Agenda

1
Agenda

• Part 1 Being a Prepared Student
• Part 2 Being an Effective Listener
• Part 3 Taking Quality Notes
• Part 4 Preparing for Tests
• Part 5 Dealing with Anxiety

2
Student Effectiveness Starts With Being Prepared

• "Always have a plan and believe in it. Nothing
  good happens by accident."
• 
  Chuck Knox, NFL football coach

3
Top 12 Study Skills Necessary for
Academic Success

• Note taking
• Goal Setting
• Selecting Ideas from Texts and Lectures
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Concentration and Attentional Skills
• Test Preparation
• Questioning Skills
• Inference Skills
• Self-Directional Processes
• Verbal Elaboration Ability
• Imaginal Elaboration

http//learningassistance.com/2007/september/print
ables/studyskillsprint.html
4
Being Prepared Means

• Using a three-ring binder
• Pages can be easily removed for reviewing.
• Handouts can be inserted into your notes for
  cross-referencing.
• You can insert your own out-of-class notes in the
  correct order.
• Bringing highlighters to class. Highlight when
  the instructor says
• "This is an important concept.
• "Make sure you understand this."
• Reading assigned material and previous class
  notes before class.
• Note concepts you don't understand.
• Look up vocabulary words that are unfamiliar to
  you.

5
Effective Listening

• "Learn how to listen and you will prosper even
  from those who talk badly."
• Plutarch (A.D. 46 - 120). Greek biographer and
  philosopher

6
Effective Listening is

• Having a positive attitude
• Being an active listener
• Adapting to the direction of the lecture
• Never
• Calling the Subject Dull
• Criticizing the Speaker
• Getting Over-stimulated
• Listening Only For Facts
• Trying To Outline Everything
• Faking Attention
• Tolerating Distraction
• Choosing Only What's Easy
• Letting Emotion-Laden Words Get In The Way
• Wasting the Differential Between Speech and
  Thought Speed

7
Effective Note-Taking

• "Never use a sentence when you can use a phrase,
  or a phrase when you can use a word.
  Berkeley

8
General Note-Taking Guidelines

• Start each new lecture on a new page
• Date number each page
• Write on one side of the paper only
• Leave blank spaces.
• Make your notes as brief
• Use abbreviations and symbols.
• Note unfamiliar vocabulary / concepts

9
Include in Your Notes

• Main Points with supporting
• Details
• Facts
• Explanations
• Discussed enumerations or lists
• Definitions, word for word
• Material written on boards or transparencies
• Drawings or charts. 
• Repeated or spelled information

10
Always Edit Your Notes

• Review notes within 24 hours
• Edit for illegible words and phrases
• Write out abbreviated words that might be unclear
  later
• Edit with a different colored pen
• Fill in key words / questions in the left-hand
  column
• Highlight what you don't understand
• Fill in notes from your textbook

11
Note-Taking Systems

• The Cornell Method
• The Outline Method
• The Mapping Method
• The Charting Method
• The Sentence Method

12
The Cornell Method

• Method
• 2½ inch left-hand margin / 6 inch right-hand
  margin
• Take notes in 6 inch area
• New point, skip a few lines
• Clean up notes after class--create summaries
• Write a cue in the left margin
• Review by covering notes with a card
• Say cue / say material underneath the card
• Move the card / see if what you said matches what
  is written
• Advantages
• Organized and systematic
• Easy format for pulling out major concept and
  ideas
• Simple and efficient
• Saves time and effort
• Disadvantages None
• When to Use - Any lecture

13
The Outline Method

• Method
• Organized space indention pattern
• Major points left / more specific right
• Levels of importance distance away from the
  major point
• Space relationships will indicate the major/minor
  points
• Advantages
• Well-organized
• Records content / relationships
• Reduces editing / easy to review--turning main
  points into questions
• Disadvantages
• Requires thought in class for accurate
  organization
• May not show sequence relationships
• Cannot be used if the lecture is too fast.
• When to UseWhen
• Lecture presented in outlinedeductive or
  inductive
• Sufficient time is available
• You can handle the outlining regardless of the
  situation.

14
The Mapping Method

• Method
• Relates fact or idea to every other fact or idea
• Graphic representation of lecture content
• Maximizes active participation / Emphasizes
  critical thinking
• Advantages
• Visually track the lecture
• Relationships can easily be seen
• Easy to edit by adding numbers, marks, and color
  coding
• Review by restructuring thought processes
• Disadvantages
• May not hear changes from major points to facts
• When to UseWhen
• Lecture content is heavy well-organized
• A guest lecturer presents

15
The Charting Method

• Method
• Determine the categories
• Set up paper in advance by columns headed by
  categories
• Listen record information into appropriate
  categories
• Advantages
• Helps you track the lecture
• Reduces amount of writing
• Provides easy review mechanism
• for memorization of facts
• for study of comparisons and relationships
• Disadvantages
• Learning how to use the system
• Locating appropriate categories
• When to UseWhen
• Test focuses on facts and relationships
• Content is heavy and presented fast
• You want to reduce the amount of time you spend
  editing and reviewing
• You want an overview of the whole course on one
  big paper sequence

16
The Sentence Method

• Method
• Write every new thought, fact or topic numbered
  on a separate line
• Advantages
• Slightly more organized than the paragraph
• Gets more or all of the information
• Disadvantages
• Cant determine major/minor points
• Difficult to edit without rewriting to by
  clustering related points
• Difficult to review unless editing cleans up
  relationship
• When to UseWhen
• Lecture is organized heavy with content
  quickly delivered
• You hear different points, but dont know how
  they fit together
• Instructor presents in point fashion without
  related groups

17
Note-Paper Generators

• http//www.simson.net/notepaper/index.cgi
• http//www.eleven21.com/notetaker/
• http//www.botsko.net/Demos/notepad_generator/

18
Testing Effectiveness Starts With Being Prepared

• "A good plan, violently executed now, is better
  than a perfect plan next week.
• General George S. Patton Jr.

19
General Test Taking Tips

• Preparation for your first test begins the first
  day of class
• Studying
• Completing homework assignments
• Reviewing study materials on a regular basis.
• Manage your time
• Go to any review sessions offer by the instructor
• Pay attention to hints
• Take careful notes
• Ask questions

20
General Test Taking Tips(continued)

• Go to class immediately before test
• Review material from
• Practice tests
• Homework
• Sample problems
• Review material
• The textbook
• Class notes
• Eat a light meal for energy and focus

21
General Test Taking Tips(continued)

• No all-nighters
• Sleep at least 3 hours
• Set your alarm
• Set a backup alarm
• Create a one page study sheet
• Go to the bathroom before the test
• Get to class 5 minutes before the test

22
Specific Test Taking Tips

• Bring
• Two pens/pencils with good erasers
• Calculator with enough batteries
• Any other resources that your instructor allows
• Watch
• Keep a positive attitude / Stay relaxed
• Survey the entire test / pace yourself
• Do easiest problems first / skip what you dont
  know
• Ask for clarification
• Write legibly
• Read the whole question / no assumptions
• When done check over the complete test
• Put your first and last name on the test

23
Post Test Taking Tips

• Check for grading mistakes
• Analyze learn from your mistakes
• Take notes on correct answers
• Seek make-up exam / extra credit
• Study test for cumulative exams

24
Multiple Choice Strategies

• Read question first determine the answer
• Read all choices / Use process of elimination
• Make educated guesses
• Don't change your answer
• Dont choose "All of the above" if any distracter
  is false
• Dont choose "None of the above" if any
  distracter is true
• Two or more distracters correct choose All of
  the above
• A positive choice more likely to be true than a
  negative one
• Correct answer / choice with the most
  information.

25
Essay Test Strategies

• Read the directions / Follow them exactly
• Make sure you understand the question
• Write everything you know about the question
• Budget your time
• Question asks for facts, give facts, not opinions
  
• Write legibly / Be neat
• Outline your essay so it is organized and flows
• No long introductions conclusions/ Spend time
  answering question(s)
• Focus on one main idea per paragraph.
• Proofread correct errors
• Draw one line through a mistake

26
True-False Test Strategies

• Most tests have more true than false answers
• Guess if no penalty applies
• Read each statement carefully
• Pay attention to the qualifiers and keywords
• Never, always, every lead to a false answer.
• Usually, sometimes, and generally" mean lead to a
  true answer
• Part false / All false
• Part true / True or False

27
Short Answer Test Strategies

• Create flashcards
• Front--key terms, dates and concepts
• Back--definition, event, and explanations
• Anticipate questions prepare answers
• No blanks--go for partial credit
• Don't know--come back make educated guess
• Read question carefully / multiple parts

28
Math Test-Taking Strategies

• Repetition Results in Math
• Practice solving problems on each topic in
  different levels of difficulty
• Solve problems on your own first, then check
  answers
• Create study sheet w/formulas memorize them
• When you get test write formulas in margins
• Read directions carefully
• Answer all parts of each question
• Estimate answers
• Show all your work
• Write legibly
• Don't erase work--go for partial credit
• Check test when done--Make sure
• Redo questionable problems on a separate piece of
  paper
• Compare reworked answer to test answer
• Look for careless mistakes
• Copied the numbers correctly
• Signs are correct
• Arithmetic is correct

29
Open Book Test-Taking Strategies

• Open book tests are usually difficult so
• Spend equal or greater amount of time preparing
• Be Familiar with book relevant materials
• Create study sheet with most important
  information
• Focus on main ideas where they are located
• Highlight important points
• Use post-it notes
• Bookmarks
• Annotate book
• Bring all resources instructor allows
• Answer easy questions first
• Dont over-quote / Provide insight commentary

30
Self-SabotageAnxiety

• I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace,
  harmony, health, love and abundance. Then,
  whenever doubt, anxiety or fear try to call me,
  they keep getting a busy signal and soon
  theyll forget my number. Edith Armstrong

31
Test Anxiety Stress

• SoWhat is stress?
• our perceptions of and reactions to the positive
  or negative situations that occur in our lives.

32
Fight or Flight Response

• Pituitary gland automatically releases
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which signals
• Adrenal glands to release the stress hormones
• Adrenaline
• Cortisol
• Hormones help us
• Focus on the situation at hand
• Speed up reaction times
• Temporarily boost our physical strength and
  agility

33
Fight or Flight Response(continued)

• Automatic physiological responses to stress
• Heart pounds
• Hands/Feet cooler than usual
• Face warm/Cheeks ears pink
• Pressure headache
• Mouth dry
• Upset stomach or butterflies in stomach
• Feel restless
• Sweat / Hands clammy

34
Fight or Flight Response(continued)

• Emotional responses
• Frustration
• Anger
• Virtually every organ and every chemical
  constituent of the human body is involved in the
  general stress reaction.
• Dr. Hans Selye, The Stress of Life

35
Three Levels of Stress

• Acute stress
• Most manageable
• Heart rates jump
• Blood pressures raise
• Tension headaches
• Momentarily angry, elated, boisterous or
  resentful
• Temporary
• Step back to curb out of the path of a vehicle
• Home team wins (or loses)
• Cry in joy, relief, frustration

36
Levels of Stress(continued)

• Episodic acute stress
• Life gets the best of you
• Deserve a raise and/or promotion, but dont ask
• Life spins out of control
• One disaster after another
• Illness
• Divorce
• Loss of employment
• Symptoms
• Recurring headaches
• Indigestion
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

37
Levels of Stress(continued)

• Chronic stress
• Literally wears us out
• Body mind reacts / serious long-term physical
  and/or mental disorders.
• Occurs when situations become impossible
• Long ignored symptoms become invisible
• Grinding teeth
• Tremors
• Confusion
• Forgetfulness
• Over-eating
• Alcoholism

38
Effects of Stress

• Acute Stress
• Headaches
• Digestive problems
• Eating disorders
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Episodic Stress
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Chronic Stress
• Hopelessness
• Constant anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia and delusions
• Suicide

39
Managing Stress

• Take a Deep Breath Count to 10
• Stand up and smile / Every cloud has a silver
  lining
• Take a short walk / Exercise / Participate in a
  sport
• Stop and Smell the Roses / Take the time to enjoy
  life
• Sleep on it / Take a nap / Get a good night's
  rest
• Know your limitations / Dare to say no
• Be pro-active in finding peace
• Need help, ask for it / Talk to a friend
• Eat healthily
• Listen to your favorite music
• Plan out your time and prioritize
• Get a massage / Take a warm bath
• Read a book / Watch TV / Play a game

40
Reducing Test Anxiety

• Be well prepared
• Space out your studying
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Exercise to help reduce stress.
• Get a good night's sleep before the test
• Be on time to class / Not too early
• Stay relaxed / Use relaxation strategies
• Read the directions slowly and carefully
• Skim through the test / Pace yourself
• Record formulas, facts, definitions, keywords in
  the margin
• Build confidence / Do the simple questions first
• Don't worry about how fast other people finish
  their test
• Don't know, skip it come back later
• Focus / Don't let your mind wander

41
A Final Thought

• He has achieved success who has lived well,
  laughed often and loved much who has gained the
  respect of intelligent men and the love of little
  children who has filled his niche and
  accomplished his task who has left the world
  better than he found it, whether by an improved
  poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul who has
  never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or
  failed to express it who has always looked for
  the best in others and given them the best he
  had whose life was an inspiration whose memory
  a benediction.
  
• Bessie Stanley

42
References
Web Addresses http//www.dartmouth.edu/acskills/s
uccess/notes.html http//jerz.setonhill.edu/writin
g/academic/notes-tips.htm http//www.testtakingtip
s.com/ http//www.stressmanagementtips.com/ Books
Hipp, Earl (1995). Fighting Invisible Tigers.
MN Free Spirit Publishing. Smith, Brenda D.
(2008). Bridging the Gap (9TH ed.). NY
Pearson Education, Inc. Mather, Peter and
McCarthy, Rita (2007). Reading and All That Jazz
(3rd ed.). IL McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.