Guidelines to Improve Academic Skills

Compiled by Charles Morse, MA, LMHC

Organize yourself and materials
- Start the term off by finding a "place for everything."
- Set aside a few minutes each day to put "everything in its place."
- Create and maintain an organized schedule.
Improve study skills
- When
  - Spread out work throughout the week; avoid marathon sessions.
  - Establish a routine or pattern of studying.
  - Become more aware of when your peak studying times are (when you are functioning most effectively).
  - Allow enough study time for each class (15-20 hours/class).
  - Use time between classes effectively.
- Where
  - Establish a "regular study area" away from your room.
  - Don't get too comfortable; keep alert.
  - If you have to study in your room, make sure it's at a time when there will be minimal distractions.
  - Eliminate distractions; make sure your work area is uncluttered.
- How
  - Get boring and/or difficult work out of the way first, while you're fresh and have more energy.
  - Take a 10-minute break every hour; get away from where you are; stretch; relax; have a snack.
  - Allow longer blocks of time for writing, outlining, problem solving, reading, shorter spaced time periods for memorization and review.
  - Pay attention; attack boring material and try to make it interesting.
  - When tired or bored, switch to another subject or place; don't waste time studying when you're not productive.
Improve note taking.
- Before class
  - Choose a notebook which will enhance note taking.
  - Review notes from previous lecture and anticipate material to be covered.
  - Skim related reading assignments to identify major ideas and concepts.
  - Develop a system for taking and organizing notes.
- During class
  - Go to class and choose a seat in the classroom which will enhance your ability to pay attention ("the success T").
  - Start a new page for each class, dated and numbered.
  - Listen actively; try to stay focused, especially at the end of class.
  - Get to know professors' styles; how they indicate what's important.
  - Ask questions if you don't understand or if there's a gap in your notes.
- After class
  - Go over and rewrite notes as soon as possible after class.
  - Highlight important concepts, definitions, assignments, etc.
  - Compare notes with classmates' or professor's lecture notes.
  - Write down any questions you have.
Improving concentration (your ability to screen out unwanted stimuli)
- Minimize unnecessary external stimuli (In English that means find a quiet place to study.)
- Make sure you have all the materials you'll need to work before starting.
- Become more effective at catching yourself daydreaming; increase self-control.
- Build in breaks, 10 minutes every hour.
- Take care of problems or issues that are unresolved; if it can be resolved quickly, do it; if it can't be resolved now, decide on when and how to resolve it later.
Improving memory
- Become more aware of your prominent "learning style" (auditory, visual, or kinesthetic) and use it to your advantage.
- To memorize information study in several short sessions (preferably before bed) as opposed to one or two longer blocks of time.
- Outline material (chapters, notes from lectures) into networks.
- Use mnemonic devices:
  - rhyme, acronym, house tour
- Paraphrase material to understand it better.
Test Preparation
- Approach test preparation with a positive attitude.
  
  The test is a challenge/opportunity, not a punishment.
- Anticipate what the test will be like.
  
  How long, what kind, what's on it.
  Review sample test if possible.
  Interview friends.
- Use "Term Overview" and "Time Management Schedule" to plan when and how you are going to prepare for the test.
- Spread out study sessions with lots of repetition.
- Use "learning styles" to organize and practice material.
- Get involved in study groups and/or review sessions.
- Be prepared physically and emotionally for test.
- Get enough sleep; eat well; resolve problems.
Test taking
- Get to the test early enough to find a good place to sit and adjust to the room
  
  Stay away from anxious friends...relax!
- Learn how to recognize and control anxiety.
- Jot down concepts or formulas you're afraid you might forget.
- Read directions carefully.
- Look over entire exam before starting.
- Answer easy questions first.
- Trust your instincts (first response).
- Maintain positive attitude.
  
  Tune into self-talk

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Last modified: June 01, 2007 10:42:43