Facilitating change in study habits

Adapted from Catawba Valley Community College

Note-taking

Tutees may give several reasons why they do NOT take notes.

Don’t accept these excuses.

The advantages of taking notes always outweighs the disadvantages.

Advantages of Note taking

Requires organization on the part of the student

Develops active listening skills

Requires concentration

Provides a record of what was discussed

Aids student in determining what the instructor thinks is important

Note-taking

Tutees should be encouraged to bring their notes to every tutoring session.

The student can use these notes to make up flash cards or example test questions.

The tutor can determine if the tutee is taking effective notes.

Are they organized and coherent?

Concentration - Internal and External Factors

External distractions

Noise

Choose a quiet place.

If student does want sound, make sure to choose music with NO words or try something like a fan.

External Distractions

Lighting

Natural light is best for optimal eye functioning, but artificial light works, also.

Eliminate glare.

Study in a well-lit room to avoid eye strain and reduction of concentration.

External Distractions (tips to share)

Stick to a routine.

Be consistent when and where you study.

Avoid your cell phone or any social media.

Don’t study on your bed.

Pay attention to the temperature.

Internal Distractions - Anxiety

Talk to the instructor.

Talk to an academic counselor or teammate.

Use the resources available – tutors, practice tests, Study Blue, Quizlet, etc.

Internal Distractions -Motivation

It can be difficult for a student to concentrate on learning material that doesn’t hold his/her interest. Increase their motivation by:

Focusing on the results

Trying to find practical applications for the material he/she is learning

Studying the most difficult subject first, before he/she gets tired

Showing him/her how to reward themselves for a completed task

Improving Study Behavior

Memorize actively, not passively.

Help students visualize to get a picture

Use association.

Improving Study Behavior

The best underlining is not as productive as the worst note-taking.

Research has proven that is not how much time a person studies that counts but how well he studies during that time. In fact, in one survey, students who studied more than 35 hours a week came out with poorer grades than those who studied less.

Remember: Help the student use her time wisely. Study smart.

Pygmalion Effect and the Power of Positive Expectations

Student learning can be affected by your expectation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTghEXKNj7g