Dr. Yates.....
|
From the Desk of Dr. Yates..... |
For many years I have worked toward improving the study habits
of every student in grades six, seven and eight. During the first week of school,
I conduct a study skills class in Social Studies designed to help the students
study smarter, not harder.
The following outline will aid you in helping your child improve their study
s
kills at home. Each child has a copy of these tips
in his/her binder.
***************************************
Start--->Prepare: Read
the chapter, Outline, Questions, Study
Make notes count: Date, Copy words from board, Look for Sheets- when assigned, before the lecture. teacher clues, Reread notes as soon as possible, correct spelling, recopy, Flesh out, Compare with a friend.
Arrange time:
20 minutes each day 60 minutes once during the week
5 10 5 15 30 15
+10 remembering +30 recall
10 minutes X 5 days= 50 minutes of recall
Review
Test: Review errors and learn from mistakes
Prepare:
1. Read chapter
2. Do questions/ study guides when assigned [before class]
This will give you a focus for the day’s class discussion and lecture.
Taking Notes:
1. Write down the date and copy any phrase words listed on the board.
2. Teacher may give verbal clues as to what is important such as: “Write this in your memory book!” etc.
Review:
1. Reread your notes as soon as possible after class.
2. Correct spelling
3. Elaborate on your abbreviations, “Flesh out your notes.”
4. You can even compare with a friend out loud--a double benefit for both of you.
Taking Notes in Class:
1. Write the date; Copy any words or phrases listed on the board;
Write down only the important ideas.
2. Review notes from the previous day before you “refresh” your new notes. It is a double study bonus. It is another review of yesterday’s work and a focus for today’s new work.
3. Do your reading before the lecture. This gives you an idea of the content of the lecture. Your notes will be more organized.
You may want to outline the lecture. Write ideas not words--
get the big picture. Unless a specific point is stressed in the
lecture.
4. Keep your notes organized in a looseleaf binder. Write on one side of the paper only. Use of the other side for notes from the textbook.
5. Use abbreviations; write only the beginning of the word; use only consonants, omit vowels; use as dash if things are going too fast, you can fill in later; do not erase or blank out a mistake, draw a line instead.
6. How can I tell what is important?
A point is important in a lecture when the following occurs:
1. Information is repeated
2. Information is written on the chalkboard
3. When the lecturer pauses so you can write down the statement
4. When the lecturer gives verbal clues: e.g.
“Write this in your memory book!”
Organizing Your Time:
1. Do things which requires deep concentration during your prime time.
2. Study in small chunks of time.
3. Short study breaks: small snack, get-up and move around.
4. Vary your activities-alternate a period of reading with writing or math.
5. Try to study at the same time each day.
6. Study in a place with the least amount of distractions; make sure you have the proper materials assembled before you begin.
7. You must study DAILY: a large portion of what is ultimately forgotten is forgotten with 24 hours after being heard or read for the first time.
“Organization is the KEY!”