Study Tips!

semattic:

I actually have been approached by a couple of professors this semester and they asked me to have a “study skill” and “time management” presentation for any students interested.

For my time management presentation, I’ll be going over I said Here.

I haven’t created a study skill presentation yet so I’ll give you a quick run down of how I study.

1. Stay at least 3 readings ahead of the class. This allows you to get a primary exposure to the information so you can come up with any questions you might have later. And then when you attend lecture, that second exposure to the information will help you reinforce the learning.
2. Take notes on your assigned readings. When I take notes on my reading assignments, I have developed my own bullet layering method (I’ll put that up later) and a colour coding system (this will be explained with the bullet layering note taking).
3. Take notes in class. During lectures, I try to pay attention and not write down everything the professor is saying. Since I have read the material and taken notes before attending the class, I already have a rudimentary knowledge so I don’t need to write everything. I only write down information that wasn’t in the reading, anything the professor repeats or emphasizes, and anything the professor writes on the whiteboard or blackboard. The way I take notes in class is with the Cornell Note Taking method. This link and this one explains how to do it.
4. Rewrite notes. So after I finish with my classes, I will go to the library and rewrite my lecture notes (because they’re usually really messy). After rewriting those notes, I will combine my lecture notes and my reading notes. I typically do this with my bullet layering method but the Cornell Note Taking method should work too.
5. Review notes. After I finish rewriting my notes, I’ll spend about 20 minutes going over everything I just did and then go over it again whenever I have free time. SPACE OUT YOUR REVIEW OF NOTES. Cramming does not help, trust me.
   
6. Study groups. Find 2 or 3 other people that are determined to do well in the class you’re taking and do a group study session 3 days prior to an examination. These study groups can help clarify any information you didn’t understanding and if you can teach the information, then you know it well. DO NOT HAVE A STUDY GROUP WITH 4+ OTHER PEOPLE. YOU WILL ALL GET DISTRACTED AND NOT STUDY.
   

I’m sorry I don’t have any pictures to go with these tips yet! Once I create my presentation, I’ll definitely upload it to Tumblr. If you also need help with organization (not in regard to time management), I will be making a presentation on that as well! I hope these tips help you, happy studying!