STUDY SKILLS BASICSStudy smarter—not harder

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: What has worked for me? What has not worked?

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT—YOUR BRAIN! Nourishment Sleep (memory consolidates during REM

sleep) Movement/exercise

WORDS OF WISDOM Review notes same day for 10-20 minutes

per class Visit with professors Always review tests in prof.'s office Become a morning person Study ahead Put away the phone/email/text when

studying and in class Pay attention in class (PATP)

3 MOST EFFECTIVE PRACTICES

Preview before class Even 5 minutes is helpful

Concentrate during class Review briefly class material same day

10-20 minutes

GET ORGANIZED

3 ring notebook Hole punch Insert handouts/extra materials immediately Use post-it tabs to note location of

test/review sheets/summaries Make schedule

LEARN ACTIVELY

Discuss or explain topics to others Study in (well chosen) groups “Do something” with the material Involve movement with studying Draw or flow charts Make audio flash cards Quiz self

The Study Cycle

1 Set a Goal (1-2 min) Decide what you want to accomplish in your study session

2 Study with Focus (30-50 min) Interact with material- organize, concept map, summarize, process, re-read, fill-in notes, reflect, etc.

3 Reward Yourself (10-15 min) Take a break– call a friend, play a short game, get a snack

4 Review (5 min) Go over what you just studied

*Intense Study Sessions

Attend

Review

Study

Attend class – GO TO CLASS! Answer and ask questions and take meaningful notes.

Preview before class – Skim the chapter, note headings and boldface words, review summaries and chapter objectives, and come up with questions you’d like the lecture to answer for you.

Review after class – As soon after class as possible, read notes, fill in gaps and note any questions.

Assess your Learning – Periodically perform reality checks•Am I using study methods that are effective?•Do I understand the material enough to teach it to others?

Preview

Center for Academic Success

B-31 Coates Hall ▪ 225.578.2872 ▪www.cas.lsu.edu

Assess

Study – Repetition is the key. Ask questions such as ‘why’, ‘how’, and ‘what if’.•Intense Study Sessions* - 3-5 short study sessions per day•Weekend Review – Read notes and material from the week to make

connections

KEYS TO LEARNING BASED ON COGNITIVE SCIENCE FINDINGS

Deep factual and procedural knowledge of a discipline is required to solve complex problems

Learning is a continuous process; repetition is the key

New knowledge must be tied to existing knowledge

Learning should involve both sides of the brain and several learning styles

REFLECT ON WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED Think about the material and potential

applications before memorizing Summarize notes or readings in your own

words Re-reading is the least efficient form of

study

TIPS FOR IMPROVED MEMORY

Study during the day (60=90) Study while relaxed/meditate 5 min before

studying Study actively and in variety of ways Breaks help memory storage Sleep is essential to memory Repetition across time Breakfast and Snacks!

PRACTICE TAKING TESTS

Take tests when blood sugar is up—eat a snack before each test.

We remember most what we are tested on…

WHEN REVIEWING EXAMS

Review the entire test Pay attention to right answers Figure out why answers are wrong Check scantron for accuracy

CONCENTRATION!

Be intentional Notice where your thought are wandering Be aware of your daily peaks and valleys Use exercise to help your alertness Choose topics based on your alertness

BE FLEXIBLE

Each course may require different techniques

PUT OFF PROCRASTINATION!

Realistic Goals Reward Yourself One Minute Rule Set Ending Time Keep Desk Clear-Organized

NOTICE YOUR THOUGHTS

Do you cheer for self or heckle?

PRACTICE POSITIVE THINKING

Notice Negative Thoughts Challenge them Replace with positive thoughts