Skill

Techniques

Note Taking

• Re-write your notes from class (not just re-copy – summarize points in your own words)
• Leave space in notes to add comments from the text
• Swap notes
• Take notes on discussion, not just copying the board
• Review examples of good notes
• Record only important information
• Create Note Cards with Main Ideas
• Take Notes From Class Discussions
• Tape Record with Permission
• Focus on Concepts vs. Details

Study Skills

• Define a process: e.g., note-taking; re-copy while consulting text; consult instructor with questions
• A picture's worth 1000 words, make a mental image of concept
• Get help if needed
• Log your actual study time
• Bring questions to class
• Do homework problems
• Choose effective environment for study
• Prepare in advance for class; read ahead,
• Review notes at night
• Write journal questions about concept topics
• Complete homework
• Avoid cramming the night before
• Read, Read, Read
• Summarize Text in Own Words
• Compare Text to Notes
• Study in Groups (Each person asks questions from their notes, while others' notes are closed.)
• Chaining Effect (Reread notes from beginning to end of unit before and after class.)
• Go to Class!
• Sit in the front of the class
• Make use of other resources and sources of information (tutoring, textbook, websites, parents)

Time Management Skills

• Prepare weekly work schedule and check off as things are completed
• Schedule "pal" studying
• Learn to multi-task
• Set short and long term goals and link them
• Go to bed before midnight
• Maintain a time chart
• In college 1 credit=2-4 hours of study out of class
• Avoid distractions (TV, web surfing, bars, telephone, etc.)
• Don't procrastinate
• Students write down assignments/due dates
• Prioritize (You may have to limit involvement in extra curricular activities.)
• Spread out studying—don't cram. Study 1 hour/night for 5 nights instead of 5 hours on Sunday
• Use "Dead Time" between classes to look at notes, etc.

Learning vs. Studying

• Learn the concept (don't memorize, but try to understand)
• Work on listening skills

Responsibility

• "What did I miss?" board
• Go thru exam with teacher if you are unhappy with the result: what did I do wrong (didn't learn, studied poorly, etc.)

Communicating subject matter

• Write short explanation of how a problem is solved
• Write questions concerning subject matter
• Be a good listener while others are talking
• Share ideas
• Come to informed decisions
• Communicate effectively

Test Taking and Preparation

• Organize all test materials
• Review all material
• Re-write notes
• Read assignments

Reading subject matter

• Read section ahead
• Highlight key points
• Outline a section

Math Discipline

• DON'T use the answer guide
• Make up your own problems (in addition to the examples given); make up problems for each other
• Use correct notation in homework
• 2-column proof