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Study Skills

Success in a course does not come merely by going to lectures and reading your assigned textbook chapters. You must learn to note important ideas from your textbook, lectures, and class discussions. It is equally important to review the notes that have been taken and discuss them with other students.

To be successful you should study those ideas and demonstrate your mastery of the material on quizzes, tests, and finals. Here are some tips to help you get into the study habit.

When to Study
Find out how you use and misuse your time before making any changes.

Plan two hours of study time for every hour spent in class.

Study difficult or boring subjects first, when you are fresh. These subjects require the most
creative energy.

Avoid scheduling marathon study sessions. When possible, study in shorter sessions, work on
several subjects, and avoid studying similar subjects back to back.

Be aware of your best time of day. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Use waiting time to accomplish short study tasks. For example, carry 3X5 cards with equations,formulas or definitions and pull them out anywhere: waiting for a bus, between classes, at the dentist. Also, use these times to review class notes or notes on reading. Even 5 minutes can be
valuable if you are prepared.

Keep a calendar for the semester and keep track of all assignments, tests, and papers.

Make a weekly to-do list of important tasks and assignments that you need to complete.Prioritize the list and to the most important tasks first.
Ask: Can I do just one more thing? Almost always you may have enough energy to do just one more task. If you make it a habit, the overall increase in your productivity will surprise you.

Where to Study

Where you study is just as important as how you study. A good study environment should be quiet
and free of distractions.

Use a regular study area. You will find you get into the habit of beginning to study as soon as
you sit down.

Don’t get too comfortable. Use a chair that supports your back, not one that invites dozing off.
You want to put yourself in a situation where your mind is alert.

Remove distractions. Turn off the TV, stereo or radio. Have the answering machine, a friend or family member take messages. Close the door of your room so that you are not bothered by people dropping in. Arrange your desk to face a blank wall rather than a window, so you don’t become distracted by what’s going on outside.

Agree with living mates about study times. Make specific agreements, even contracts. Some students wear a particular article of clothing when they want to study. When a roommate sees it, they know to leave you alone. A figurine or totem works just as well.

Be sure you have adequate ventilation, lighting, and sufficient workspace. Adapted from: Becoming a Master Student, by David Ellis. (College Survival, Inc., 1984)

For more information about study skills, check out the following websites:
http://www.utexas.edu/student/utlc/rwssl.html http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdyhlp.html