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Read, Write, Remember Your Way to Academic Success! SMART STUDY SKILLS & TIME MANAGEMENT

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Today we will: Learn how to improve studying through: Reading textbooks faster and more effectively Taking better notes Using memory techniques Learn ways to better manage time Evaluate your own schedule to use time more effectively Discuss ways to manage stress Learn to maximize study time WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STUDY SMART?

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Everyone has a unique study style! Time of Day Location Length of Time

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What is the KEY to learning? Think of something that you are good at OUTSIDE of school Think back to when you knew nothing about this skill, or were first learning this skill How did you get to your current skill level? The KEY ingredient to learning is PRACTICE and taking STEPS to improve!

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Why is practice effective? - Practice over time encourages neuron growth and makes stronger connections and larger brain networks - info can travel faster, too! - Like weight lifting, the more time and practice you put into learning (studying, reading), the more your brain changes and grows!

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WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO PRACTICE? How do you take notes? Like this?

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ITS ALL ABOUT THE 4 STEPS OF LEARNING! Be an ACTIVE learner!!

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Cornell Note Taking 3. Create 1. Gather 2. Reflect 4. Test

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Should we doodle or not? By: President Barack Obama By: Ronald Reagan

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SURE! Doodling keeps our brain from daydreaming in boring situations and doesnt detract from concentration. In one study, doodlers remembered about 29 percent much more than non-doodlers. Andrade, J. (2009). Applied Cognitive Psychology, 23 (3)

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WHAT ARE SOME OTHER EFFECTIVE STUDY TECHNIQUES THAT ALLOW YOU TO PRACTICE LEARNING?

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IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE A BETTER, FASTER READER? YES!..........by reading before class and by NOT reading the assigned text in its entirety first. Instead, use the PRR method

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Use your entire brain! THE PRR METHOD Survey the author/date, chapter headings, summaries, diagrams, etc. Ask yourself questions (e.g., what should I know?; look at the questions in the back of the book) Read to answer and find answers to questions-dont have to read every single word; break down the reading into sections Write a short answer to questions, summarize sections in your own words, write in the margins, etc. Explain the concepts out loud Quiz yourself on questions and answers Preview Read Recall

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Memory Game Donkey Salamander Unicorn Alligator Bird Zebra Raccoon

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ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO ENHANCE MEMORY Mental Visualization - 90 % of brain input is visual; your brain likes different forms of sensory input. How can we apply this? Convert information to chart, graph, or drawing Make a Mental image of the names that you are trying to learn

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1. ASSOCIATION Association - Connecting information with background knowledge. How can we apply this to the list of words? Mnemonic devices (PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction) Using color flashcards/pens for different concepts

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2. RECITING Reciting - Saying things aloud strengthens neural connections. How could we apply this to memorizing information? Study groups Rhyming Flashcards After reading/writing notes, repeat it aloud several times

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3. CONSOLIDATION Consolidation - Converting information from working memory to long term memory How could we apply this to memorizing items? Review notes/read text over time Practice! SLEEP

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Always remember to

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HOW CAN YOU MAXIMIZE YOUR STUDY TIME? Determine your peak study hours and schedule time there. Identify and use a study place that is free of distraction. Have a specific study plan for major test reviews. Set ground rules for studying Utilize your planner/ weekly schedule effectively. Reward yourself for studying well! Schedule breaks!

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DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIORS TO AVOID No cramming Dont stay up too late No parties before an exam! Avoid excessive alcohol Avoid excessive caffeine and other drugs

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Am I good at managing my time?

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How do you waste your time?

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How do you manage your time?

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TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: Macro to Micro 4 Quadrants Monthly Calendar Weekly Schedule Daily Schedule To-Do Priority Lists

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4 QUADRANTS SYSTEM: Use Before Planning Important Not Important Urgent Not Urgent

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Monthly Calendar

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Weekly Calendar

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TO-DO PRIORITY LISTS: 80/20 RULE 80% of our satisfaction can be attributed to approximately 20% of the activities on our list List items according to priority Work top to bottom!

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Organization = Less Stress!! Write everything down! Use small bits of time Handle emails/small tasks right away! Sometimes, purposefully forget about time What!?

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THANK YOU! :-) Please visit the Ballotti Learning Center if you would like more help! Donahue 208 617.573.8235 You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at #BLC @Suffolk_U!