How to Study [Compatibility Mode]

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how to study

Herni Suprapti

how to study

Good Listening In Class Taking Notes in Class Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place Study Groups Your Preferred Learning Style A Strategy for Reading Textbooks Multiple-Choice Tests Setting Goals Succeeding in College

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Good Listening In Class

Just hearing what your teachers say is not the same as listening to what they say.

Listening is a cognitive act that requires you to pay attention and think about and mentally process what you hear

Good Listening In Class

Be Cognitively Ready to Listen. Be Emotionally Ready to Listen. Listen with a Purpose. Listen with an Open Mind. Be Attentive. Be an Active Listener. Accept the Challenge. Triumph Over the Environment.

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Taking Notes in Class

three-stage process : before class during class after class

Taking Notes in Class

Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class) Take Notes (During Class) Rewrite Your Notes (After Class)

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Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class)

Review your notes from the previous class session before you come to class. This will help you remember what was covered and get you ready to understand new information your teacher provides.

Complete all assigned readings before you come to class. Your teacher will expect that you have done this and will use and build upon this information.

Bring all notetaking materials with you to class. Have several pens and pencils as well as your notebook.

Take Notes (During Class) Keep your attention focused on what your teacher is

saying. Listen for "signal statements" that tell you that what your teacher is about to say is important to write in your notes. Examples of signal statements are "The most important point..." and "Remember that ... " Be sure to include in your notes information that your teacher repeats or writes on the chalkboard.

Write quickly so that you can include all the important information in your notes. Do this by writing abbreviated words such as med for medicine, using symbols such as % for percent, and writing short sentences.

Place a ? next to information you write in your notes, but about whose meaning you are not sure.

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Rewrite Your Notes (After Class) Rewrite your notes to make them more complete by

changing abbreviated words into whole words, symbols into words, and shortened sentences into longer sentences.

Make your notes more accurate by answering any questions you had when writing your notes in class. Use your textbook and reference sources to obtain the information you need to answer your questions. If necessary, ask your teacher or other students for help.

Check with other students to be sure you did not leave out important information.

Having good class notes will help you to be better prepared for tests.

Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place

Is my Study Place available to me whenever I need it?

Is my Study Place free from interruptions? Is my Study Place free from distractions? Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I

need? Does my Study Space contain a large enough desk

or table? Does my Study Place have enough storage space? Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair? Does my Study Place have enough light? Does my Study Place have a comfortable

temperature?

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Study Groups

Benefits of a Study Group Getting a Study Group Started Characteristics of a Successful Study

Group Possible Pitfalls of a Study Group

Study GroupsBenefits of a Study Group A support group can "pick you up" when you find that

your motivation to study is slipping. The other group members can be a source of encouragement.

You may be reluctant to ask a question in class. You will find it easier to do so in a small study group.

You may become more committed to study because the group members are depending on your presentation and participation. You will not want to let them down.

Group members will listen and discuss information and concepts during the study sessions. These activities add a strong auditory dimension to your learning experience.

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Benefits of a Study Group One or more group members are likely to understand

something you do not. They may bring up ideas you never considered.

You can learn valuable new study habits from the other group members.

You can compare your class notes with those of the other group members to clarify your notes and fill in any gaps.

Teaching/explaining information and concepts to the other group members will help you reinforce your mastery of the information and concepts.

Let's face it - studying can sometimes be boring. Interacting with the other group members can make studying enjoyable.

Getting a Study Group Started

Get to know your classmates by talking with them before class, during breaks, and after class. When selecting a classmate to join your study group, you should be able to answer YES for each of the following questions : Is this classmate motivated to do well? Does this classmate understand the subject matter? Is this classmate dependable? Would this classmate be tolerant of the ideas of

others? Would you like to work with this classmate?

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Getting a Study Group Started

Invite enough of these classmates to work with you in a study group until you have formed a group of three to five. A larger group may allow some members to avoid responsibility, may lead to cliques, and may make group management more of an issue than learning.

Decide how often and for how long you will meet. Meeting two or three times a week is probably best. If you plan a long study session, make sure you include time for breaks. A study session of about 60 to 90 minutes is usually best.

Getting a Study Group Started Decide where you will meet. Select a meeting place that

is available and is free from distractions. An empty classroom or a group study room in the library are possibilities.

Decide on the goals of the study group. Goals can include comparing and updating notes, discussing readings, and preparing for exams.

Decide who the leader will be for the first study session. Also decide whether it will be the same person each session or whether there will be a rotating leader. The leader of a study session should be responsible for meeting the goals of that study session.

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Getting a Study Group Started

Clearly decide the agenda for the first study session and the responsibilities of each group member for that session.

Develop a list of all group members that includes their names, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Make sure each group member has this list and update the list as needed.

Characteristics of a Successful Study Group

Each group member contributes to discussions. Group members actively listen to each other

without interrupting. Only one group member speaks at a time.

The other group members work collaboratively to resolve any concern raised by a group member.

Group members are prompt and come prepared to work.

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Characteristics of a Successful Study Group

The group stays on task with respect to its agenda.

Group members show respect for each other.

Group members feel free to criticize each other but keep their criticisms constructive. This can encourage group members to reveal their weaknesses so that they can strengthen them.

Characteristics of a Successful Study Group

Group members feel free to ask questions of each other.

At the end of each study session, an agenda including specific group member responsibilities is prepared for the next session.

Above all, the positive attitude that "we can do this together" is maintained

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Possible Pitfalls of a Study Group

Do not let the study group get distracted from its agenda and goals.

Do not let the study group become a social group. You can always socialize at other times.

Do not allow group members to attend unprepared. To stay in the group, members should be required to do their fair share.

Possible Pitfalls of a Study Group

Do not the let the session become a negative forum for complaining about teachers and courses.

Do not allow one or two group members to dominate the group. It is important that all members have an equal opportunity to participate.

The information you just read will help you decide when a study group is appropriate for you and will help ensure its success.

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Your Preferred Learning Style

A learning style is a way of learning

Auditory Learning Style Visual Learning Style Tactile/Kinesthetic Learning Style

Are you an Auditory Learner? Auditory Learners learn best when information is

presented in an auditory language format. Do you seem to learn best in classes that

emphasize teacher lectures and class discussions?

Does listening to audio tapes help you learn better?

Do you find yourself reading aloud or talking things out to gain better understanding?

If YES, you are probably an Auditory Learner.

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Are you a Visual Learner? Visual Learners learn best when information is presented

in a written language format or in another visual format such as pictures or diagrams.

Do you do best in classes in which teachers do a lot of writing at the chalkboard, provide clear handouts, and make extensive use of an overhead projector?

Do you try to remember information by creating pictures in your mind?

Do you take detailed written notes from your textbooks and in class?

If YES, you are probably a Visual Learner.

Are you a Tactile/ Kinesthetic Learner?

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners learn best in hands-on learning settings in which they can physically manipulate something in order to learn about it.

Do you learn best when you can move about and handle things?

Do you do well in classes in which there is a lab component?

Do you learn better when you have an actual object in your hands rather than a picture of the object or a verbal or written description of it?

If YES, you are probably a Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner.

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A Strategy for Reading Textbooks

SQRW

Survey. Question. Read. Write.

survey Surveying brings to mind what you already know

about the topic of a chapter and prepares you for learning more.

To survey a chapter, read the title, introduction, headings, and the summary or conclusion.

Also, examine all visuals such as pictures, tables, maps, and/or graphs and read the caption that goes with each.

By surveying a chapter, you will quickly learn what the chapter is about.

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question You need to have questions in your mind as you read. Questions give you a purpose for reading and help you

stay focused on the reading assignment. Form questions by changing each chapter heading into a

question. Use the words who, what, when, where, why, or how to

form questions. If a heading is stated as a question, use that question. When a heading contains more than one idea, form a

question for each idea. Do not form questions for the Introduction, Summary, or

Conclusion.

read

Read the information that follows each heading to find the answer to each question you formed.

As you do this, you may decide you need to change a question or turn it into several questions to be answered.

Stay focused and flexible so you can gather as much information as you need to answer each question.

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write

Write each question and its answer in your notebook. Reread each of your written answers to be sure each answer is legible and contains all the important information needed to answer the question.

As you practice using SQRW, you will find you learn more and have good study notes to use to prepare for class participation and tests.

hint

Once you complete the Survey step for the entire chapter, complete the Question, Read, and Write steps for the first heading.

Then complete the Question, Read, and Write steps for the second heading, and so on for the remaining headings in the chapter.

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Multiple-Choice Tests

An incomplete statement followed by several answer choices.

A question followed by several answer choices.

An incomplete statement followed by several answer choices

The first president of the United States, .. , was known as the "Father of his country."a. Thomas Jefferson b. Abraham Lincolnc. George Washington d. Theodore Roosevelt

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A question followed by several answer choices.

How many states make up the United States of America?a. 48 b. 52 c. 46 d. 50

Sometimes, one of the answer choices is "all of the above." In the following example, "e" is the correct answer choice because all of the foods shown are dairy products.

Which of the following foods are dairy products?a. milkb. ice cream c. yogurtd. cream cheese e. all of the above

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Other times, one of the answer choices is "none of the above." In the following example, "b" is the correct answer choice because Argentina is the only country listed that is in South America. For "e" to be correct, none of the countries listed could be in South America.

.. is a country in South America.a. Russiab. Argentina c. Mexico d. Japane. none of the above

Guidelines When Taking Multiple-Choice Tests

Circle or underline important words in the item. This will help you focus on the information most needed to identify the correct answer choice.

Read all the answer choices before selecting one. It is just as likely for the last answer choice to be correct as the first.

Cross out answer choices you are certain are not correct. This will help you narrow down the correct answer choice.

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Guidelines When Taking Multiple-Choice Tests

Look for two answer choices that are opposites. One of these two answer choices is likely to be correct.

Look for hints about the correct answer choice in other items on the test. The correct answer choice may be part of another item on the test.

Look for answer choices that contain language used by your teacher or found in your textbooks. An answer choice that contains such language is usually correct.

Guidelines When Taking Multiple-Choice Tests

Do not change your initial answer unless you are sure another answer choice is correct. More often than not, your first choice is correct.

Choose "all of the above" if you are certain all other answer choices in the item are correct. Do not choose "all of the above" if even just one of the other answer choices is not correct.

Choose "none of the above" if you are certain all other answer choices in the item are incorrect. Do not choose "none of the above" if even just one of the other answer choices is correct.

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Setting Goals A goal is something you want to achieve. A short-term goal is something you want to achieve

soon. Examples of short-term goals are finishing your homework and doing well on tomorrow's test.

A longterm goal is something you want to achieve at some later date. Examples of long-term goals are writing a paper and passing a class.

To set appropriate goals, you must know what is important for you to accomplish. Then you must set specific and clearly stated goals. If you do not have clearly stated goals, your effort will lack direction and focus. Write your goals to have a record of them.

Setting Goals

The Three Ws of Goals Characteristics of Appropriate Goals

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The Three Ws of GoalsEach goal you set should state WHAT you will do and WHEN you will accomplish it. Implied in each goal you set is your WILL

(determination) to do it.

For example, a goal for a research paper might be stated as follows:

I will (your determination) finish gathering information for my research paper (what you will do) by November 20 (when you will accomplish it).

Characteristics of Appropriate Goals

within your skills and abilities realistic flexible measurable within your control

Many times your parents, teachers, and counselors will set goals for you. Be accepting when they do.

These are people who know what is important for you and are very concerned with your success.

They can also help you accomplish the goals they set.

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Succeeding in CollegeJust as in elementary school through high school, your success in college

requires high motivation and effort strong study skills effective time management good test-taking strategies

But college success requires much more. Once you move from high school to college, you will generally find that

students are more motivated and competent than in high school; teachers are more demanding; the work is more difficult; and students are expected to be independent.

Further, if you are living away from home for the first time, you will have many new experiences

Succeeding in College Have Clear Goals Get Financial Aid if Needed Manage Your Money Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy Choose a Professor Carefully Work With Your Advisor Make Good Use of the Library Get Involved in Campus Life

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Have Clear Goals College success requires commitment and a lot

of hard work. You must be very certain about the importance

of a college education. Be clear about why you are going to college. Establish specific goals you wish to accomplish. Know what it will take to reach these goals. Be certain your goals are consistent with your

interests and abilities. Be flexible - change your goals if needed based

on your experience as you progress through college.

Get Financial Aid if Needed College is expensive. Even if you attend a public college or

university and live at home, you still must pay for tuition, fees, and books. There are many sources of financial aid that can help you meet the high costs of college. Become aware of and pursue these sources.

Consider all possible sources of financial aid in addition to your college's financial aid office.

Meet all deadlines for submitting applications and documentation. Respond quickly and completely to all requests for additional

information. Be persistent in following up your application. If you do receive financial aid, meet all requirements to keep and

continue your aid.

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Manage Your Money There are many ways to spend money in the college

setting for other than education purposes. Take steps to ensure that you do not waste the money set aside for your college education.

Set a budget and keep to it. Be careful about your use of credit cards. Don't

overspend. Pay balances promptly to avoid high interest costs.

Open a checking account and carefully monitor your balance.

Keep your cell phone under control. Those minutes and fees can really add up.

Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy

You will need to be at your best to succeed in college. This means taking care of your body and maintaining a good frame of mind.

Get enough sleep. Don't rely on coffee and drinks that contain high doses of caffeine to

provide you with energy. Foods such as pasta, peanut butter, non-sugar cereals, and fresh fruit are healthy alternatives to provide the energy you need.

Avoid junk foods. Fast food is convenient but usually not good for you.

Use the services of the student health office. These services typically include emergency treatment, low cost examinations, and low cost or free medication.

Use the services of the counseling office. The professionals there can help you overcome feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

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Choose a Professor Carefully In college you get to select your schedule of classes. Most classes

offer more than one section so that you can choose not just the day and time, but the professor who is teaching that section. Often you will find student ratings of professors on the Internet. You can get even more feedback by talking to other students. Try to choose a professor who demonstrates the following characteristics.

Maintains adequate office hours. Provides constructive feedback. Adapts to different styles of learning. Grades fairly. Is highly competent in the subject being taught. Establishes clear and reasonable requirements. Provides a positive learning environment.

Work With Your Advisor As a student you will be assigned a faculty advisor to

help you with both academic and career issues. It is up to you to get the most out of this guidance.

Know your advisor's office location, schedule of office hours, and contact information.

Schedule an appointment with your advisor at any time you have problems that affect your academic performance.

Consider your advisor's ideas when selecting your major or at any time you are considering changing your major or career goals.

Have specific questions in mind whenever meeting with your advisor.

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Make Good Use of the Library You are going to spend a lot of your time in college at

the library. Take full advantage of this major resource. Get to know the resources of the library as soon as you

get to college. Learn to use its computer resources and card catalogs. Make good use of its equipment such as copy machines,

microfiche readers, production facilities, etc. Check out its quiet study areas. Sign up for their use if

required.

Get Involved in Campus Life There is a lot more to college than just classes. A college campus is

an exciting, dynamic environment that can provide you with many opportunities for enhancing your college experience.

Join a student organization that is consistent with your interests. You will find many organizations from which to choose.

Join a club in your major. This cannot only help you in your studies but can provide contacts that may be very useful in your future career.

Join an intramural team. This is a great way to keep yourself in good physical shape and make new friends.

Attend social events. Your college experience should not be all work and no play.

Yes - success in college takes effort. But this effort will provide benefits to you throughout your life. The ideas presented above can help you to make your college experience a successful one.