Study Skills Study Skills for Lifefor Life

Why Study Skills?

This class will help all students:

•overcome study issues •identify common study problems•develop 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.

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?

Do you, as a student:

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?

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 Style1. 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• College Degree• Trade School • Certified Job• Management

Position• More Money …..

Goal SettingWhat 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• Complete college?• New Job?• New Car?• New House?

Characteristics of Appropriate Goals

Your goals should be:1. within your skills and abilities. 2. realistic. 3. flexible. 4. measurable. 5. within your control.

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 GoalsCollege, Job, Car, House, etc.

• Goal 1 - ________________________________________________• Goal 2 - ________________________________________________• Goal 3 - ________________________________________________

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 Other

2. Children

3. Parents

4. Employer

• Eliminate Transportation Issues1. Have a car, GREAT!

2. Ride with a classmate you can depend on

3. Have a support group member drive you

4. Take a bus

It’s Study Time!

Effective Study Habits

Study Time:• Find a place to study that is best for you• Have everything you need to study,

nearby while you study. • Reward yourself for hard work. • Create a checklist of all the tasks you

need to do before you begin to study. • Keep a “worry pad” while you study.

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.

Procrastination!

Why do students procrastinate?• Perfectionism• Fear of Failure• Confusion• Poor Motivation• Task Difficulty• Difficulty Concentrating• Task Unpleasantness• 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.

• Break large assignments, such as essays or research papers, into smaller tasks.

• Study least difficult subjects first.

• Take breaks.

• Reward yourself.

• Study from YOUR OWN textbooks! Do Not share books with a friend.

Use a Study System

I like your I like your Learning Learning Style!Style!

• Visual

• Auditory

• Tactile

Discover and Use Your Learning Style

It 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.

TACTILETACTILE 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 Experiment . . .Learning Style 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.

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 ExerciseAssumption Exercise

Assumption ExerciseAssumption Exercise

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?

InterpretationsInterpretationsInterpretation - 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 MakingRead 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 learned.Evaluate what you 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 content your 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.

I Love It When a “PLAN”Comes

Together!

Plan to Work & Work Plan to Work & Work your Planyour 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 your boss pay you, or allow you to continue to work there???to continue to work there???

Attendance

What are YOU going to do?

• If you’re going to earn your associates If you’re going to earn your associates degree, then you’ve got to EARN IT!degree, then 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 supplies– 3-ring Binder Notebook– Dividers– Pens, Pencils, & Highlighters– Paper– Note cards

• Choose a notebook that Choose a notebook that suits you.suits 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 TakingKeep track of your notes by heading your paper

with:

– Date– Name of Course– Lecture Topic– Number pages – Write headers within each set of notes

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

– Use dividers to keep notes separated.– Some prefer to use several spiral notebooks,

rather than 1 large binder.– 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.

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.

Abbreviations

I don’t understand you…I don’t understand 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 perfect!Practice makes 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 zA 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 PHONE”“NO CELL 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 readeractive reader.

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.

• 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 method1. 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 periods.

1. Never try to memorize a lot of information at one time.

2. Try to arrange short, frequent blocks of time for memorization.

3. NEVER CRAM!!!

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

studying.

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.

List the 6 kingdom system of classification

EubacteriaArchaebacteriaProtistaPlantaeFungiAnimalia

King Phillip Came Over from Germany StonedKing Phillip Came Over from Germany Stoned

Mnemonics to help you remember information

KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies

NeverLetMonkeysEat Bananas

White Blood Cell Types

Neutrophil 40-70%Lymphocyte 20-25%Monocyte 3-8%Eosinophil 2-4%Basophil <1%

Now You Try