Study Tips

Study skills must be developed and practiced like any other skill. Students may take certain steps to improve grades. If a student is willing to put forth the effort to regularly complete homework, maintain daily assignments and study, grades will be good.

Parents can help by supervising study habits. Involvement with the student's work include calling out spelling words, reading aloud or encouraging effort. Parents need to show willingness to share time and energy with the student during study time.

The following are quick tips, which may improve grades and study habits:

• Set a specific time of day, Monday through Friday, for homework.
• No television, telephone, visitors, or loud vocal music. Try soft, instrumental background music if any.
• Select a specific study area like the kitchen or dining room table. When a parent is in and out of the kitchen preparing dinner, it can be a silent reminder to get back to task. For some this can be a distraction.
• Spend a few minutes recopying or reading class notes. Date notes and record the chapter number or title.
• A ring binder notebook with dividers for each class is a better way to organize for all six classes. Test papers, worksheets, etc. should be added in proper chronological order for better study guides. Many teachers grade notebooks periodically. Notes can be taken from the ring binder and inserted into a folder for grading.
• Have a monthly calendar in front of the notebook. Record important events, all short and long term assignments. The Student Handbook/Calendar was designed for this.
• Understand the assignment. Write down questions while working and ask the teacher about them.
• To read a chapter for content and long term memory retention (introduces information through repetition):
  • Read the summary to know what the unit is about (overview)
  • Read the questions and vocabulary words (identifies important points
  • Read the headings and subheadings (understand how the material is organized
  • Read the chapter and look at the pictures, reading the caption
  • Take notes on important point
  • Write down questions on anything confusing
• Read over the assignment for completeness. Correct errors. Write your name and date on each page.
• Have at least one person's phone number in each class who could be called for information or help.

TESTING TIPS

BE PREPARED

No matter what other tips you may read and use, nothing can take the place of studying on a regular basis.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Homework and assignments are meant to give you the practice and knowledge you will need for an exam.  Often, exam questions are based on what you have already read and completed.

REVIEW REGULARLY

Avoid cramming by studying and reviewing each day.  Review notes, homework, and reading for a few moments every day.  Quiz yourself and start the studying process early.  Study key terms, definitions, examples, lists, diagrams, and charts.  Pay particular attention to items your teacher emphasizes in class.

UNDERSTAND VS. MEMORIZE

Memorization techniques can be helpful if there are a lot of facts to remember. However, it is best to truly learn and understand the material.

CONTROL ANXIETY DURING THE TEST

Arrive early. Get settled, relax, and give yourself time to organize your thoughts. Listen carefully to all instructions before beginning. Quickly review the test. Answer the easiest questions first. If you get stuck on a question, leave it and go back to it later. If you have no idea of an answer, remain calm, try to recall what you do know and use other test questions to give you clues. If you do become anxious take a moment to relax. Close your eyes, take deep breaths and concentrate on relaxing your body.

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP AND EAT WELL BEFORE THE TEST

Feeling rested and eating a balanced diet will go a long way in relieving stress symptoms.