Study Skills

Taking Notes 
Taking notes is very important, as it is unlikely that you will remember something after hearing it only once.  However, it is also important that the notes you take are accurate, or you will have trouble studying from them later on.  Here are some hints and tips on how you can improve your note taking.

1. Do not try to write down everything the teacher says.  Only write the facts and ideas you need to know.  For example, dates, names, places, a brief outline of important events.

2.Mark the more important ideas with an hightlighter pen or underline it.

3.Use sentences that are short and to the point.

4.Use abbreviations where possible.  Below are some examples;
        1. cf (compare)                            
        2. ie (that is)
        3. eg (for example)
        4. w/ (with)
        5. w/o (without)
        6. & or + (and)
        7. = (equals)
        8. +ve (positive)
        9. -ve (negative)

   You can also make up your own abbreviations, as long as you remember what they mean.

5. Leave space in the margin incase you need to add some informartion later, or for your own comments and questions.


Taking notes from textbooks
1. If you are taking notes from a text book make sure you take note of the name of the book, the chapter, and the page number.

2. Keep your text book notes separate from your class notes so you don't get confused later on.

3. Before taking notes from a text book read the section you are working on to get a general idea of what it is about first.

4. Try not to copy directly from the text book.  Instead try to summarize the information in your own words.  This way you'll take in more information.

5. If you do copy directly from the text book use quotation marks to indicate that it is a quote from the book.

6. At the end of your notes summarize the main ideas. 



Reading Text Books
Reading text books for studing is different to reading for pleasure.  You will need to read slower and concentrate harder in order to really understand the text.

1. Get a general idea of what the book is about by reading headings, subheadings and any paragraphs that summarize the content.

2. Read each chapter carefully and slowly, and look for the main ideas.

3. Occasionally stop reading and try to remember what you have just read.

4. Look up any words that you don't understand in the dictionary and make a note of there meaning.

5. When you have finished reading pretend you are teaching someone else what you have just read about.  Explain out loud, and in your own words what you have just read. 



Studying for a Test
Before the test

1. Find out ahead of time what the test will cover, and how much the test will count towards the final grade.

2. Before you start studying get all the things you need ready eg. pens, paper, books, so your studying isn't disrupted with finding these items later on.

3. Study in a quiet place where you won't be distracted.

4. Don't study at a time when you are tired or hungry because you won't be able to concentrate properly.

5. Don't leave studying until the last minute. A little bit of study every day is better than a long last minute cramming session.

6. Set yourself a goal each time you study. Eg, if you are going to be tested on 2 chapters, set up 3 study sessions. One for each chapter, and one for a reviewing all the information.

7. Repitition is how you learn.  Read and reread your notes. Writing also helps you to remember, so writing out the important points will also help you to remember.

8. Once you have written out your notes cover them up and try to remember them without looking.  

9. If there is something you are struggling to remember try writing it in large letters and pinning it up on your bedroom door, then everytime you open the door you will see it.

10. Make flash cards that you can easily carry around with you, pull them out whenever you have a spare minute and quickly read through them.

11. Make a timeline of important events or dates.

12. Make a quiz based on your notes and have a friend or family member test you.

REMEMBER IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING GET HELP FROM YOUR TEACHER.  THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE THERE FOR.


Studying in a Group

There is research to suggest that studing ina group may be more effective than studying alone.  It can also be a lot more fun!

1. Smaller groups usually work better because everybody gets a chance to have their say.  So try to keep your group number to no more than five.

2. Appoint one person as the leader.  This way the leader can help everybody stay focused on studying, and it doesn't turn out to be a social event rather than a study session.

3.Before you go to your group study session go through your notes.  If there is something you have had trouble with write it down.  One of your friends may have understood this perfectly and be able to explain it to you.  

4. Drill each other with the facts you need to memorise.  You can also do quizzes, perhaps with prizes for the most correct answers.


Ten Tips for Taking Tests

1. Read the questions carefully.  Don't assume you know what it is going to say.  The most frustrating way of loosing marks is when you got the answer wrong because you didn't read the question properly.

2. You may want to read the entire test before you start.  This will help you to pace yourself.

3. Answer the questions you are most confident about first, then answer the questions worth the most points.  You don't want to spend too much time trying to answer a question that is only worth 2 points.

4. If you get stuck on a question leave it and come back to it later.  The answer may come to you while you are working on another part of the test.

5. If you are unable to answer a question fully, answer the part you know.  You may get a partial credit.

6. If it is a multiple-choice test, and you don't know the answer, first eliminate the answers you know are wrong, then take a guess.

7. If you have an essay question take a moment to to plan your writing.  First, make a note of the important points you want to make, then number these in the order you want to write them.

8. Keep your writing neat.  If the person marking your paper can't read what you have written you could loose points.

9. Leave plenty of time at the end so you can look over your work.  Check your spelling and grammer.  Read over the questions again to make sure you read them properly the first time.  Have you answered every question? It is easy to make mistakes while you are taking a test.  

   
After the test

1. When your test paper is returned, read the teacher's comments carefully and try to learn from your mistakes.

2. Save your test paper to review for end-of -term tests, or final exams.