9/16/2008

how to study
Herni Suprapti

how to study

Good Listening In Class

Taking Notes in Class
Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place
Study Groups
Your Preferred Learning Style
A Strategy for Reading Textbooks
Multiple-Choice Tests
Setting Goals
Succeeding in College

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Good Listening In Class

Just hearing what your teachers say is not
the same as listening to what they say.
Listening is a cognitive act that requires
you to pay attention and think about and
mentally process what you hear

Good Listening In Class

Be Cognitively Ready to Listen.

Be Emotionally Ready to Listen.
Listen with a Purpose.
Listen with an Open Mind.
Be Attentive.
Be an Active Listener.
Accept the Challenge.
Triumph Over the Environment.

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Taking Notes in Class

three-stage process :
before class
during class
after class

Taking Notes in Class

Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class)
Take Notes (During Class)
Rewrite Your Notes (After Class)

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Get Ready to Take Notes (Before

Class)
Review your notes from the previous class session
before you come to class. This will help you
remember what was covered and get you ready to
understand new information your teacher provides.
Complete all assigned readings before you come to
class. Your teacher will expect that you have done
this and will use and build upon this information.
Bring all notetaking materials with you to class. Have
several pens and pencils as well as your notebook.

Take Notes (During Class)

Keep your attention focused on what your teacher is
saying. Listen for "signal statements" that tell you that
what your teacher is about to say is important to write
in your notes. Examples of signal statements are "The
most important point..." and "Remember that ... " Be
sure to include in your notes information that your
teacher repeats or writes on the chalkboard.
Write quickly so that you can include all the important
information in your notes. Do this by writing
abbreviated words such as med for medicine, using
symbols such as % for percent, and writing short
sentences.
Place a ? next to information you write in your notes,
but about whose meaning you are not sure.

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Rewrite Your Notes (After Class)

Rewrite your notes to make them more complete by
changing abbreviated words into whole words,
symbols into words, and shortened sentences into
longer sentences.
Make your notes more accurate by answering any
questions you had when writing your notes in class.
Use your textbook and reference sources to obtain
the information you need to answer your questions. If
necessary, ask your teacher or other students for
help.
Check with other students to be sure you did not
leave out important information.

Having good class notes will help you to be

better prepared for tests.

Preparing to Study: A Good

Study Place
Is my Study Place available to me whenever I need
it?
Is my Study Place free from interruptions?
Is my Study Place free from distractions?
Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I
need?
Does my Study Space contain a large enough desk
or table?
Does my Study Place have enough storage space?
Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair?
Does my Study Place have enough light?
Does my Study Place have a comfortable
temperature?

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Study Groups
Benefits of a Study Group
Getting a Study Group Started
Characteristics of a Successful Study
Group
Possible Pitfalls of a Study Group

Study Groups
Benefits of a Study Group
A support group can "pick you up" when you find that
your motivation to study is slipping. The other group
members can be a source of encouragement.
You may be reluctant to ask a question in class. You will
find it easier to do so in a small study group.
You may become more committed to study because the
group members are depending on your presentation and
participation. You will not want to let them down.
Group members will listen and discuss information and
concepts during the study sessions. These activities add
a strong auditory dimension to your learning experience.

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Benefits of a Study Group

One or more group members are likely to understand
something you do not. They may bring up ideas you
never considered.
You can learn valuable new study habits from the other
group members.
You can compare your class notes with those of the
other group members to clarify your notes and fill in any
gaps.
Teaching/explaining information and concepts to the
other group members will help you reinforce your
mastery of the information and concepts.
Let's face it - studying can sometimes be boring.
Interacting with the other group members can make
studying enjoyable.

Getting a Study Group Started

Get to know your classmates by talking with
them before class, during breaks, and after
class. When selecting a classmate to join your
study group, you should be able to answer YES
for each of the following questions :

Is this classmate motivated to do well?

Does this classmate understand the subject matter?
Is this classmate dependable?
Would this classmate be tolerant of the ideas of
others?
Would you like to work with this classmate?

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Getting a Study Group Started

Invite enough of these classmates to work with
you in a study group until you have formed a
group of three to five. A larger group may allow
some members to avoid responsibility, may lead
to cliques, and may make group management
more of an issue than learning.
Decide how often and for how long you will
meet. Meeting two or three times a week is
probably best. If you plan a long study session,
make sure you include time for breaks. A study
session of about 60 to 90 minutes is usually
best.

Getting a Study Group Started

Decide where you will meet. Select a meeting place that
is available and is free from distractions. An empty
classroom or a group study room in the library are
possibilities.
Decide on the goals of the study group. Goals can
include comparing and updating notes, discussing
readings, and preparing for exams.
Decide who the leader will be for the first study session.
Also decide whether it will be the same person each
session or whether there will be a rotating leader. The
leader of a study session should be responsible for
meeting the goals of that study session.

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Getting a Study Group Started

Clearly decide the agenda for the first
study session and the responsibilities of
each group member for that session.
Develop a list of all group members that
includes their names, telephone numbers,
and email addresses. Make sure each
group member has this list and update the
list as needed.

Characteristics of a Successful
Study Group
Each group member contributes to discussions.
Group members actively listen to each other
without interrupting. Only one group member
speaks at a time.
The other group members work collaboratively
to resolve any concern raised by a group
member.
Group members are prompt and come prepared
to work.

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Characteristics of a Successful
Study Group
The group stays on task with respect to its
agenda.
Group members show respect for each
other.
Group members feel free to criticize each
other but keep their criticisms constructive.
This can encourage group members to
reveal their weaknesses so that they can
strengthen them.

Characteristics of a Successful
Study Group
Group members feel free to ask questions
of each other.
At the end of each study session, an
agenda including specific group member
responsibilities is prepared for the next
session.
Above all, the positive attitude that "we
can do this together" is maintained

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Possible Pitfalls of a Study

Group
Do not let the study group get distracted
from its agenda and goals.
Do not let the study group become a social
group. You can always socialize at other
times.
Do not allow group members to attend
unprepared. To stay in the group,
members should be required to do their
fair share.

Possible Pitfalls of a Study

Group
Do not the let the session become a negative
forum for complaining about teachers and
courses.
Do not allow one or two group members to
dominate the group. It is important that all
members have an equal opportunity to
participate.
The information you just read will help you
decide when a study group is appropriate for
you and will help ensure its success.

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Your Preferred Learning Style

A learning style is a way of learning
Auditory Learning Style
Visual Learning Style
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learning Style

Are you an Auditory Learner?

Auditory Learners learn best when information is
presented in an auditory language format.
Do you seem to learn best in classes that
emphasize teacher lectures and class
discussions?
Does listening to audio tapes help you learn
better?
Do you find yourself reading aloud or talking
things out to gain better understanding?
If YES, you are probably an Auditory Learner.

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Are you a Visual Learner?

Visual Learners learn best when information is presented
in a written language format or in another visual format
such as pictures or diagrams.
Do you do best in classes in which teachers do a lot of
writing at the chalkboard, provide clear handouts, and
make extensive use of an overhead projector?
Do you try to remember information by creating pictures
in your mind?
Do you take detailed written notes from your textbooks
and in class?
If YES, you are probably a Visual Learner.

Are you a Tactile/ Kinesthetic

Learner?
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners learn best in hands-on
learning settings in which they can physically manipulate
something in order to learn about it.
Do you learn best when you can move about and handle
things?
Do you do well in classes in which there is a lab
component?
Do you learn better when you have an actual object in
your hands rather than a picture of the object or a verbal
or written description of it?
If YES, you are probably a Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner.

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A Strategy for Reading

Textbooks
SQRW

Survey.
Question.
Read.
Write.

survey
Surveying brings to mind what you already know
about the topic of a chapter and prepares you
for learning more.
To survey a chapter, read the title, introduction,
headings, and the summary or conclusion.
Also, examine all visuals such as pictures,
tables, maps, and/or graphs and read the
caption that goes with each.
By surveying a chapter, you will quickly learn
what the chapter is about.

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question
You need to have questions in your mind as you read.
Questions give you a purpose for reading and help you
stay focused on the reading assignment.
Form questions by changing each chapter heading into a
question.
Use the words who, what, when, where, why, or how to
form questions.
If a heading is stated as a question, use that question.
When a heading contains more than one idea, form a
question for each idea.
Do not form questions for the Introduction, Summary, or
Conclusion.

read
Read the information that follows each
heading to find the answer to each
question you formed.
As you do this, you may decide you need
to change a question or turn it into several
questions to be answered.
Stay focused and flexible so you can
gather as much information as you need to
answer each question.

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write
Write each question and its answer in your
notebook. Reread each of your written
answers to be sure each answer is legible
and contains all the important information
needed to answer the question.
As you practice using SQRW, you will find
you learn more and have good study notes
to use to prepare for class participation
and tests.

hint
Once you complete the Survey step for the
entire chapter, complete the Question,
Read, and Write steps for the first
heading.
Then complete the Question, Read, and
Write steps for the second heading, and
so on for the remaining headings in the
chapter.

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Multiple-Choice Tests
An incomplete statement followed by
several answer choices.
A question followed by several answer
choices.

An incomplete statement followed by

several answer choices
The first president of the United States,
..
, was known as the
"Father of his country."
a. Thomas Jefferson
b. Abraham Lincoln
c. George Washington
d. Theodore Roosevelt

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A question followed by several

answer choices.
How many states make up the United
States of America?
a. 48
b. 52
c. 46
d. 50

Sometimes, one of the answer choices is "all of the

above." In the following example, "e" is the correct
answer choice because all of the foods shown are
dairy products.
Which of the following foods are dairy products?
a. milk
b. ice cream
c. yogurt
d. cream cheese
e. all of the above

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Other times, one of the answer choices is "none of

the above." In the following example, "b" is the
correct answer choice because Argentina is the
only country listed that is in South America. For "e"
to be correct, none of the countries listed could be
in South America.
.. is a country in South America.
a. Russia
b. Argentina
c. Mexico
d. Japan
e. none of the above

Guidelines When Taking

Multiple-Choice Tests
Circle or underline important words in the item.
This will help you focus on the information most
needed to identify the correct answer choice.
Read all the answer choices before selecting
one. It is just as likely for the last answer choice
to be correct as the first.
Cross out answer choices you are certain are
not correct. This will help you narrow down the
correct answer choice.

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Guidelines When Taking

Multiple-Choice Tests
Look for two answer choices that are opposites.
One of these two answer choices is likely to be
correct.
Look for hints about the correct answer choice in
other items on the test. The correct answer
choice may be part of another item on the test.
Look for answer choices that contain language
used by your teacher or found in your textbooks.
An answer choice that contains such language is
usually correct.

Guidelines When Taking

Multiple-Choice Tests
Do not change your initial answer unless you are
sure another answer choice is correct. More
often than not, your first choice is correct.
Choose "all of the above" if you are certain all
other answer choices in the item are correct. Do
not choose "all of the above" if even just one of
the other answer choices is not correct.
Choose "none of the above" if you are certain all
other answer choices in the item are incorrect.
Do not choose "none of the above" if even just
one of the other answer choices is correct.

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Setting Goals
A goal is something you want to achieve.
A short-term goal is something you want to achieve
soon. Examples of short-term goals are finishing your
homework and doing well on tomorrow's test.
A longterm goal is something you want to achieve at
some later date. Examples of long-term goals are writing
a paper and passing a class.
To set appropriate goals, you must know what is
important for you to accomplish. Then you must set
specific and clearly stated goals. If you do not have
clearly stated goals, your effort will lack direction and
focus. Write your goals to have a record of them.

Setting Goals
The Three Ws of Goals
Characteristics of Appropriate Goals

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The Three Ws of Goals

Each goal you set should state
WHAT you will do and
WHEN you will accomplish it.
Implied in each goal you set is your WILL
(determination) to do it.
For example, a goal for a research paper might be stated
as follows:
I will (your determination) finish gathering information
for my research paper (what you will do)
by November 20 (when you will accomplish it).

Characteristics of Appropriate
Goals

within your skills and abilities

realistic
flexible
measurable
within your control

Many times your parents, teachers, and counselors will set

goals for you. Be accepting when they do.
These are people who know what is important for you and
are very concerned with your success.
They can also help you accomplish the goals they set.

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Succeeding in College
Just as in elementary school through high school, your success in college
requires
high motivation and effort
strong study skills
effective time management
good test-taking strategies
But college success requires much more. Once you move from high school to
college, you will generally find that
students are more motivated and competent than in high school;
teachers are more demanding;
the work is more difficult; and
students are expected to be independent.
Further, if you are living away from home for the first time, you will have many
new experiences

Succeeding in College

Have Clear Goals

Get Financial Aid if Needed
Manage Your Money
Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy
Choose a Professor Carefully
Work With Your Advisor
Make Good Use of the Library
Get Involved in Campus Life

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Have Clear Goals

College success requires commitment and a lot
of hard work.
You must be very certain about the importance
of a college education.
Be clear about why you are going to college.
Establish specific goals you wish to accomplish.
Know what it will take to reach these goals.
Be certain your goals are consistent with your
interests and abilities.
Be flexible - change your goals if needed based
on your experience as you progress through
college.

Get Financial Aid if Needed

College is expensive. Even if you attend a public college or
university and live at home, you still must pay for tuition, fees, and
books. There are many sources of financial aid that can help you
meet the high costs of college. Become aware of and pursue these
sources.
Consider all possible sources of financial aid in addition to your
college's financial aid office.
Meet all deadlines for submitting applications and documentation.
Respond quickly and completely to all requests for additional
information.
Be persistent in following up your application.
If you do receive financial aid, meet all requirements to keep and
continue your aid.

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Manage Your Money

There are many ways to spend money in the college
setting for other than education purposes. Take steps to
ensure that you do not waste the money set aside for
your college education.
Set a budget and keep to it.
Be careful about your use of credit cards. Don't
overspend. Pay balances promptly to avoid high interest
costs.
Open a checking account and carefully monitor your
balance.
Keep your cell phone under control. Those minutes and
fees can really add up.

Stay Physically and Emotionally

Healthy
You will need to be at your best to succeed in college. This means
taking care of your body and maintaining a good frame of mind.
Get enough sleep.
Don't rely on coffee and drinks that contain high doses of caffeine to
provide you with energy. Foods such as pasta, peanut butter, nonsugar cereals, and fresh fruit are healthy alternatives to provide the
energy you need.
Avoid junk foods. Fast food is convenient but usually not good for
you.
Use the services of the student health office. These services
typically include emergency treatment, low cost examinations, and
low cost or free medication.
Use the services of the counseling office. The professionals there
can help you overcome feelings of loneliness, depression, and
anxiety.

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Choose a Professor Carefully

In college you get to select your schedule of classes. Most classes
offer more than one section so that you can choose not just the day
and time, but the professor who is teaching that section. Often you
will find student ratings of professors on the Internet. You can get
even more feedback by talking to other students. Try to choose a
professor who demonstrates the following characteristics.
Maintains adequate office hours.
Provides constructive feedback.
Adapts to different styles of learning.
Grades fairly.
Is highly competent in the subject being taught.
Establishes clear and reasonable requirements.
Provides a positive learning environment.

Work With Your Advisor

As a student you will be assigned a faculty advisor to
help you with both academic and career issues. It is up
to you to get the most out of this guidance.
Know your advisor's office location, schedule of office
hours, and contact information.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor at any time
you have problems that affect your academic
performance.
Consider your advisor's ideas when selecting your major
or at any time you are considering changing your major
or career goals.
Have specific questions in mind whenever meeting with
your advisor.

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Make Good Use of the Library

You are going to spend a lot of your time in college at
the library. Take full advantage of this major resource.
Get to know the resources of the library as soon as you
get to college.
Learn to use its computer resources and card catalogs.
Make good use of its equipment such as copy machines,
microfiche readers, production facilities, etc.
Check out its quiet study areas. Sign up for their use if
required.

Get Involved in Campus Life

There is a lot more to college than just classes. A college campus is
an exciting, dynamic environment that can provide you with many
opportunities for enhancing your college experience.
Join a student organization that is consistent with your interests. You
will find many organizations from which to choose.
Join a club in your major. This cannot only help you in your studies
but can provide contacts that may be very useful in your future
career.
Join an intramural team. This is a great way to keep yourself in good
physical shape and make new friends.
Attend social events. Your college experience should not be all work
and no play.
Yes - success in college takes effort. But this effort will provide benefits
to you throughout your life. The ideas presented above can help you
to make your college experience a successful one.

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