Study Skills Flashcards
Listening
Hearing Focusing Listening for deeper meanings (tone of voice etc.) Observing - non verbal cues
Listening Tips
Eyes on speaker - ignore distractions Focus on content not on delivery Key words and statements Objective and open-minded Active - ask yourself questions Ask questions in class Repeat key concepts in your head Keep notes of key points
Reading
Active - make sure you understand Clear purpose Analyse - break passage into parts and understand each part Out loud
SQ3R Method
Survey - Scan, get overview, look at
headings and illustrations, examine
introduction and conclusion.
Question - Who is the writer? About
whom is the passage? Main characters?
Main idea? Where? Why was it written?
How is the idea expressed?
Read - Concentrate on details, look for
answers to questions, highlight main ideas,
form picture in your mind, make notes,
decipher difficult words or phrases.
Recite - At end of each section, tell
yourself the main points. Check your
memory against the text.
Review - The whole passage (the main
points from each section) and then read the
whole passage again.
Reading and Summarising
Read Re-read and underline key details Cut out unnecessary information Write only main ideas List main points neatly or in mind map Edit summary
Mind Maps
Summarise information Main theme/idea in middle of page Each arm represents an important idea - using a keyword Each arm can have secondary arms Pictures and different colours can help with memory
Tips for Good Concentration
Don’t study too long without a break Reward yourself for concentrating Stay away from TV or distracting music Choose a quiet place to study Use a supportive chair be actively involved Form pictures in your mind Repeat your thoughts
Memory
Your brain stores information at different levels: Short-term Long-term (and in between) You need long-term memory to succeed at school.
Memory Tips and Tricks
Mnemonics: Aids like associations,
acronyms, rhymes, pictures or lists etc.
Organisation and Time Management
Books, notes - easy access Important academic dates listed Revision programme for tests etc. Daily routine Comfortable place where you can study Eliminating distractions
Annual Study Plan
Determine dates that are out of your control -
holidays, extra-murals, camps.
Add other dates - Tests, assignment deadlines,
exam dates.
Determine dates over which you have control
- work backwards from test, assignment and
exam dates. Work out how long you will need
to prepare for these - how many hours, how
many days and mark these days. (Don’t forget
to include relaxation breaks and a healthy
sleep schedule)
Study Methods
Note Taking Summarising Mind Maps Problem-solving Skills Critical Thinking Creative Skills Assignment and Essay Construction
Note Taking
Point form Mind maps Number facts Long hand Abbreviations Read notes out loud to yourself (auditory)
Problem-solving Skills
Identify a problem Think of cause of problem Think of possible solutions Evaluate solutions Decide on best solution and implement Monitor and evaluate implemented solution
Critical Thinking
Don’t just memorise Interrogate the information Identify key arguments Evaluate arguments and statements Connect ideas Compare ideas Draw conclusions How do your values influence your ideas on the topic?
