Study Skills … Learning to Learn

Leon Baranovsky — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:39:00 +0000

Students are expected to do a lot of homework and to spend hours each week studying but many don’t know how. Middle school is a pivotal time for students to learn study skills. An article in HowToDoThings.com gives the following tips.

Create an appropriate study environment. Many students have a difficult time keeping up with their studies merely because they feel frustrated and uncomfortable when they sit down to begin them. You must be in an environment that allows for full concentration.
Take good notes (and pay attention in class). Class time is when much of learning takes place. Paying attention in class familiarizes you with the material, and taking notes firms it up until further studying solidifies it.
Develop effective memorization methods. Learn when to make lists, use flash cards, and create other memory tools.
Focus on the areas that need the most attention. Many students feel that any time studying counts as real studying, but studying is less effective if you do not target the areas that need study.
Work in groups, but only when everyone is focused on studying.
Practice essay writing.

Taking Notes

Leon Baranovsky — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 07:06:00 +0000

We’ve all been told to take notes in class. We’ve all told our kids to take notes in class. But did you know there are different ways of taking notes? Cal Poly’s excellent Academic Skills Center site summarizes the Cornell, Outline, Mapping, Charting, and Sentence Methods of note taking. For each approach you learn the method, when to use it, and its advantages and disadvantages.

This is a MUST READ for any high school or college student.

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Study Skills … Learning to Learn

Taking Notes