STUDY SKILLS AND TIME MANAGEMENT

ConnectionAs you learn, the neurons in your brain begin to make connections..

Objectives:Discuss strategies for completing each step in the learning processDevelop time management strategiesReview and answer any questions

Where does learning happen?In your brain!!

Your brain was born to learn, loves to learn and knows how to learn!

How can you maintain attention?When ReadingHave intentAsk questionsTest yourselfBuild interestTake notesHighlightUnderlineFew distractions

In ClassHave intentParticipateRelate the subject to your own lifeAsk questionsTake notesClear your mindRelaxReact

Making ConnectionsIn this step you interpret the information in a way that is meaningful to you.Connect the information to what you already knowPersonalize the information by applying it to your lifeThe more connections to the new information you make, the easier it will be to remember it.

ReviewAs you rehearse, review, or practice what you have learned the synapses in your brain become stronger

Practice making mistakes is an important component of learning

When you review, dont just look over information, but test yourself to get feedback do you really know the information?

7Time Management Make a term scheduleWrite out all due dates (assignments, exams, etc.) from course syllabiInclude other activities and eventsMake a weekly scheduleFill in class, work, activities for a typical weekSchedule times to study for every class (include study breaks)Be realisticInclude time for fun!It wont be perfect right away

Review.Attention!Active reading, participate in lectureConnectionTo what you already know, daily lifeReviewTest yourself, mistakes will help you learnTime ManagementPlan it out, be realistic!

The Top Ten Study StrategiesAcademic Learning CenterSt. Cloud State University#1: Preview the text

Why?

Helps you :Determine what you already knowDetermine how much you need to learnPlan to break down the reading assignment so that you use your time efficiently

How do I do that?Read the table of contents to understand the topics of each chapter and how they relate to each other.

Read all the headings and subheadings.

Learn all you can from pictures, maps and graphics.

Read the questions or problems at the end of the chapter.

Divide the assignment into smaller chunks and begin reading.

#2: Take notesWrite short summaries, questions or comments in the margin of the text.helps you to engage with the text and gives you a running record of your understanding

Cornell Note Taking

Take notes in a separate notebookRemember you are synthesizing and summarizing, not copying.

Notecards (online and cell phone)

Hand out information about Cornell Note Taking13#3: Review your notes within 24 hoursReview your class notes within 24 hours in order to transfer what youve heard from your short term to long term memory

Take a few minutes each day to skim through your notes, fill in information you missed, and identify questions you have.True or False? Without ongoing review we lose 98% of the total sum of ideas entering the mind within a 4 week period of time. True!

14#4: Use the SQ3R MethodSurveyQuestionReadReciteReview

Explain each step15 # 5: Use the Five Day Study PlanStudying smaller units of material each day is an effective way to learn.

The Plan

Explain17Key Features of this Plan:

Spaced practiceIntegrated approach to learningTask-oriented studyGoal-oriented studyBuilt-in repetition for learningFlexible and easily modified to fit your learning style.

#6: Form a Study GroupSome facts about study groups:Provide greater opportunities to question, review, clarify, and discussan audience to read, respond to, and discuss their drafts of their papersvariety of problem-solving strategiesHelp toreduce procrastinationincrease motivationease anxiety

#6: Form a Study GroupIMPORTANT! Set an agenda to make sure your study session doesnt become a social session

Practice problem-solving techniques.Practice teaching one another.Test each other .Compare class notes.Have each group member take responsibility for leading a discussion on one part of an assignment.#7: Visual AidsTimeWrite due dates on a monthly or semester calendarCreate a weekly schedule with designated study times.Make to do lists cross off items when you complete themKeep your calendar and to do lists in a highly visible spot refer to them regularlyMaterialsCreate a map, chart, or outline of the main ideasOnline practice testsEnd of chapter or section questionsHand out semester calendars21#8: Be Conscious of Your Environment and Time of DayEnvironmentCan mean the difference between productively completing an assignment and staring blankly into space Consider:level of background noiselevel of comforttypes of distractionsTime of DayStudy your most difficult subjects when you are most alert, whether that be at 7am or 11:30pm. Are you a Lark or an Owl?Give handout or link to the Lark or Owl assessment22#9: If You Have Trouble Beginning a Paper. . . Just Write!Free writingInstead of staring at a blank screen, just start typing whatever comes into your headOnce youve had a chance to start typing, begin to direct your free writing to ideas that are relevant to your paper

What if that doesnt work?Discuss your ideas with a friendAsk your friend to just listen and write down what you say so that you have a record of your thoughts to use as the basis for your paper.#10: Get to Know Your ProfessorsTheyre experts in the content of the course Theyve studied this material themselves Theyre well-positioned to help you develop effective study strategies in that particular course/disciplineThe more they know you the more they can help you

Visit office hours BEFORE you begin having problems Make an appointment at the beginning of the semester so that your professors know who you are and how they can help you.

Do You Want to Know More?Meet with Anna, the Graduate Assistant, to learn more about how to integrate these 10 strategies into your study habits

Additional On Campus Resources:ALC Tutoring Centerwww.stcloudstate.edu/alcThe Write Placehttp://www.stcloudstate.edu/writeplace/The Miller Center (SCSU library)http://lrts.stcloudstate.edu/library/default.aspThe Math Skills Centerhttp://www.stcloudstate.edu/mathskills/

QUESTIONS?

Study Strategies AssistanceAnna Urbanski, GACentennial Hall 211BEmail: alcga2@stcloudstate.edu

Academic Learning CenterCentennial Hall 236(320) 308-4993alc@stcloudstate.eduwww.stcloudstate.edu/alc