Study Skills

, TTC Crossville

Study Study Skills Skills for Lifefor Life

Why Study Skills?• This class will help all students

overcome study issues and identify common study problems.

• If you have been in the adult education program for more than 6 weeks, you need better study patterns.

Learning is an active process.

1. If you don’t participate in learning, you will not be successful.

2. Each step in the learning process takes effort on your part.

•Do you, as a student:1. Have goals you want to achieve?2. Know how to study?3. Understand your learning style?4. Understand time management?5. Use a calendar or planner?6. Plan to attend all classes?

7. Maintain an organized notebook or binder?

8. Know how to take notes?9. Read the text books effectively?10. Memorize class material and are

recall it for tests?11.Take tests successfully?

The Requirements• You MUST complete this Study Skills and Key

Terms block to enter the GED program of study.• You MUST call Jena if you are going to miss any

class, FOR ANY REASON, and reschedule for the next available session.

• If you miss more than 2 days, you must restart the GED program of study, including the study skills classes and orientation.

What is covered in Study Skills classes?

• Goal Setting1. What YOU want2. How to ACHIEVE it

• Effective Study Habits1. When2. Where3. How much, daily

• Identify Your Learning Style

1. Visual2. Auditory3. Kinesthetic

• Time Management1. Use a planner or calendar2. Attend all classes

• Organization1. Notebook or Binder2. Tabs

• Critical Thinking • Taking Notes

1. How to take notes2. What to listen for3. How to use your notes

• Read a Text Book1. Reading speed2. Skimming3. Scanning

• Memorization1. How to effectively memorize

material2. Mnemonic aides

• Test Taking1. True/False2. Multiple Choice3. Fill-in-the-Blank4. Essay

Goals•GED•College Degree•Trade School •Certified Job•Management Position•More Money …..

Goal Setting• What do YOU want? A goal is something you want

to achieve. It can be either short-term or long-term.• Short-term goal - something you want to achieve

soon.1. Set short-term goals for yourself

• Today• This week• This month

• Long-term goals – something you want to achieve in the distant future.1. Set long-term goals for yourself

• The end of this course – GED• New Job?• New Car?• New House?• College?

Characteristics of Appropriate Goals

• Your goals should be:1. within your skills and abilities. – Knowing your

strengths and weaknesses will help you set goals you can accomplish.

2. realistic. – Setting a goal to learn the spelling of three new words a day is realistic. Trying to learn the spelling of fifty new words a day is not.

3. flexible. – Sometimes things will not go the way you anticipate, and you may need to change your goal. Stay flexible, so when you realize a change is necessary, you will be ready to make the change.

4. measurable. – It is important to be able to measure your progress toward a goal. It is especially important to recognize when you have accomplished your goal and need to go no further. Failure to measure your progress toward a goal will result in effort that is wasted.

5. within your control. – Other than when working as part of a group, accomplishment of your goal should depend only on you. You can control what you do, but have little or no control over what others do. You may do what you have to do, but others don’t and they may cause you to not accomplish your goal.

Let’s Set Some Goals!To set a goal, you should state WHAT you will do and WHEN

you will do it. Implied in each goal is your WILL(determination) to do it.

• Short-term Goals Today, Tomorrow, This Month…

• Goal 1 - _______________________________________________________________• Goal 2 - __________________________________________________________• Goal 3 - __________________________________________________________

• Long-term Goals GED, Job, Car, House, College, etc.

• Goal 1 - _______________________________________________________________• Goal 2 - __________________________________________________________• Goal 3 - __________________________________________________________• Goal 4 - __________________________________________________________• Goal 5 – __________________________________________________________

How do I get there from here?

• Set Goals and Update Often1. Goals must be updated often . 2. Some may take more time than you planned, so don’t give up!3. When goals are accomplished, add new ones.

• Seek Support1. Spouse or Significant Other2. Children3. Parents4. Employer

• Eliminate Transportation Issues1. Have a car, GREAT!2. Ride with a classmate you can depend on3. Have a support group member drive you4. Arrange for a taxi

It’s Study Time!

Effective Study Habits• Study Time:

1. Find a place to study that is best for you. Consider whether you it is best for you to be away from people, if noise will bother you, and the way the light effects your studying.

2. Have everything you need to study, nearby while you study. This will save time when you don’t have to hunt for equipment and materials.

3. Reward yourself for hard work. Set a goal for the work time. When you achieve it, reward yourself with something you like. Some examples are: food, TV time, video games, phone time, etc.

4. Create a checklist of all the tasks you need to do before you begin to study. Prioritize these tasks starting with the most important tasks to be done. Check each item off as you complete it. This gives you a sense of accomplishment.

5. Keep a “worry pad” while you study. Write down anything that distracts you. These are the things that pop into your head while you study. Each time a worry interrupts your studying, write it on the pad to be completed later.

Procrastination!• What is procrastination? – Putting off or

avoiding to do something that must be done. Its natural to procrastinate occasionally. However, excessive

procrastination can result in guilt feelings and anxiety about not doing a task when it should be done.

Procrastination can interfere with school and personal success.

• Why do students procrastinate?1. Perfectionism2. Fear of Failure3. Confusion4. Poor Motivation5. Task Difficulty6. Difficulty Concentrating7. Task Unpleasantness8. Lack of priorities

How to Eliminate procrastination!

• Motivate yourself to work on a task. Tell yourself things such as: “There’s no time like the present.” or “The quicker I start, the quicker I’m finished.”

• Prioritize the tasks you have to do. • Commit your self to completing a task once you’ve

started it.• Reward yourself when the task is complete.• Work on tasks at the times you work best.• Break large tasks down into small, manageable parts.• Make a schedule of the tasks you have to do and stick to

it.• Work on the smaller tasks first. This leaves more time for

the difficult and time consuming tasks.• Find a good place to work that is free of distractions.• Take breaks when working on a task so you don’t wear

down.

Use a Study System1. Break large assignments, such as essays or research

papers, into smaller tasks. Schedule those tasks our over several days, depending on when the completed assignments are due.

2. Study least difficult subjects first. This will eliminate so many tasks hanging over your head, and give you a sense of accomplishment when they are finished. It also give you more time for the more difficult, time consuming tasks.

3. Take breaks. Don’t try to study for several hours straight! You’ll become distracted, tired, and cranky. Take a short break, about 5 minutes, every hour. This will allow you to relax and be alert.

4. Reward yourself. When you complete a task, especially a difficult one, give yourself a reward such as a healthy snack, phone a friend, or listen to music. Then get back to work.

5. Study from YOUR OWN textbooks! Do Not share books with a friend. You may have a difficult time having the book enough to properly study the material.

I like your I like your Learning Learning

Style!Style!

Visual

Auditory

Tactile

Discover and Use Your Learning Style

Discovering and using your learning style is the key to successful learning. Like everything else about you, your learning style is uniquely your own, different from anyone else’s. It is the conditions under which you find it easiest and most pleasant to learn and work.

VISUALVISUAL Learner• Prefer visual sense. • Must see to understand. • Learns best by reading and

watching.

AUDITORYAUDITORY Learner• Prefers auditory sense.• Must hear to understand.• Learns best by listening to an

explanation.

TACTILE TACTILE Learner• Prefers tactile sense.• Must touch or feel to understand.• Learns best by engaging in hands-

on activity.

What are your learning preferences?

1. I learn best by reading on my own.2. I get the best results from listening to lectures.3. I enjoy courses where there is some physical

activity.4. I can learn how to do something by watching a

demonstration of how it’s done.5. Class discussions are helpful to me.6. I like to type and to use the computer.7. Illustrations, charts, and diagrams improve my

understanding.8. I’d rather listen to the teacher’s explanation

than to do the assigned reading.

9. I get more out of lab classes than lectures because of the hands-on approach.

10.How-to manuals and printed directions are helpful to me.

11. I like to use audio lessons and exercises.12. I’d rather work with machines and equipment than

listen to or read explanations.13. I can learn to do something if someone shows me

how.14. I can follow directions best when someone reads

them to me.15. It’s not enough to show me; I have to do it myself.

What these say about me…

• If you checked 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 you have the characteristics of a VISUAL LEARNER.

• If you checked 2, 5, 8, 11, and 14 you have the characteristics of an AUDITORY LEARNER.

• If you checked 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 you have the characteristics of a TACTILE LEARNER.

*If your checks spread evenly among 2 or more categories, you may be equally comfortable using one or more of your senses when learning.

Let’s Experiment

. .

Learning Style Learning Style Experiment . . .Experiment . . .

1. Fold your hands.2. Look at which thumb is on top. Left or Right?3. Now, fold your hands again so that the other thumb

is on top. Does this position feel comfortable to you?4. Fold your hands your preferred way and notice any

difference in feeling.

*Folding your hands is something you do automatically, and because you always do it your preferred way, it feels comfortable. If you do it differently, you feel uncomfortable. This is exactly like your preferred learning style, everything feels right, but if the environment doesn’t match your style, you feel out of place, uncomfortable, and unable to do you best. To combat these feelings, find ways to adapt your style to fit the environment.

Let’s ADAPT . . ADAPT . . ..

• Lecture (Auditory)

• Media presentations- use of visual aids (Visual)

• Hands-on activity (Tactile)

• Take notes.(tactile & visual) Watch for visual cues such as gestures & facial expressions that emphasize important points.(visual) Pay attention to visual aids or written information on the board. (visual)

• Listen to instructor’s explanations or comments and COPY them into your notes. (auditory & tactile)

• Summarize presentation in your notes & read it aloud to review. (auditory & visual)

Listen to any explanation that accompanies the activity. (auditory)

What enables you to put two and two

together? How do you know what you know?

It’s the magic of

CRITICAL THINKING!!!

What is “Critical Thinking?”

• When you think critically you are conscious and aware that you are thinking with a purpose.

• You are constructing and evaluating meaning in a logical way that helps you analyze everything you read, see and hear.

• Critical thinking also involves self-reflection, examining your actions, the consequences and determining whether changes are needed.

There are 4 steps to critical thinking:1. Examine your assumptions2. Make predictions3. Sharpen your interpretations4. Evaluate what you learn.

• Assumption - is an idea or belief taken for granted. It is based on what we know or have experienced. Assumptions are compelling. Your beliefs, the ideas you take for granted, shape your thoughts and actions.

This chart shows how you can examine your assumptions to use them for Critical

Thinking.

Reading Writing Math Problem SolvingDetermine what Brainstorm to Determine what Determine what youyou already know generate ideas. is given in a assume or believe to be about a topic; build ideas. problem. true about the

problem,background for what you think you canreading. or cannot do.

Assumption Assumption ExerciseExercise

Assumption Assumption ExerciseExercise

1. What can you assume about this man based on his clothing?2. What time of day do you assume it is?3. Based on his expression, what can you assume about what

he is doing?4. How do your assumptions about the man in the picture relate

to your own experiences?

Predictions…Prediction - is a decision made beforehand about the outcome of an

event. Predictions are based on assumptions. Because you believe that certain things are true, you expect or believe that certain things will happen. They are usually the result of asking yourself questions and looking for answers.

Make Predictions: How you can use Critical Thinking to Make Predictions.

Reading Writing Math All Decision Courses Making

Turn headings Have a Determine Anticipate Look aheadinto questions purpose for the kind of exam questions to the outcome.to guide your writing. Have answer you and make What do you readings. a plan to need: practice tests. think will

happen? follow. a fraction?

a percent?

Predict…

Predict…

1. What do you think will happen next?2. What do you think caused this emotion?3. What will the outcome be?4. How did you come up with your answer?

InterpretationsInterpretations• Intrepretation - occurs on 2 levels: literal that is the stated

meaning, the author’s or speaker’s main idea and details, and implied that is the suggested meaning-what you can guess or conclude from what is said or deliberately been left out or is unsaid.

Interpretations: How you can use interpretations

in Critical Thinking.

Reading Writing Math Science Decision Making

Read for Develop your Identify both Determine Gather facts, learnliteral and ideas logically what is significance from experience, implied meaning. and draw valid known and of research and decide, what

conclusions. what is findings or you want to do. unknown. lab results.

Interpretation…Deep in the Maine woods, On a starless September night, Lights flicker, then go out.Miles from any incandescence,I sit in the middle of fear,Black, thoroughly,And mourn the sudden loss of sightAs if it were not temporary.The mind adjusts, takes its measureOf eternity.My book lies open in the dark;I read by lights I cannot see.

A writing by Carol Kanar about reading a favorite poem.

Interpretation…Deep in the Maine woods, On a starless September night, Lights flicker, then go out.Miles from any incandescence,I sit in the middle of fear,Black, thoroughly,And mourn the sudden loss of sightAs if it were not temporary.The mind adjusts, takes its measureOf eternity.My book lies open in the dark;I read by lights I cannot see.

A writing by Carol Kanar about reading a favorite poem.

1. What was the author’s or speaker’s meaning in this writing?

2. What is implied in the writing?3. Are there any unfamiliar words or passages?4. What is implied in this writing?

Evaluate what you Evaluate what you learned.learned.

EvaluateEvaluate - This means you determine the worth or value, and you will judge whether you something is right or wrong, good or bad, fair or unfair. You use this critical thinking strategy in every aspect of your life. It is a measurement of worth in continuing or stopping an action or situation.

EvaluateEvaluate what you are learning: This is Critical to Thinking and Learning!

ReadingReading WritingWriting MathMath AllAll ProblemProblem CoursesCourses Solving Solving

Determine Evaluate your Use a Learn from Evaluate the reliability writing/work. formula or your mistakes. your plan. Isobjectivity, and Proofread to system for Determine why it working? usefulness of find errors; checking you make them Revise plan asonline and revise for contentyour work. and how you can needed, or printed sources. and organization, overcome them. make new

plan. edit grammar, etc.

To Evaluate…To Evaluate…• Reliability:

1. Who says so?2. What are his or her qualifications?3. How does he or she know?

• Objectivity1. What is the purpose?2. Are all sides of the issue presented?3. Is the language free of slanted or manipulative words?

• Usefulness1. What have I learned?2. Will I use what I have learned either now or in the future?3. Does the new knowledge relate to my course of study?4. Having learned the material, am I now more interested in

the topic?

What TIME is it?

Make your time work for YOU!

Time Management

• Control your time, don’t let it control you.

• Don’t procrastinate, “get’r done” !

• Make effective use of time spent studying.

The G.R.A.B. Method

•“G” Goal Set a goal.

•“R” Responsibilities Determine your responsibilities.

•“A” Analysis Analyze where your time goes.

•“B” Balance Balance work, class, studying, and leisure time.

• Goal - What do you want to do? Would you like to set aside a block of time each day for completing your assignments? Do you want to set aside time to work in the Library, write essays, etc.?

• Responsibilities - To manage time, you must first determine what your responsibilities are. Do you live alone? If not, you have responsibilities to others at home. Do you work? Etc…

• Analysis - Analyze where your time goes. What are the fixed times in a typical day for you? What are things you like to add to your day?

• Balance - Balance your work, class, study time, and leisure time. A schedule is a structure you impose on the events of your day, week, or month. Schedules set a plan for getting things done in a timely manner.

I Love It When a “PLAN”Comes

Together!

Plan to Work & Plan to Work & Work your PlanWork your Plan

• Use a planner or calendar• Schedule everything - school,

work, family, etc.• Don’t forget anything by writing

it in the planner• Write assignments, tests and

projects in planner by when they are due

It all starts NOW….

> Enter when classes begin and end, work schedule, special events, other important dates

> Review the instructor’s syllabus and write in the dates listed, especially tests and assignment due dates

> Enter any other information, events, or activities you want to include. For example: sporting events, holidays, birthdays, etc.

> *Be sure to leave enough space in square to add items as the month goes on.

> Consider using different color pens or pencils for the importance of the events you list.

Attendance

Attendance* Don’t miss class! When you miss class, you miss instruction.* Skills for each class are taught in sequence. Each lesson builds on

the last.* Regular attendance lets you know what to expect in order to be

successful in the class.* Punctuality is essential! If you arrive late, or leave early, you miss

instruction.

* * If you can’t get to class on time, * If you can’t get to class on time, can you get to work on time???can you get to work on time???

* * * If you don’t go to work, would If you don’t go to work, would your boss pay you, or allow you to your boss pay you, or allow you to continue to work there???continue to work there???

What are YOU going to do?

• If you’re going to earn your GED, then If you’re going to earn your GED, then you’ve got to EARN IT!you’ve got to EARN IT!

• Anything worth this much of your time Anything worth this much of your time should be taken seriouslyshould be taken seriously..

Your success is up to

YOU!!!YOU!!!

Get it TOGETHER….Get it TOGETHER….

You’ve got to get You’ve got to get ORGANIZEDORGANIZED

You need suppliesYou need supplies1. 3-ring Binder Notebook2. Dividers3. Pens, Pencils, & Highlighters4. Paper5. Notecards

• Choose a notebook that suits Choose a notebook that suits you.you.– Not too big, not too small– Sturdy! You don’t want to have to replace

it.– View binder or non-view binder.– Price doesn’t always reflect quality.– If you buy wisely, you can use it for a long

time.

• Tab dividersTab dividers– Purchase pre-made tab dividers– Make your own– Re-useable tabs

• Standard loose-leaf paperStandard loose-leaf paper– Pre-punched notebook paper– 8 1/2 x 11” paper is best– If you prefer unlined paper, pre-punch

it and have it in your binder for use– Keep a small hole punch in your

binder for use with class hand outs

I can name that in a Note…

• Note-taking is a important strategy for classroom success.

• There is NO BEST WAYNO BEST WAY to take notes.• Find a style of note taking that

consistently gives you good results.

Guidelines for Note Taking

• Keep track of your notes by heading your paper with:

1. Date2. Name of Course3. Lecture Topic4. Number pages 5. Write headers within each set of notes

• Keep notes from one class separated from the notes for other classes.

1. Use dividers to keep notes separated.2. Some prefer to use several spiral

notebooks, rather than 1 large binder.3. Keep a small hole punch to place

instructor handouts with your notes.

• Use the right writing instrument!

1. Use ballpoint pens for note-taking.2. Felt-tip pens blur and soak through

the paper, leaving spots underneath.3. Pencils smear and fade over time.4. Stick with standard color ink, blue or

black.

• To speed up your note taking, use abbreviations

1. Equal: = 11. Introduction: intro.2. With: w/ 12. Information: info.3. Without: w/o 13. Department: dept.4. Number: # 14. Advantage: adv.5. Therefore: th4 15. Organization: org.6. And: + 16. Maximum: max.7. And so forth: etc. 17. Individual: ind.8. For example: e.g. 18. Compare: cf.9. Against: vs. 19. Association: assoc.10. Government: gov’t 20. Politics: pol.

I don’t understand I don’t understand you…you…

It doesn’t matter how much you know if the instructor can’t understand what you write!

*If you know your handwriting is poor, print everything. Illegible handwriting makes what you write, hard to read. This could cost you the grade you deserve.

Practice makes Practice makes perfect!perfect!

a b c d e f g h I j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Copy this…We the people,We the people,In order to form a more perfect union,In order to form a more perfect union,Establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,Establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,Provide for the common defense,Provide for the common defense,Promote the general welfare andPromote the general welfare andSecure the blessings of libertySecure the blessings of libertyTo ourselves and our posterityTo ourselves and our posterityDo ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

TASSELTASSEL Method

• ““T”T” Try not to doodle while taking notes.

• ““A”A” Arrive at each class prepared.• ““S”S” Sit near the front of the classroom.• ““S”S” Sit away from friends.• ““E”E” End daydreaming.• ““L”L” Look at the teacher.

• TTry not to doodle while taking notes.

1. Doodling breaks your concentration and takes your focus from note taking.

2. Each time you feel yourself wanting to doodle, take that urge and write down what the teacher is saying.

• AArrive at each class prepared.1. Read all assigned readings and review all previous

lecture notes so that you will understand what is covered in the lecture.

2. If you are not prepared, you will be more likely to daydream and become distracted

• SSit near the front of the classroom.Sit near the front so you can clearly see the teacher, the board, and any overheads, Power Point or computer presentation.

• SSit away from friends.1. If you sit near friends, you will be tempted to talk

or pass notes to them.2. If you have assigned seats and you have to sit near

friends, resist talking to them or passing notes during class.

• EEnd daydreaming.1. If you become aware that you are daydreaming,

immediately change your position. Sit forward and look at the teacher.

2. Turn your attention to the teacher and write down whatever he/she is saying, even if you may later find that it was not important.

• LLook at the teacher.1. Make eye contact with the teacher as much as

possible. This will give the feeling that you are having a conversation with the teacher.

2. Whenever you are not taking notes or looking at the board, overheads, Power Point presentation, or computer screen, keep your eyes on the teacher.

• Class time, note taking, study time; these are all “NO CELL “NO CELL PHONE”PHONE” activities!

read, Read, READ!!!READ!!!

“The more that you read,the more things you will know.

The more that you learn,the more places you'll go.”

~ Dr. Seuss ~

Read to KnowReading is a lifelong skill and is key to your success in

school and in your career.It is also a necessary part of any study system. You gain

essential information from your textbooks by using these 3 strategies to improve the way you read.

1. Take control of you reading by becoming an active active readerreader.

2. Read for main ideas, details, and their implications.3. Use a marking system to focus your attention and

identify information to recite and review.

*Active readers control their interest level and *Active readers control their interest level and concentration. They read with a purpose. They know concentration. They read with a purpose. They know what information to look for and why. Active readers what information to look for and why. Active readers question what they read and look for ways to relate the question what they read and look for ways to relate the author’s ideas to their own experience and prior author’s ideas to their own experience and prior knowledge.knowledge.

Let’s READ as a Active Reader

“One of the most important goals that a student can aim for is an expanded vocabulary. One reason this goal is important is that an expanded vocabulary can improve students’ writing. With sufficient words and definitions at their command, students will have less difficulty writing what they mean. Also, increased reading improves vocabulary, which leads to greater comprehension. A third reason for improving vocabulary is the confidence the students feel when they use words correctly. Students are less afraid to speak out in class discussions or give reports when they know they are not going to mispronounce or misuse words. Increasing the vocabulary is a worthwhile goal for students who also what to improve their speaking, reading, and writing.”

Now find:Now find:

1.1. The main idea - the most important thing in the The main idea - the most important thing in the paragraph.paragraph.

2.2. 3 supporting details - these tell about the main 3 supporting details - these tell about the main idea.idea.

The Main Idea “One of the most important goals that a student can aim for is an expanded vocabulary.”

3 Supporting Details1. An expanded vocabulary improves

writing.2. An increased vocabulary

improves reading.3. An improved vocabulary results

in confidence.

• When reading a text, look for signal words or phrases.– ““first”,first”, “next”, “also”,“next”, “also”, etc.– ““one reason”one reason” and “third reason”“third reason”

These help you learn things in the right order or confirm what you have in your notes from a class lecture.

I remember when… You will always be required to

memorize information for tests.– Use the BREAK method

1. Break memorizing into short time periods.

2. Recite information aloud.3. Establish mnemonics.4. Always try to picture information in

your mind.5. Key words help.

• Break memorizing into short time Break memorizing into short time periods.periods.

1. Never try to memorize a lot of information at one time. This leads to overloading and your mind won’t let you memorize any more information. Or it leads to boredom and you can’t get motivated to keep working.

2. Try to arrange short, frequent blocks of time for memorization. Spend a specific amount of time working on methods to memorize some information and then review theses at certain times throughout your studying time.

3. NEVER CRAM!!! Don’t try to memorize information you haven’t worked on the night before a test. If you do, this will make you anxious. However, before a test you should review what you’ve memorized.

• Recite information aloud.1. Read aloud the note cards you are

studying. Read questions on one side and then the answers on the other side.

2. After reading aloud, test yourself on the information by shutting your eyes and asking and answering the questions again.

3. If you get the answer wrong, write it several times as you say it over and over.

• Establish mnemonics to help you remember information.

1. Mnemonics are words and letters that help you remember information.

2. TO make up a mnemonic, make a list of the important facts you need to remember. Use the first letter of each fact to make up another word that will help you remember the ideas to be memorized. Here’s an example: “HOMES” was created to help students remember the names of the Great Lakes.

H-HuronO-OntarioM-MichiganE-ErieS-Superior

4. Another type of mnemonic involves using the first letters of the words or ideas to be memorized to create a “catchy” sentence. Using the first letters of the Great Lakes:

M (Michigan), H (Huron), S (Superior),

O (Ontario), E (Erie)Make these into the sentence:

“Monkeys have seven orange ears.”

Now you try….

• To shoot a gun you need to follow “5” steps.1. Aim2. Squeeze3. Breath4. Sight5. Relax

Create a word by putting these in order to make a mnemonic word. This is called an “Acrostic.”

How’d you do…

• To shoot a gun you need to follow “5” steps.1. Aim2. Squeeze3. Breath4. Sight5. Relax

Here they are in order as an “acrostic.”

“B” Breath“R” Relax“A” Aim“S” Sight“S” Squeeze

How about these…

• There are 9 planets in our solar system.

Make your own mnemonic sentence for these.

• Mecury• Venus• Earth• Mars• Jupiter• Saturn• Uranus• Neptune• Pluto

Here are some Here are some examples..examples..

• "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles.”

• "MMy VVery EEasy MMethod JJust SSpeeds UUp NNaming PPlanets."

• Here are some sentences to help you remember the planets in order from the sun.

• Always try to picture in your mind words or pictures to help you remember.

1. As you study, try to visualize in your mind words and pictures that help you remember. For example, if you’re trying to remember the parts of an animal cell, you may picture in your mind the diagram from your science book where the different parts are shown.

2. After looking at the picture, shut your eyes and try to recall as much detail as possible. If you can’t recall all the details, study the picture and then repeat the recall process.

3. When answering a test question involving material you visualized, shut your eyes for a second and try to recall the picture, just as you did when you were studying.

• Key words help!1. If you have to memorize words or facts that

are new or hard for you, it may help to associate these with key words. For example, if you can’t recall the meaning of the word “ziggurat” ( a temple built in a series of terraces with each terrace smaller than the one below with a staircase and a shrine on top) for a history test, look at the word to find something that is related to the meaning. The small word “zig” appears in the word and the series of terracea “zig-zag” up.

2. It is best to combine key words with visualizing. Once you identify a key word, picture in your mind a relationship between the key word and the original word (picture the zig-zag pattern of the ziggurat).

This is only a TEST!This is only a TEST!

Tests are just your instructor’s way of measuring how much you’ve learned of the materials that were taught.

The most important thing to remember before every test is…

Don’t Panic!!!

Test Types• There are 4 major test There are 4 major test

typestypes1. True or False2. Multiple Choice3. Fill in the blank4. Essay

True or False

• Since a true/false question only has 2 possible answers, you have a 50% chance of choosing the right answer if you have to guess. Use 2 strategies for guessing the right answer:

1.1. Assume a statement is false if it contains Assume a statement is false if it contains absolute words. (always, never, none, everyone)absolute words. (always, never, none, everyone)

2.2. Assume a statement is false if any part of it is Assume a statement is false if any part of it is false. (To bake a cake you need flour, eggs, false. (To bake a cake you need flour, eggs, and pepper.)and pepper.)

True or False…

1. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

2. The temperature is always colder in winter than spring.

3. You can only make paper from trees.

4. Coffee drinking can stain your teeth.

Multiple Choice Tests• When taking a multiple choice test, you

usually have 4 options. Your job is to identify the one correct option. You can do this by:

1. IF you know the material, first answer the question mentally and then read all the options and choose the correct one.

2. IF you know the material but can’t answer the question mentally, read all the options, eliminate those you know are incorrect, and choose the answer from those items remaining. The more options you eliminate, the more likely you are to choose correctly.

3. If you do not know the material, or if you can’t figure out the answer, guess.

Multiple choice question

1. The name of Crossville’s country radio station is___________. A. 102.5 Country Live B. 102.5 Wow CountryC. Wow 102.5 CountryD. Wow Cow 102.5 Country

2. What is one healthy way that people can help to maintain their weight?

A. eating a balanced dietB. sleeping 8 hours daily C. exercising regularly D. all the above

Fill-in-the-blank Tests

• Fill-in tests may require you to recall an answer from memory or choose an answer from a list of options.

1. Decide what kind of answer the statement requires. Knowing what it asks will help you recall or select the right way.

2. The way in which a statement is written may help you decide how to complete it. Your answer should complete the statement logically and grammatically.

3. Key words in statements may help you determine what topic the question covers.

Fill-in-the-blank question

Tennessee is the 16th state of the United States. On the flag there are 3 stars. What do they stand for?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Essay Test• There are 2 types of essay questions, those that require There are 2 types of essay questions, those that require

a short answer and those that require a longer, more a short answer and those that require a longer, more developed answer.developed answer.

1. Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what the question asks.

2. Watch for instruction words. Short-answer questions often ask you to supply definitions, examples, or other specific pieces of information.

3. Concentrate on answering the questions briefly and precisely.4. Stay on the topic and avoid stating your opinion or making judgments,

unless the questions ask for you to do so.5. Restate the question in your answer. Doing this makes it easier for

your instructor to read and follow your answer.

Some Test Taking Some Test Taking StrategiesStrategies

““F”F” First read the directions.““L”L” Look over the test.““E”E” Easiest questions answered first.““A”A” Answer questions that are worth more.““S”S” Skip a question your unsure of.

BE CAREFUL!BE CAREFUL!

When taking a test, use the “RAINS” method to help you identify what is being asked for.

““R”R” Read the ENTIRE question and ALL choices before answering.

““A”A” Analyze the context and figure out unknown words.

““I”I” Identify key words in the question and answer choices.

““N”N” Notice the negatives. They can change the meaning of the question or answer, so BE CAREFULBE CAREFUL!

““S”S” Search for grammatical clues in fill in the blank questions. If it doesn’t sound right, IT ISN’T!If it doesn’t sound right, IT ISN’T!

MapMap your goals & set set your courseyour course for

achievement!If you’re going to be If you’re going to be

successful, you’ve got to see successful, you’ve got to see yourself successful!yourself successful!

The 10 study habits of a SUCCESSFUL STUDENTThe 10 study habits of a SUCCESSFUL STUDENT

1. Try not to do to much studying at one time.2. Plan specific times for studying.3. Try to study at the same time each day.4. Set specific goals for your study time.5. Start studying when you planned.6. Work on the assignments you feel most difficult first.7. Review your notes before beginning an assignment.8. Tell your friends not to call during your study time.9. Call another student when you have difficulty with an assignment.10. Review your class-work over the weekend.

Help Yourself SucceedHelp Yourself Succeed1. Focus on homework. Make sure you review your notes

everyday.2. Keep your notes neat and clear. Highlight or underline

important information.3. Keep your school materials organized together.4. Use your time efficiently. If you get stuck on an

assignment, put it aside and come back to it later.5. Always look ahead. If you get done early, do a little

extra.6. Do research wisely. Use internet sources cautiously!7. Use technology. Computer programs like Word,

PowerPoint, etc. can make life easier if you learn how to use them.

8. Find your way. You will have to find what works best for you when studying and completing assignments.

9. Prioritize what you have to get done. School must come before fun!

10. Communicate with teachers. If something is unclear, ask for help.

TOMORROW… we will cover some

KEY TERMSKEY TERMS to help you be successful

as a student.