Study Skills

Student Success CenterGannon University

Study Plan• Write down assignments• Set times to study• Take breaks

Environment• Where’s the best place to study?• Get the best conditions you can• Have the proper lighting • Organize information

Study Methods• High energy – study more difficult

material or least interesting• No procrastinating – get to work• If concentration lost take a break• Master the vocabulary of the

subject

Study Methods• Know your learning style• Key information – highlight or

rewrite• Note cards• Mind mapping• Talk out loud• Quizzing yourself

Learning style• Visual – use of sight

– Charts, graphs, rewrite notes, pictures

– Visualize concepts and ideas– Pictures spelling words– Test yourself by looking at main ideas

and write the details or answers

Learning style• Auditory – use of hearing

– Sit in the front of class– Discussion groups – hear ideas and

concepts– Repeats information out loud– Look at main ideas and repeat back

information– Easily distracted by noise

Learning style• Tactile – use of touch

– Rewrite notes – Use note cards – organize main ideas– Study with pen/pencil in hand– Draw pictures/diagrams– Organization can be a challenge

• Kinesthetic – use of body– Walking around helps in memorizing

Why take notes?• You will be an active listener• History class discussions• Written information on what to

study• Visual Aid• Helps one study

Note-taking Strategies• Attend class – come prepared• Date notes• Include everything in notes

– Charts, diagrams, etc…• Use as much paper as needed• Rewrite notes• Keep things simple• Write own notes out of book• REVIEW

Note-taking Techniques• Outline Format

I. A.

1. 2.

• Cornell Format– Questions on left side of page and

answers on right side• Mapping

Note-taking Techniques• Outline Format

– I. Major headings• A. Subheading

– 1. description– 2. description

• B. Subheading

**Can be hard to use in class especially if teaching is not

talking in outline format. Redo notes after class and use this format.**

Note-taking Techniques• Cornell Format

– The right side is used for questions that summarize information on the left side

Questions – left sidei.e. Section “A”

Notes– right sidei.e. Section “B”

Note-taking Techniques• Mapping – especially helpful to visual

learner

MAIN IDEA (Four parts of …)

Part 1 Part 2

Part 3Part 4

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Resources• Study Skills Assessment

– http://www.studygs.net/attmot4.htm