Top Ten Study Skills

Our Top Ten Study Skills Include:

1.  Be organized – Be sure that you have everything you need to study.  Be sure to have a special place to keep books, notebooks, and folders that you may need to study properly.
2. Study to suit your learning style – Be sure to know when, and where is the best way for you to study.  If you need help understanding more about the best way to study – see the Learning Specialists, they are happy to help you with this. They are there to help you with multiple intelligences and learning styles.
3. Use good time management skills – Be sure to study in small amounts of time over a longer span of time.  For example, it is best to study for 10 minutes a night for 5 nights, than studying for 1.5 hours the night before.  Be sure to review your notes often before the test.
4. Know what will be on the test – Have a clear understanding of what will be on the test.  Be sure to ask teachers ahead of time so you can prepare properly and efficiently.
5. Set a personal goal for your tests and grades – Set a goal and speak with teachers about what it might take to reach your goal.  Believe in your ability to do well and to achieve your personal goals.  Take time to visualize yourself succeeding!
6. Break goals and projects down into small manageable pieces – Learn to break larger projects down into smaller tasks.  Set dates to accomplish these tasks.  In the end you will accomplish your goal but with less stress.
7. Learn to relax and manage stress – Find the ways that will help you to relieve stress.  This will help you to learn more in school, study better at time and perform with more success on tests.  If you feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to handle things, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
8. Be an advocate for yourself – If you need help understanding a concept, breaking projects down or knowing how to study, be sure to ask for help.  Only you know what you need.  There are so many people willing to help you and are happy to do so.
9. Become a great note taker – Learn about different note taking strategies that will work for you.  Find ways to capture all of the information that you will need for the tests.
10. Learn about memorization and reading comprehension techniques – There are many different ways to memorize and become a more active reader.  Find ways that work for you – they will empower you as a learner for life!

Study Skill Information

Dear Friends,
The Princeton University, McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning has some wonderful handouts with great information on studying.  If you have time this summer you may want to check it out.
Here it is:
http://www.princeton.edu/mcgraw/library/for-students/
Enjoy,
Kimberly Borin

Brain-Based Learning Study Strategies

Dear Friends,
     Here are some tips are taken from, Student Success Secrets by Eric Jensen.  In the book, he offers many strategies that help students to learn and be more attentive in studying.  He suggests:

• Understand your own learning styles (multiple intelligences) and choose to study in the way that is best for you.
• Use proper lighting, which includes low to moderate levels of natural lighting.
• Allow the temperature to be between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Allow the surroundings to be pleasant and enjoyable.
• Be sure to have plants close by as they help to purify the air and raise the levels of oxygen.
• Drink plenty of water and stay away from coffees, teas and other caffeinated drinks.
• Use aromas that heighten mental alertness.  These include: lemon, peppermint and cinnamon
• Use proper study posture – do not study lying down on your bed!  It is also best to get up and move around to get some oxygen to your brain.
• Be sure to take frequent breaks – this helps the brain to retain information and stay alert.

Please let us know if you have some helpful hints for studying.  We would love to hear what works for you!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin
Learning Specialist

Simple Test Preparation Strategies

Dear Friends,

     Over the years, I have worked with students taking the NJ ASK, AP Tests, HSPA's, SAT Subject tests, GRE's and more.  Preparing for tests can be very anxiety provoking because there is so much at stake and so much to do to prepare - while still living life fully!

     Below are some simple strategies that I have used with elementary students - although some will work with graduate students too.  There are many relaxation strategies you can practice to help you throughout the preparation and the test itself.  You can find more information on relaxation strategies to practice on this blog.

     Here are a few elementary student strategies in the meantime:

The Night Before a Test or Competition

• Get a good night’s sleep – go to bed early.

• Be sure that you have studied the best that you can.  It is usually best to study a little bit each night over a long time.

• Be sure to eat a good dinner.

• Be brave, be proud of yourself for preparing well and believe in yourself.

• Prepare everything that you will need for the next day – the night before so that you can be ready in the morning.

• Use your imagination to see yourself successful.

The Day of the Test or Competition

• Study one more time – just review your notes or word or whatever you will be tested on.

• Be sure to eat a good breakfast with protein.

• Be sure to leave on time with everything you need.

• Bring healthy snacks and water.

• Stay positive and know that you are always doing your best, believe in yourself and your abilities.

During the Test or Competition

• Make sure that you have your own space during the test.  Be sure to ask your teacher if you feel you need more space.

• Take a deep breath to help you relax and don’t forget to take several deep breaths while you are taking the test.  If the test is very long you can stretch gently in small ways by moving your head and neck, flexing your hands and feet too.  During a break you can also turn to the side and do a gentle twist but be sure to ask if it is ok.

• Make sure your pencils are sharpened and be as neat as you can.  Be sure to put your name on your paper.

• Believe in yourself.  You will do a great job!  Encourage your friends too – we all need some words that help us to believe in all that we can do!

Good Luck!

Sincerely,

Kimberly Borin

Learning Specialist

Taking Notes - Method #7

Method #7: REAP Method (helps the students to make a personal connection and provides them with memory triggers to recall information for later use)

Step 1: Lay notebook flat – divide up the page (in two) and put in the headings Class and the other REAP

Step 2: In class only take notes on the right side of the notebook under the heading Class

Step 3: After class go back to the notes and create a trigger (words, picture or phrase) that may help you remember the class notes

Step 4: After class go to the REAP column and fill in “REAPING THE BENEFITS” – SEE BELOW

R(Relate class notes to own life)

E(Extend material to a world connection)

A( Actualize – how the information might work in the world)

P (Profit – how this idea in your notes helps mankind or the world)

Taking Notes - Method #6

Method #6: SQ3R (good for taking notes from text)

S: Survey – scan through the chapter – pay special attention to bolded words, titles, subtitles, pictures, charts, captions, etc.

Q: Question – Create who, what, where, when, and why questions that you can generate based on the main topics

R: Read – Read the text – if you think of another question – write it down in the question section

R: Recite – Record key phrases or facts that answers the questions created in the Q section

R: Review – do every day up until the test or quiz – review your questions and try to answer them – do orally, written, etc. – whichever learning style works best for you

Taking Notes - Methods #4 & 5

Method #4: Roman Numeral Method

Title of Topic

I. Major Point #1

a) Minor point a (about the major point 1)

b)Minor point b (about the major point 1)

1. Detail about minor point b

2. Detail about minor point b

II. Major Point #2

a) Minor point a (about the major point 2)

1. Detail about minor point a

Method #5: Sentence by Sentence Method

· Write every fact on a different line and number each sentence.

Taking Notes - Method #3

Method #3: Mind mapping

This works well with a computer software called Inspiration. If you do not have that software program - the method can easily be completed by hand. Incorporate color, key words, images, etc. to produce a visual representation of class information – good idea after you have the class notes. This is a great method for strong visual learners.

See example at website: http://litemind.com/what-is-mind-mapping/)

Taking Notes - Method #2

Method #2: REDW (This method works well for a paragraph which is hard to understand)

R: Read (Read the section to get a basic understanding of some of the material or main idea)

E: Examine (After getting the main idea – look at each sentence – if you understand this sentence - write down the key point. If you DON’T understand the key point – write down any phrases or key vocabulary)

D: Decide (Decide – which words are important and work together – from above list of key phrases / vocabulary)

W: Write (Look at all the words you have written – see if they explain the main idea of the paragraph)

Taking Notes - Method #1

Study Skills: Taking Notes

Many people are not born great note takers. “Practice make perfect” is the motto associated with taking notes. A great habit to get into is to review your notes nightly or to rewrite/reorganize them. There are many methods for note taking and as a learner one needs to practice and fine tune the method(s) that works best.

Method #1: The Cornell Method

http://www.redlands.edu/docs/StudentLife/1Five_Methods_of_Notetaking.docx_UPDATED_7-09.pdf (resource below is taken from the above website)

THE CORNELL METHOD

Page # Today’s Date Layout of the page and where to write	Draw a line vertically down your paper, leaving 2 - 3 inches on the left and 6 inches on the right. This allows you to take notes on the right-hand side of the page leaving space on the left to summarize the main point with a key word or phrase.
Organization of concepts	When the instructor moves to a new topic, skip a line.
Filling in blanks.	If you are not able to completely write down an idea before the instructor moves on to a new topic, fill it in after class - find a notebuddy.
Reviewing and Studying	After class, test your knowledge of the material by covering up the right side of the page, reading the key words, and trying to remember as much information as possible. Then check to see if you remembered it correctly. Also write page and day summaries. – at the bottom of the page
Advantages	This is a simple and efficient way of recording and reviewing notes – it’s easy for pulling out major concepts and ideas. It’s simple and efficient. It saves time and effort because you “do-it-right-in-the-first-place.”

Book Review #3 / Study Method "PAGE"

Dear Friends:

A book I came across this summer that had a well thought out method in which to study was Student Success Secrets by Eric Jensen. The author uses the acronym PAGE to outline his method.

P: (Prepare)

· Put up a do not disturb sign

· Rid possible distractions (cell phone, TV, etc)

· Have the room at a cool temperature

· Get water to drink while studying

· Organize your materials

· Breathe deeply & relax

· Browse through the material “The brain is poorly designed for brand new big ideas or concepts. But it is very good at nibbling at ideas that become big ideas.” (p. 72)

· Browse about 5 – 30 seconds per page

· Make an outline using titles, subtitles, pictures and key words (later you will add to the outline)

A: (Ask)

· Ask questions – this gets your mind ready to locate answers

· Base your questions on photos, captions, titles, etc.

G: (Gather)

· Read the text / add your notes to an outline or pose new questions

· Put a checkmark in the margin for information you deem important – later you will reevaluate if it is important

E: (Evaluate)

· Browse through the material again to refresh your memory

· Can you discuss each chapter title, topic, etc?

· Review the checkmarks and decide if that information is still important

Kim Turse, M.Ed.

Book Review #2/ Studying, Memory and Focus

Dear Friends:

I would like to share with you another book that I found interesting and full of important information. The book is titled, Study Smart, Study Less by Anne Crossman. It was published in 2011 by Ten Speed Press. The book emphasizes one of the important points that I am trying to stress this year – everyone has different talents and that “success requires work” (p. 1). In the beginning of the text, the three types of memory are discussed.

Short – Term Memory: can hold +/- 7 pieces of information for a few seconds

Working Memory: actively thinking about information – able to hold the information for a few extra seconds

Long-Term Memory: can hold information from a couple of days or the rest of your life

I love the equation that they put in the book to illustrate how to simply understand memory.

Input + Output = Short-Term memory

Input + Output + Review = Long-Term memory

The more practice one has with the information, the more pathways to long-term memory the brain is making. Additionally the practice of using as many senses as possible in the learning process will increase the likelihood that the information makes it to long-term memory. To save studying time, one needs to understand what type of learner they are. Once this is known, then specific strategies can be utilized that work with a person’s natural strengths. Outside of my office, in the Hillard building, is a bulletin board dedicated to determining one’s strengths and the studying strategies connected to each type of learner. Feel free to stop by and pick up the resources.

Another piece of information that the book presented, that I feel is important, deals with focus. Some valuable tips on how to increase one’s focus:

*eat peppermints – peppermints have been connected to improved memory

* decrease consumption of caffeine

* rubber band snap – when one feels they are losing focus, gently snap a rubber band on your wrist

*yawn as many times as you can in one minute

* get enough sleep – the brain needs time to digest the information and to reboot

Figuring out what works best for you as a learner can sometimes feel like a battle. But just remember “it is a natural and normal part of the learning process to feel frustrated by new subjects or skills, and it’s that struggle that actually makes us smarter and stronger.” (p. 93)

Kim Turse, M.Ed.

Book Review #1 / Study Skills

Dear Friends:

This summer I had the opportunity to read the book, The Everything Guide to Study Skills by Cynthia C. Muchnick. The book was published in 2011 by Adams Media in Massachusetts. It gave wonderful ideas for students on how to implement methods for success into practice. Below are some of the ideas I wanted to pass along:

· Study Groups / Partners: This is a study strategy that can increase the engagement of the brain. Different parts of the brain become stimulated when talking with others. When the brain is more engaged on an interactive level then it is making more connections than when one is studying alone. These connections will assist with moving the material into long-term memory.

· Body Language: Make sure to try and sit as close to the speaker as possible when in class. The physical proximity to the speaker will increase an individual’s attention to the material. Sit up straight; slumping in your seat will increase your sleepiness because your body feels like it is resting.

· Study Time: A trick the book mentioned was to move up the actual deadline in your planner and in your head. This will allow you to have the work completed prior to the original deadline.

· Effective Reading: The book emphasized the need to become an effective reader. In order to be an effective reader you need to be an active reader. Some suggestions on how to be an active reader:

~Know where you are headed and why: Set a purpose for reading …

How is the information fitting into the overall subject or course topic you are studying?

How does this material build upon past information?

~Outline as you read: This will allow you to be an active participant and when you are finished you have a study guide to use later.

~ Key terms: Paraphrase the book’s definition by putting the definition into your own words.

~ General Themes: Notice the author’s opinion and ideas that are mentioned more than once.

~ Response: After reading, think about what was just read. Write a response which should simply be your reactions to what was read (not a summary).

This serves merely as an overview of some of the material that I found useful for students, but the book is an easy read for both students and parents. It offers much more information than I was able to include in this blog, and I encourage your exploration of the material. Happy Learning!

Kim Turse, M.Ed.

Valuable Items to Have in Your Study Space

Dear Friends,
     In order to avoid the need to leave your work space and waste valuable study time searching for needed items - why not pull all the items you need and leave them at your work space? Below is a checklist that will get you started along the process of pulling together study items:

1. well-lit desk or table
2. stapler / staples
3. crayons/colored pencils/markers
4. white out
5. tape
6. paperclips
7. paper (lined and graph)
8. calculator
9. large wall / desk calendar
10. pens / pencils
11. pencil sharpener
12. timer (should work for 15 - 30 min. and then give about a 5 minute break)
13. reference sources (dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, etc.)
14. computer (use for your work - don't let it become a distraction!)

Happy Studying!

Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin and Kim Turse
Learning Specialists

Homework Guidelines

Dear Friends,
     Homework allows a learner the opportunity to manipulate information which was presented during regular class time. Between seeing and working with the information in class and at home, the brain will more likely move the information to long-term memory. Some homework helpers...

• Set up a study space - have all needed materials at a table or desk; this will eliminate the need to interrupt your studying
• Don't study in bed or on the couch - your brain connects these places to sleep and relaxation and it does not promote focus on studying
• Eliminate distractions (turn off the phone, radio and TV)
• Establish a routine - your brain loves structure
• Take breaks - try to work 15 - 30 minutes (depending on the age of the child) and then have a 5 - 10 minute break
• Set up a large calendar by your work space - this will allow you to break down long assignments and to schedule studying for quizzes and tests
• Lastly, set short and long term goals for yourself..when you reach a goal give yourself a reward!

Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin and Kim Turse
Learning Specialists

That Time Again...Homework!

Dear Friends,
Homework, homework, homework...Yes, we have all done it in our day, but why? Homework serves many purposes:

1. Homework allows a student to practice new skills that have been taught in class.
2. Homework allows a student to apply previously mastered skills in a new way.
3. Homework can be a valuable assessment for teachers to use.
4. Homework fosters a student's ability to develop time management and study skills.

Each person is unique in the method(s) that work best for them. Throughout the year the Learning Specialists will inform students and parents of several methods that fit various learning styles. Our goal is to enhance an understanding of your child's learning style and provide tools that can work with their strengths to make learning more enjoyable and in the long run more beneficial to them as learners.

Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin and Kim Turse
Learning Specialists

Helping Your Child with Homework

Dear Friends,

     It can be difficult at times finding a balance between helping your child and doing the work for him/her. Provide your child with direct feedback and assist them through a process.  Avoid simply providing them with an answer; it will help your child establish valuable study habits and skills during the process of performing homework.  Keep in mind that what may have worked for you as a learner may not be the best way for your child.  If your child is struggling with finding a study method that works best for them...use this blog as a resource throughout the year to learn and develop study tips and ideas.

Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin and Kim Turse
Learning Specialists