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"Top 40" Study Strategies
Time Management
- Start to manage your time at the beginning of the semester.
- Organize your semester by plotting the following on a large calendar: due dates for assignments, exams, and other important dates.
- Set some goals for yourself, such as the results you would like to receive in your courses and what you expect to learn from each course. Think about how much time it will take to accomplish these goals.
- Break tasks into smaller, more manageable jobs (Example: Week 1 = Essay outline, Week 2 = Research, Week 3 = Rough Draft, Week 4 = Final Draft)
- Make a weekly schedule to indicate classes, practicals, study time, etc.
- Plan time for leisure/recreation.
- Use "To do" lists when you have a lot to do in a day….. AND DO IT!
- Set priorities.
- Be flexible.
- Keep at it!
Listening and Note taking
- Go to class!!!! - there's no substitute for the real thing.
- Have assigned homework or preparation done by the due date.
- Listen actively by anticipating what your class teacher will say.
- Screen and evaluate information by comparing with your text and your own knowledge.
- Concentrate.
- Take notes BE ACTIVE. Note topics and subtopics. Use brief point form, putting things in your own words. Don’t just sit there and expect to remember all that is covered
- Use the margin or draw a column to note key terms or questions you have.
- Use diagrams where possible, especially to illustrate points…..a picture can save a hundred words.
- Review your notes before each class, and plan a weekly review which integrates your class and text notes.
- Ask your class teacher to clarify points you don't understand.
Textbook Reading
- Do required reading on a regular basis. Keep a weekly schedule.
- Preview material to get an overview. See how the chapter is organized.
- Consider the author's writing style and potential biases.
- Use different reading speeds. Pay attention to your attention.
- Think of questions to answer as you read through the material.
- Reflect on the material as you read. How is it valuable?
- Summarize what you have read. Note important points. Integrate with lecture notes or in text margins. Work Actively.
- Take breaks. Set targets to work towards and break in-between.
- Find a quiet, comfortable place to read. Your bed may not be the best place!
- Review your readings on a regular basis.
- Review course material weekly to keep material fresh in your memory.
Exam Preparation
- Study in a quiet, comfortable (but not too comfortable!) location where distractions and interruptions are minimal.
- Be organized. Make a study schedule by breaking down what you have to do. Have all your materials with you.
- Study in small chunks of time. One-hour blocks then a 15 minute break works well for many people. Vary the subjects you study.
- Keep a normal schedule. Be sure to eat right, get enough sleep, and take time to exercise and relax.
- Gather information about the test from your teachers…..LOOK at past
Schoole Certificate and H.S.C. exam papers (Will the test be multiple choice, short answer, or essay? How many questions will be on the test? What material will be covered? What time constraints are there?)
- Anticipate exam questions. Do practice questions, including questions from old tests which can be found in the library, at the Board of Studies Internet Web page:
for the H.S.C.... http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ or from the
Blacktown Library. Students who have taken the course already might be able to help - just
remember that courses change from time to time. Make up sample questions and answer them. Ask your teacher to mark them for you. Remember active learning is the key to success.
- During the test, read the instructions and questions carefully. Budget your time. Organise your answer. Make up an outline for essay questions if possible. PLAN.
- Relax. Be aware of tension build-up. Deep breaths if you get flustered!!
- Follow-up. See your class teacher (or the person who marked the paper) to discuss where you went wrong so that you can improve next time.
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