Study skills: what are yours? Please share them :)
- Thread starter Nocturnal
- Start date
When I really care, I take good notes and reread them that day. Also, for classes when the lecture is over assigned reading, it's best to actually do the reading prior to the lecture. 
Math, just work sample problems. Best way to do it.
edit: Adjust the tips according to the difficulty of the class you're taking. Some classes you should just breeze through. For others, you're probably going to have to study.
Math, just work sample problems. Best way to do it.
edit: Adjust the tips according to the difficulty of the class you're taking. Some classes you should just breeze through. For others, you're probably going to have to study.
I wait till the last minute breeze through my notes and right before the exam i think: "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god." Then i usually get and A or AB
.i never took notes in class, i just paid attention to the prof when he was speaking, it helped me understand what he was talking about.
- Jan 8, 2002
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Originally posted by: Spoooon
When I really care, I take good notes and reread them that day. Also, for classes when the lecture is over assigned reading, it's best to actually do the reading prior to the lecture.
Math, just work sample problems. Best way to do it.
What if you can't write fast enough to keep up with the teacher explaining something? lol
AgaBoogaBoo
Lifer
- Feb 16, 2003
- 26,108
- 5
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Originally posted by: Nocturnal
Originally posted by: Spoooon
When I really care, I take good notes and reread them that day. Also, for classes when the lecture is over assigned reading, it's best to actually do the reading prior to the lecture.
Math, just work sample problems. Best way to do it.
What if you can't write fast enough to keep up with the teacher explaining something? lol
That's why you'd want to do your readings ahead of time. Then you can just write down the stuff that you've never heard of before.
And just raise your hand and ask the prof to repeat what he said. If he won't, then there's a problem that you can take up with someone.
Some people record the notes in class while they are taking them. I don't think I have the discipline to actually go back and transcribe them if I did that, but you might.
edit: And while some of you may really be able to get by with no studying and stuff, not everyone can. And I don't see the point of posting "I never study and always ace the tests" in a thread asking for study tips.
study for 40 or 45 minutes, take 5 minute break, another 40 on and a 10 minute break, another 40 on and 15 mintue break.... repeat the pattern until its 40 to 40 then stop studying for a while and then start over....
Siddhartha
Lifer
- Oct 17, 1999
- 12,505
- 3
- 81
This is what worked for me (Biochemistry major):
1. Do the assigned, or at least look at, reading before class.
2. Go to every class.
3. Write down every thing written on the board and try to write down what the prof says.
4. Rewrite the notes in a separate notebook, annotated with information and detail from other sources.
5. Do the assigned problems
6. For exams, study the notes produced in step 4 and review the solutions of assigned problems until everything is completely understood.
I found that this took about a hour outside of class for every hour spent in class and I got an A- average.
1. Do the assigned, or at least look at, reading before class.
2. Go to every class.
3. Write down every thing written on the board and try to write down what the prof says.
4. Rewrite the notes in a separate notebook, annotated with information and detail from other sources.
5. Do the assigned problems
6. For exams, study the notes produced in step 4 and review the solutions of assigned problems until everything is completely understood.
I found that this took about a hour outside of class for every hour spent in class and I got an A- average.
OREOSpeedwagon
Diamond Member
- May 30, 2001
- 8,485
- 1
- 81
Siddhartha
Lifer
- Oct 17, 1999
- 12,505
- 3
- 81
Here's my take:
It's all about concentration
In lecture, get away from any and all external distractions such as students who talk a lot, or someone you're attracted to and sit as close to the front as you are comfortable with.
Then, get rid of internal distractions like your attitudes about why am i studying so hard, the professor is too hard, his/her accent sucks, why i didnt get an A or this subject sucks. If you don't feel like you're gettin anything out of a lecture or falling asleep becuase you can't participate by asking questions, get more into it by outlining the assigned reading in ur notes ahead of time by writing only the Chapter title, headings and subheading in your notes, and then actively listen for when the professor comes to that part and it might help your focus and concentration. (This outling of the assigned reading helps you to anticipate the content of the lecture and will help your note-taking skills)
Also, internal distractions like personal problems should be left in the dorm room if possible. Keep a journal and write stuff in it anytime u think of it, so you organize your worries and keep them out of the classroom.
Most Important Study for important stuff with no distractions meaning looking at a blank wall or studying on a desk with nothing on it. If there is stuff, cover it up with a sheet. Sounds stupid, but trust me, any object on your desk is a distraction, even a paperclip.
Also, just for kicks, when you are reading a chapter of some book, put a check mark in the margin everytime you are distracted and get lost in thought. Then try to lessen the getting lost moments by concentrating more. Hopefully, you will teach yourself better learning automatcally.
That's my 2 cents, i used to be a peer tutor and made a point to know a few things about study habits.
AJ.
It's all about concentration
In lecture, get away from any and all external distractions such as students who talk a lot, or someone you're attracted to and sit as close to the front as you are comfortable with.
Then, get rid of internal distractions like your attitudes about why am i studying so hard, the professor is too hard, his/her accent sucks, why i didnt get an A or this subject sucks. If you don't feel like you're gettin anything out of a lecture or falling asleep becuase you can't participate by asking questions, get more into it by outlining the assigned reading in ur notes ahead of time by writing only the Chapter title, headings and subheading in your notes, and then actively listen for when the professor comes to that part and it might help your focus and concentration. (This outling of the assigned reading helps you to anticipate the content of the lecture and will help your note-taking skills)
Also, internal distractions like personal problems should be left in the dorm room if possible. Keep a journal and write stuff in it anytime u think of it, so you organize your worries and keep them out of the classroom.
Most Important Study for important stuff with no distractions meaning looking at a blank wall or studying on a desk with nothing on it. If there is stuff, cover it up with a sheet. Sounds stupid, but trust me, any object on your desk is a distraction, even a paperclip.
Also, just for kicks, when you are reading a chapter of some book, put a check mark in the margin everytime you are distracted and get lost in thought. Then try to lessen the getting lost moments by concentrating more. Hopefully, you will teach yourself better learning automatcally.
That's my 2 cents, i used to be a peer tutor and made a point to know a few things about study habits.
AJ.
MustangSVT
Lifer
- Oct 7, 2000
- 11,554
- 12
- 81
This is what i do. i read the section, get a full understanding of it and also take notes, then if its math i do all the odd problems (the answers are only for odd problems) I do these problems w/o looking at my notes. After each section i take a break, however long i want, until i feel guilty. For readings and such, like history classes, i just read the book, and take notes, that's about it. The best way to ace a test is to ask yoru professor with so many questions that he's bound to slip a few times. If you dont' like to be a "bug" just sit at office hours, there are others who are willing to ask those questions, you're just leeching.
If you don't understand something in lecture, ask the professor or somebody as soon as you can. Whether it be during class or after class, don't let things add up. If you don't get a particular theory or problem, make yourself understand it.
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