:: Student Study Tips

Reading and Listening

• Preview material before reading. Focus on headings, charts, highlighted terms, summaries,                                                                  and other important items.

• Keep homework questions, test materials, or course themes in mind while reading.

• Learn how your instructor indicates what is important. If they repeat information, ask questions,                                                            or spend a lot of time on a topic, pay attention.

Ask questions and participate in class discussions. Nor only will you learn more and help others understand,                                                           but your instructor will likely appreciate your effort

Note Taking/Studying

• Take notes in your own words, and use abbreviations, underlining, arrows, symbols, and other shortcuts.

• Look over your notes regularly rather than waiting until right before a test.

• Study breaks work best when they are planned, regular, and brief (5-10) min.

• Study with a strategy. You may want to start with difficult subjects, tackle easy assignments first, or work in order of grade value.

• Study a little each day rather than cramming right before the test.

• Avoid studying with the TV, radio or other distractions; while you are hungry, or upset; or in poorly lit, stuffy, or uncomfortable place.

• Distill your notes into a page or two of key facts, definitions, and reminders of important concepts.

Test Tips

• Before answering a single test question, read all of the directions.

• Be aware of time. Don’t spend too long on a single question, and focus on areas worth the most points.

• Read all of the answers before choosing one, and don’t change your answer without a strong reason.

• Don’t underestimate the value of neatness, punctuation, spelling, showing your work, and writing something even                              when you do not know the answer.

• Make sure an essay answers the question, includes a clear thesis, and refers to related class materials.

Credits: Action Bindery