{"id":50,"date":"2017-11-09T19:59:48","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T19:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintgsc\/chapter\/basics-of-study-skills\/"},"modified":"2023-04-03T16:43:34","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T16:43:34","slug":"basics-of-study-skills","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/chapter\/basics-of-study-skills\/","title":{"raw":"The Basics of Study Skills","rendered":"The Basics of Study Skills"},"content":{"raw":"
\n
\n

\u201cIf you study to remember, you will forget, but, if you study to understand, you will remember.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

- Unknown<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\nI often start this section of my class with a question: Why do some students earn good grades and others do not? Answers vary. Students with poor grades have said students with good grades are born book smart. Students with good grades answer that studying and hard work got them there. What do you think?\n\nEveryone likes to earn an A grade. Despite the stigma of being a \u201cnerd,\u201d it feels good to receive good grades. Take pride in your preparation, take pride in your studying, and take pride in your accomplishments.\n\nI have also noticed over the years with my classes that students know many things they need to do in order to achieve good grades \u2013 they just don\u2019t always perform them.\n

Be Prepared for Each Week<\/h3>\nComplete your assigned reading ahead of the deadline. Follow the syllabus and check in on the class multiple times a week. It is important for students to check their e-mail regularly as well as Announcements or notifications from their instructor through the LMS.\n

Plan your Schedule<\/h3>\nParticipating in the class each week requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation. Doing so will help you remain engaged and involved in course topics, provide insight into what your instructor deems most important, allow you to submit work and receive your graded assignments and give you the opportunity to take quizzes or exams that cannot be made up.\n\nMissing class is a major factor in students dropping courses or receiving poor grades. In addition, students attempting to make up the work from missing class often find it overwhelming. It\u2019s challenging to catch up if we get behind.\n

Take Notes When You Are Reading<\/h3>\nFor the same reason as above, it is helpful to take notes while you are reading to maximize memorization. Sometimes called Active Reading, the goal is to stay focused on the material and to be able to refer back to notes made while reading to improve retention and study efficiency. Don\u2019t make the mistake of expecting to remember everything you are reading. Taking notes when reading requires effort and energy. Be willing to do it and you\u2019ll reap the benefits later.\n

Know What the College Resources Are and Where They Are, and Use Them<\/h3>\nThere are many resources at your college or university and it\u2019s likely that they are underutilized because students don\u2019t know they exist, where they are or that most of them are free. Find out what is available to you by checking your school\u2019s website for campus resources or student services, or talk to a counselor about what resources may be helpful for you. Check to see where your campus has resources for Counseling, Tutoring, Writing assistance, a Library, Admissions and Records (or Registrar\u2019s), Financial Aid, Health Center, Career Center, Disability Support Services, and other support services.\n

Read and Retain Your Syllabus<\/h3>\nIn addition to acting as a contract between the instructor and you, the syllabus is also often the source of information for faculty contact information, textbook information, classroom behavior expectations, attendance policy and course objectives. Some students make the mistake of stuffing the syllabus in their backpack when they receive it on the first day of class and never take a look at it again. Those who clearly read it, keep it for reference and review it frequently find themselves more prepared for class. If there is something in the syllabus you don\u2019t understand, ask your instructor about it before class, after class or during their office hours.\n

Place Your Assignments on Your Master Calendar and Create Plans for Completing Them Before They Are Due<\/h3>\nRemember the story about the sticky notes? Place all of your assignments for all of your classes with their due dates in your calendar, planner, smart phone or whatever you use for organization. Successful students will also schedule when to start those assignments and have an idea of how long it will take to complete them.\n

Complete All of Your Assignments<\/h3>\nThere will be things that you are more interested in doing than your assignments and unexpected life happenings that will come up. Students who earn good grades have the motivation and discipline to complete all of their assignments.\n

Have Someone Read Your Papers Before You Submit Them<\/h3>\nYou might be surprised to learn how many students turn in papers with spelling, grammar and punctuation errors that could have been easily corrected by using a spellchecker program or having someone read your paper. Many schools offer writing centers or tutors who will read your paper and give feedback, make suggestions, and help shape ideas. Take advantage of these services if they are offered. Another strategy is to read your paper aloud to yourself. You may catch errors when you read aloud that you might not catch when reading your writing. Remember that it is always the students\u2019 responsibility to have papers proofread, not someone else\u2019s.\n

Ask Questions<\/h3>\nMany students feel like they are the only one that has a question or the only one that doesn\u2019t understand something in class. I encourage you to ask questions during class, especially if your instructor encourages them. If not, make the effort to ask your questions before or after class or during your instructors\u2019 office hours.\n\nIf you take a class offered online, I suggest asking a lot of questions via the preferred method your instructor recommends. Since the delivery method is different to what most students are used to, I believe it is natural for students in online courses to have more questions. Online students may ask questions to understand the material and to be able to successfully navigate through the course content.\n\nInside information: I expect students to ask questions for both in person and online courses I teach.\n

Complete All Assigned Reading at The Time It Is Assigned<\/h3>\nCollege courses have much more assigned reading than what most high school students are accustomed to, and it can take a while to become comfortable with the workload. Some students fall behind early in keeping up with the reading requirements and others fail to read it at all. You will be most prepared for your class and for learning if you complete the reading assigned before your class. Staying on top of your syllabus and class calendar will help you be aware of your reading assignment deadlines. There is a difference in assigned reading between high school and college. In high school, if a teacher gave a handout to read in class, students would often read it during class to prepare to participate in a class discussion. In college, more reading is assigned with the expectation it will be done outside of the classroom. It is a big adjustment students need to make in order to be successful.\n

Study Groups<\/h3>\nOften it's difficult to connect with other students in an online class. Make a plan to reach out to a few fellow students during a class. Pay attention to what students write in their discussion posts. Use these assignments to help get to know your classmates and, if possible, try to connect with them outside of your class. Building this type of \"community of practice\" will help you feel more a part of your college experience.\n

Review for Exams<\/h3>\nPreparation for an exam should begin on the first week of the course, not when the exam is announced nor the night before an exam. Review your notes frequently to keep material fresh in your head.\n

Schedule Time for Studying<\/h3>\nIt\u2019s easy to put off studying if it\u2019s not something we schedule. Block specific times and days for studying. Put the times on your calendar. Stick to the schedule.\n

Study In a Location and At a Time That Is Best for You<\/h3>\nSome students study best in the morning and some at night. Some excel at a coffee shop, and others at the library. The place and time in which students often study is usually the most convenient for them. Students often find convenient places and times may also be full of distractions and thus are not good choices for them to study. It\u2019s worth the effort to study at the time and place that will be most productive for you. For most students, it is best to turn off the cell phone and TV and to keep off the Internet (and social media) unless it directly relates to your work.\n

Tips for Effective, Individual Study Spaces<\/h3>\n[caption id=\"attachment_49\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"226\"]\"Desk \"Cluttered desk\"<\/a> by OpenClipart-Vectors<\/a> is in the Public Domain, CC0<\/a>[\/caption]\n\nMost students more or less take what they can get when it comes to study areas. Schools usually offer a variety of nooks and crannies for students to hunker down and get their assignments done. The school library is a good (and quiet) place. Many common areas elsewhere on campus have tables, chairs, couches, and lounges to accommodate learners. But most students end up doing the majority of their out-of-class work at home.\n\nHome environments may be limited in terms of providing all of the recommended aspects of a good study space, but many of the recommendations can be either implemented or adapted from what a student has on hand or what can be improvised no matter what environment he or she is living in. Elements conducive to a more effective study\/homework experience include such things as good lighting, ample supplies, comfortable seating, adequate space, and personalizing the study area to add a touch of inspiration and motivation.\n
\n

EXERCISE\n<\/strong><\/p>\nPART A\n\nDescribe your current study area at home--the good, the bad, the ugly. Be thorough.\n\nPART B\n\nList as many ways you think you can realistically improve, change, (or start over...) your study area. Remember, you might not have the advantage of a whole room, or even a corner of a room, but there are still some changes you can make to create a more effective study environment.\n\n<\/div>\n

Don\u2019t Do Anything Academically \u201cHalf-assed\u201d<\/h3>\nHalf-assed is defined as poorly or incompetently done.\n\nThink of it this way: You\u2019ve made the decision to come to college. You\u2019re investing time, energy and money into your commitment. Why would you want to half-ass it? Students who miss class, turn in work late or wait until the last minute are half-assing it. Make college a priority and do your best in all of your college work and preparation.\n\nApply these basic principles and you will be giving yourself the best opportunity to achieve success. And I\u2019ll let you in on a little secret: apply this to all aspects not just academics and you\u2019ll find success in life!\n\n<\/div>\n
\n

Licenses and Attributions:<\/h3>\nContent previously copyrighted, published in Blueprint for Success in College: Indispensable Study Skills and Time Management Strategies (by Dave Dillon), now licensed as CC-BY Attribution.\n\nCC licensed content, previously shared:\nNissila, Phyllis. How to Learn Like a Pro!<\/em> Open Oregon Educational Resources, 2016. Located at: https:\/\/openoregon.pressbooks.pub\/collegereading\/chapter\/lesson-2-5-study-areas-for-individuals-and-groups\/<\/a>\u00a0 License: CC BY: Attribution.\n\nAdaptions: Exercises for Study Groups and Tips for Effective, Individual Study Areas added from Lesson 2.5 Study Areas and Study Groups.\n\n\"Cluttered desk\"<\/a> image by OpenClipart-Vectors<\/a> is in the Public Domain, CC0<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","rendered":"
\n
\n

\u201cIf you study to remember, you will forget, but, if you study to understand, you will remember.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

– Unknown<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

I often start this section of my class with a question: Why do some students earn good grades and others do not? Answers vary. Students with poor grades have said students with good grades are born book smart. Students with good grades answer that studying and hard work got them there. What do you think?<\/p>\n

Everyone likes to earn an A grade. Despite the stigma of being a \u201cnerd,\u201d it feels good to receive good grades. Take pride in your preparation, take pride in your studying, and take pride in your accomplishments.<\/p>\n

I have also noticed over the years with my classes that students know many things they need to do in order to achieve good grades \u2013 they just don\u2019t always perform them.<\/p>\n

Be Prepared for Each Week<\/h3>\n

Complete your assigned reading ahead of the deadline. Follow the syllabus and check in on the class multiple times a week. It is important for students to check their e-mail regularly as well as Announcements or notifications from their instructor through the LMS.<\/p>\n

Plan your Schedule<\/h3>\n

Participating in the class each week requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation. Doing so will help you remain engaged and involved in course topics, provide insight into what your instructor deems most important, allow you to submit work and receive your graded assignments and give you the opportunity to take quizzes or exams that cannot be made up.<\/p>\n

Missing class is a major factor in students dropping courses or receiving poor grades. In addition, students attempting to make up the work from missing class often find it overwhelming. It\u2019s challenging to catch up if we get behind.<\/p>\n

Take Notes When You Are Reading<\/h3>\n

For the same reason as above, it is helpful to take notes while you are reading to maximize memorization. Sometimes called Active Reading, the goal is to stay focused on the material and to be able to refer back to notes made while reading to improve retention and study efficiency. Don\u2019t make the mistake of expecting to remember everything you are reading. Taking notes when reading requires effort and energy. Be willing to do it and you\u2019ll reap the benefits later.<\/p>\n

Know What the College Resources Are and Where They Are, and Use Them<\/h3>\n

There are many resources at your college or university and it\u2019s likely that they are underutilized because students don\u2019t know they exist, where they are or that most of them are free. Find out what is available to you by checking your school\u2019s website for campus resources or student services, or talk to a counselor about what resources may be helpful for you. Check to see where your campus has resources for Counseling, Tutoring, Writing assistance, a Library, Admissions and Records (or Registrar\u2019s), Financial Aid, Health Center, Career Center, Disability Support Services, and other support services.<\/p>\n

Read and Retain Your Syllabus<\/h3>\n

In addition to acting as a contract between the instructor and you, the syllabus is also often the source of information for faculty contact information, textbook information, classroom behavior expectations, attendance policy and course objectives. Some students make the mistake of stuffing the syllabus in their backpack when they receive it on the first day of class and never take a look at it again. Those who clearly read it, keep it for reference and review it frequently find themselves more prepared for class. If there is something in the syllabus you don\u2019t understand, ask your instructor about it before class, after class or during their office hours.<\/p>\n

Place Your Assignments on Your Master Calendar and Create Plans for Completing Them Before They Are Due<\/h3>\n

Remember the story about the sticky notes? Place all of your assignments for all of your classes with their due dates in your calendar, planner, smart phone or whatever you use for organization. Successful students will also schedule when to start those assignments and have an idea of how long it will take to complete them.<\/p>\n

Complete All of Your Assignments<\/h3>\n

There will be things that you are more interested in doing than your assignments and unexpected life happenings that will come up. Students who earn good grades have the motivation and discipline to complete all of their assignments.<\/p>\n

Have Someone Read Your Papers Before You Submit Them<\/h3>\n

You might be surprised to learn how many students turn in papers with spelling, grammar and punctuation errors that could have been easily corrected by using a spellchecker program or having someone read your paper. Many schools offer writing centers or tutors who will read your paper and give feedback, make suggestions, and help shape ideas. Take advantage of these services if they are offered. Another strategy is to read your paper aloud to yourself. You may catch errors when you read aloud that you might not catch when reading your writing. Remember that it is always the students\u2019 responsibility to have papers proofread, not someone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Ask Questions<\/h3>\n

Many students feel like they are the only one that has a question or the only one that doesn\u2019t understand something in class. I encourage you to ask questions during class, especially if your instructor encourages them. If not, make the effort to ask your questions before or after class or during your instructors\u2019 office hours.<\/p>\n

If you take a class offered online, I suggest asking a lot of questions via the preferred method your instructor recommends. Since the delivery method is different to what most students are used to, I believe it is natural for students in online courses to have more questions. Online students may ask questions to understand the material and to be able to successfully navigate through the course content.<\/p>\n

Inside information: I expect students to ask questions for both in person and online courses I teach.<\/p>\n

Complete All Assigned Reading at The Time It Is Assigned<\/h3>\n

College courses have much more assigned reading than what most high school students are accustomed to, and it can take a while to become comfortable with the workload. Some students fall behind early in keeping up with the reading requirements and others fail to read it at all. You will be most prepared for your class and for learning if you complete the reading assigned before your class. Staying on top of your syllabus and class calendar will help you be aware of your reading assignment deadlines. There is a difference in assigned reading between high school and college. In high school, if a teacher gave a handout to read in class, students would often read it during class to prepare to participate in a class discussion. In college, more reading is assigned with the expectation it will be done outside of the classroom. It is a big adjustment students need to make in order to be successful.<\/p>\n

Study Groups<\/h3>\n

Often it’s difficult to connect with other students in an online class. Make a plan to reach out to a few fellow students during a class. Pay attention to what students write in their discussion posts. Use these assignments to help get to know your classmates and, if possible, try to connect with them outside of your class. Building this type of “community of practice” will help you feel more a part of your college experience.<\/p>\n

Review for Exams<\/h3>\n

Preparation for an exam should begin on the first week of the course, not when the exam is announced nor the night before an exam. Review your notes frequently to keep material fresh in your head.<\/p>\n

Schedule Time for Studying<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s easy to put off studying if it\u2019s not something we schedule. Block specific times and days for studying. Put the times on your calendar. Stick to the schedule.<\/p>\n

Study In a Location and At a Time That Is Best for You<\/h3>\n

Some students study best in the morning and some at night. Some excel at a coffee shop, and others at the library. The place and time in which students often study is usually the most convenient for them. Students often find convenient places and times may also be full of distractions and thus are not good choices for them to study. It\u2019s worth the effort to study at the time and place that will be most productive for you. For most students, it is best to turn off the cell phone and TV and to keep off the Internet (and social media) unless it directly relates to your work.<\/p>\n

Tips for Effective, Individual Study Spaces<\/h3>\n
\"Desk
“Cluttered desk”<\/a> by OpenClipart-Vectors<\/a> is in the Public Domain, CC0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most students more or less take what they can get when it comes to study areas. Schools usually offer a variety of nooks and crannies for students to hunker down and get their assignments done. The school library is a good (and quiet) place. Many common areas elsewhere on campus have tables, chairs, couches, and lounges to accommodate learners. But most students end up doing the majority of their out-of-class work at home.<\/p>\n

Home environments may be limited in terms of providing all of the recommended aspects of a good study space, but many of the recommendations can be either implemented or adapted from what a student has on hand or what can be improvised no matter what environment he or she is living in. Elements conducive to a more effective study\/homework experience include such things as good lighting, ample supplies, comfortable seating, adequate space, and personalizing the study area to add a touch of inspiration and motivation.<\/p>\n

\n

EXERCISE
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

PART A<\/p>\n

Describe your current study area at home–the good, the bad, the ugly. Be thorough.<\/p>\n

PART B<\/p>\n

List as many ways you think you can realistically improve, change, (or start over…) your study area. Remember, you might not have the advantage of a whole room, or even a corner of a room, but there are still some changes you can make to create a more effective study environment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Don\u2019t Do Anything Academically \u201cHalf-assed\u201d<\/h3>\n

Half-assed is defined as poorly or incompetently done.<\/p>\n

Think of it this way: You\u2019ve made the decision to come to college. You\u2019re investing time, energy and money into your commitment. Why would you want to half-ass it? Students who miss class, turn in work late or wait until the last minute are half-assing it. Make college a priority and do your best in all of your college work and preparation.<\/p>\n

Apply these basic principles and you will be giving yourself the best opportunity to achieve success. And I\u2019ll let you in on a little secret: apply this to all aspects not just academics and you\u2019ll find success in life!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Licenses and Attributions:<\/h3>\n

Content previously copyrighted, published in Blueprint for Success in College: Indispensable Study Skills and Time Management Strategies (by Dave Dillon), now licensed as CC-BY Attribution.<\/p>\n

CC licensed content, previously shared:
\nNissila, Phyllis. How to Learn Like a Pro!<\/em> Open Oregon Educational Resources, 2016. Located at: https:\/\/openoregon.pressbooks.pub\/collegereading\/chapter\/lesson-2-5-study-areas-for-individuals-and-groups\/<\/a>\u00a0 License: CC BY: Attribution.<\/p>\n

Adaptions: Exercises for Study Groups and Tips for Effective, Individual Study Areas added from Lesson 2.5 Study Areas and Study Groups.<\/p>\n

“Cluttered desk”<\/a> image by OpenClipart-Vectors<\/a> is in the Public Domain, CC0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["dave-dillon","phyllis-nissila"],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[62,65],"license":[],"class_list":["post-50","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","contributor-dave-dillon","contributor-phyllis-nissila"],"part":39,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/50","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/50\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/50\/revisions\/51"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/39"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/50\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=50"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=50"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/blueprintforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=50"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}