interesting aspect of the project.

Have special places to study. Take into consideration lighting, temperature, and availability of materials.

Study 50 minutes, and then take a 10 minute break. Stretch, relax, have an energy snack.

Allow longer, "massed" time periods for organizing relationships and concepts, outlining, and writing papers. Use shorter, "spaced" time intervals for rote memorization, review, and self-testing. Use odd moments for recall/review.

If you get tired or bored, switch task/activity, subject, or environment. Stop studying when you are no longer being productive. Do rote memory tasks and review, especially details, just before you fall asleep.

Study with a friend. Quiz each other, compare notes and predicted test questions.

http://www.kentuckyliving.com/article.asp?articleid=1512&issueid=258

Related Links

• Teaching Study Skills - A guide for parents from the National Association of School Psychologists
• Study Skills- Living in the U.S. - "It is common for students to think that they already know how to be a successful student, that if they do the readings and study hard, they'll get good grades. But different teaching methods — in some cases a different language, different academic backgrounds, and a different campus culture — can reshape your ability to be successful. Most colleges and universities will offer a variety of free, short-term classes that will help you be a successful student. Topics may include utilizing your school's library resources to write a research paper, navigating the Internet for academic purposes, developing good study skills, and practicing effective time management. If English is not your first language, your grades may be improved by a visit to the university writing center, by taking an ESL course, or by joining an informal English conversation group. There are also excellent study-skills websites on the Internet."
• Study Guides and strategies - The Study Guides and Strategies web site is authored, developed and maintained by Joe Landsberger as an educational public service. These student guides are collaboratively maintained across institutional and national boundaries, and last revised August 15, 2005 . Permission is granted to freely copy, adapt, and distribute individual Study Guides in print format in non-commercial educational settings that benefit learners. No request to link to the Web site is necessary. Please be aware that the Guides welcome, and are under, continuous review and revision. For that reason, reproduction of all content on the Internet can only be with permission through a licensed agreement.
• Effective Study Skills - Dr. Bob Kizlik Original date of creation: September 19, 1997 Latest update: July 26, 2005 How to Study and Make the Most of Your Time
• Study Skills Self-help Information - A self help site provided by Virginia Tech University.
• Knowing how to study is like knowing how to fish. - It's a set of learning skills that lasts a lifetime and brings many rewards. Just as there are ways to know that you are a competent fisherman, there are also ways to develop study skills competency
• Study Skills - A great study skill resource site.

Related Lesson Plans, Activities, and Classroom Resources

• Study Skills Unit Plan
• Great Homework & Study Skills
• Pre - GED Lesson Plan