HOME :: EDUCATION :: EDUCATIONAL NEWSLETTERS

Effective Studying

  • Find a comfortable and quiet study area
  • Don't study in front of the TV!
  • Don't be online while you're studying i.e. being on AIM, Yahoo Messenger
  • Set a study time and stick to it!
    • When making your study schedule, try to make time to study during the day, and not late at night.
    • i.e. playing Mario Kart for 7 hours and then start writing your paper at 2 a.m.
  • While reading, try and get the main idea the author is trying to put across. Highlight this in the book. Don't underline. Using a highlighter is much more effective. Don't highlight the entire page! Highlight key words and sentences that best describe the main idea.
  • GET ORGANIZED- Have all your notes, papers and handouts in one place in logical order.
  • Take study breaks. You need to let your brain rest and recuperate. You can take a ten minute break for every hour you study; or you can have several short study sessions.
  • Sometimes quiet instrumental background music helps you stay focused.
  • Study with friends so you can compare notes and ask each other questions as you go.
  • Try to incorporate what you are learning to information you already know.
  • Remember that QUALITY is much better than QUANTITY. For example, it's HOW you study effectively for a test, not HOW LONG you study for.
SQ3R METHOD

High school and college students use the SQ3R method to help them study effectively. SQ3R method stands for survey, question, read, recite, and review.
  • SURVEY: Previewing to get an idea what the chapter is about. Take a careful look at the topic headings, illustrations, captions, bold, and italicized words.
  • QUESTION: Ask questions as you go along to focus your attention to what the book is trying to explain.
  • READ: As you read, answer the questions that you questioned earlier. Make sure to read small sections and then stop. READ ACTIVELY!
  • RECITE: After you've read a small section, take time to summarize what you've just read in written notes.
  • REVIEW: After you've finished reading, skim through what you just read and review your notes. Then quiz yourself and summarize the concepts in your own words. Refer to any illustrations/ diagrams that may appear in the book and relate the concepts to them.
In the Classroom

  • Introduce yourself to your teacher
  • Sit in front of the class to avoid as many distractions as possible.
  • Use the office hours that your teacher has. If you make regular visits to ask your teacher questions it shows more effort on your part.
  • Know what your learning style is and study accordingly.