STUDY SMARTER
*Always take advantage of “extra help” times offered by your teachers
& on Tuesdays after school in the Learning Commons.
During Instruction time in class:
*Always take advantage of “extra help” times offered by your teachers
& on Tuesdays after school in the Learning Commons.
During Instruction time in class:
- Listen to 'make sense' and to learn rather than to write everything down that is said.
- Listen for the key points and write these down. You can fill in related information later.
- Listen for answers to questions you may have made in advance.
- Make a note of anything where you need further clarification from your teacher.
- Always record homework assignments. Have a calendar where you record all assignments due and test dates.
- Make homework a part of your daily after-school routine.
- Complete homework on time as assigned. (If you are honestly unable to get an assignment done by the due date, see your teacher to discuss a possible extension. There is a form to fill out.)
- Seek clarification from your teachers if you are unclear about homework.
- Use class time provided for completing classwork and/or starting homework.
- When you have questions about the homework, place a note next to it and ask your teacher the next day.
- Have a quiet comfortable space with basic materials for homework completion.
- Take a 10-minute break when tired; then resume your work.
- Take time every evening to go over what you did in all classes that day. Taking a few minutes to review the work reinforces what was covered.
- When reading your notes, fill in any gaps. Make note of any questions you may have.
- Do a sketch, diagram, or flow chart if you like visuals.
- Go over the material/lesson with friends. You may gain new insights from another’s perspective.
- Do practice tests, end of chapter questions or re-do quizzes. Getting answers wrong adjusts your thinking to what you need to know. It forces you to go back and review material and lessons to get it right.
- Write all that you know or recall about a lesson or topic. Then go to your notes/text to see what you missed and fill in the blanks. When the brain has to work hard to retrieve a vague or fuzzy memory, it redoubles the strength of that memory.
- Make flashcards. Make sure you have the correct answers.
- Vary your study environment.
- Study in intervals of 20-50 minutes. Then take a 5-10 minute break. This contributes to long-term retention.
- Get a good sleep.
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- 20 minutes of some sort of cardio before an exam/test can improve your memory and ability to focus.
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of water.
Photo used under Creative Commons from verchmarco