Developing Study Skills

1
DevelopingStudy Skills

• Act 101 Program
• Delaware County Community College

2
Workshop Objectives

• Recognize the importance of preparation
• Introduce tools and techniques to effectively
• Manage Time
• Prepare and take tests

3
Tools

• To-Do List
• Action Plans
• Schedules

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To-Do Lists

• Lists all the things that you need to accomplish
  during the day.

5
Sample To-Do List

• Go to class
• Finish math homework
• Go to the library and begin research
• Go to the gym
• Call my friend
• Go to work

6
Action Plan

• A list of things that you must do in order to
  complete an assignment.

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Action Plan

• Example Write a book report
• Choose the book
• Read the book
• Write an outline
• Write first rough draft
• Have someone read my draft
• Make corrections
• Write final product
• Turn in book report

8
Scheduling Tools

• Diaries
• Calendars
• Paper-based organizers
• PDAs
• Computer software
• 3 X 5 Cards

9
I cant remember

• Relax
• Recite and repeat
• Write it down
• Reduce distraction
• Visualize

10
Review Times

• Daily Reviews
• Conduct short reviews every day 15 minutes
• Begin to review on the first day of class
• Weekly reviews
• Are longer about an hour per subject
• Review each subject at least once a week
• Review assigned readings and notes
• Major reviews
• They usually take place the week before tests
• Give yourself a short test
• Study the most difficult subject first

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Plan a strategy

• Create review tools
• Study checklist
• Flash cards
• Do a dry run
• Practice the task you will actually do on the
  exam
• Write down your own questions and take this
  test before real test
• Ask the teacher what is on the test

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Now that you have the test

• Pay attention to instructions given by the
  teacher
• Read all the directions slowly
• Write on the margin memory aids, formulas,
  equation, facts, before you forget
• Quickly look over the whole test
• Some questions may help you answer others
• Answer the easiest, shortest questions first

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What is the answer?

• Multiple Choice
• Answer each question in your head before you look
  at the answer
• Eliminate incorrect choices
• Guess unless you are penalized for it
• True-False
• If any part of a statement is false, the entire
  statement is false
• Sentence that use all or never are usually
  false
• Sentence with words like seldom or general
  are more likely to be true
• Matching
• Read both columns completely before answering
• Fill-In
• Test the question by reading it with your
  possible answer

14
Math Science Exams

• Translate problems into English
• Perform opposite operations
• Make a picture
• Check your work periodically
• Leave enough time to review your answers If you
  become frustrated, come back to the problem later

15
Integrity in test taking

• We learn less
• Fear of getting caught promotes stress
• Violating our values promotes stress
• Cheating on tests can make it easier to violate
  our integrity again
• Cheating lowers our self-concept

16
Reducing test anxiety

• Reasons for test anxiety
• Poor preparation or poor test taking skills
• Negative test taking experience
• Negative attitude about school
• Low self-confidence

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Reducing test anxiety

• Reducing test anxiety
• Remember to take care of yourself (sleep and eat
  well before an exam)
• Take practice exams
• Come prepare
• Make an effort to relax during the test
• Engage in positive self-talk