Lesson 4.1 study skills

(translated: Why Do I Need Study Skills?)

21st Century Information & Digital Skills

So, you’re in high school and you have one, maybe two years left in the classroom. Maybe you’re not sure that you want to continue going to school after you leave high school. If you’re planning to continue your education, maybe you decided you’ll learn how to study by watching how other college kids do it.

So what’s the point in learning how to study now? You’re almost done with school and will never “study” again, or you’ll have plenty of time to learn “how” once you get to college….

Having good study skills is essential to all areas of your life, not just school. The term, “study skills” covers a broad area of skills and abilities –

The ability to manage your time effectively. The ability to not just hear, but to listen. The ability to read and write effectively. The ability to organize what you hear, see,

and write. The ability to problem solve and find

answers.

Imagine working for a company, and you routinely arrive late. You forget appointments and meetings because you forgot to write them down; you go to meetings with your superiors, but you can’t remember what your bosses said once you leave. You don’t bother carefully reading company reports, and you can’t find any files when your co-workers request them.

Do you think you will be employed there long?

What about college? You don’t make it to class on time, or sometimes not at all. You miss due dates for assignments and papers; and forget to study for tests. You skim the readings your professors hand out, and really don’t remember what’s in them. You rely on your memory instead of notes to study for a test.

Do you think your grade will be affected?

What about routine habits like paying bills on time; organizing documents and information for taxes; gathering information for a mortgage application or car loan; reading through important legal documents; planning for vacations; or knowing what to buy at the store.

Believe it or not, these everyday routines rely on the same skills as good study skills.

Having well developed study skills will actually help you become a more confident, productive, organized, effective, and intelligent person, both in your personal and professional life.

Help you remember and learn new information.

Help you to do well on assignments, homework, research, quizzes, and exams.

Help you move forward in your education.

Class BehaviorsTime ManagementOrganizationMemorization

Active ListeningMore than just hearing, it’s paying attention.Listen quietly, and socialize at appropriate times. Taking Good NotesSummarize what you hear, but be clear enough

in your notes that you understand them later.Write quickly, but neatly.Have pencil and paper or electronic tools ready

to take notes when the class begins.Listen for clues from your teacher. If your teacher

stresses that something is important or should be remembered, WRITE IT DOWN.

Record all homework and assignments along with their due dates. Use an agenda or an app for an electronic device to keep track.

Record your test dates and project dues dates using the same tool (agenda or app for an electronic device).

Place reminders in your agenda or app a day or two BEFORE the actual due date so you stay on track.

Decide how much time you should study, what time of day, and how often. STICK TO THE SCHEDULE YOU SET.

Read your notes out loud if it helps. Read through your notes several times!

Connect the information to something familiar to you.

Make note cards or use memorization tool apps. Rewrite your notes on these, and review them often.

DON’T try to cram at the last minute. Research shows this does NOT work!!

Keep you notebook organized. Keep a separate notebook or electronic note-taking folder for EACH class. Color code your note cards to match areas of your research outline. Create folders in your electronic app and keep related electronic notes in those folders.

Keep your study area organized. Keep all homework assignments in one area. Keep handouts, papers, and class work

neatly organized so they are easy to find.

Visit this site for lots of great tips on improving your study skills and habits.

http://www.how-to-study.com