• Learning Strategies Overview
  • Learning Strategies Manual
  • Time Management
  • Study Skills & Strategies
  • How to Get Better Grades
  • Note-taking
  • Writing
  • Delivering Presentations
  • Effective Presentations
  • Public Speaking
  • Working in Teams
  • 2020 study strategies updated

    Getting Organized

    The first step is to be an “organized student”. This starts with the student “ready to learn” by being on time with the correct classroom materials. It also continues at home after the completion of the student’s school day. Lack of organization is a frustrating experience that only adds stress to the situation. The use of an agenda book is critical to help students keep track of school assignments, quizes, tests, projects, appointments and deadlines. An agenda book only works if a student actually uses it daily and carries it around with him/her.

    A cell phone can be a great tool for student organization – primarily because a student usually has it at all times. It is important that the cell phone doesn’t become a distraction from completing one’s work. It is recommended that cell phones not be “turned on” or accessible during designated study times – so as to not encourage being distracted by text messages, games or other electronic interruptions.

    When it is “time to study” – FOCUS on STUDYING. This means you should: Set a study goal (i.e. study chapter 5 for 20 minutes). Choose an appropriate study area.Give yourself a quiet area to study with no interruptions and no drop in visitors. Shut the TV off. Turn your cell phone off so that you are not distracted from checking or sending messages. Make sure your study area (i.e. desk) is not cluttered and you have everything you need. Use your block of time constructively, drink water to stay hydrated and focused. If you find yourself daydreaming, take a short break and get back on track.

    • Using an Agenda Book
    • Creating the System of Organization
    • Have a place for Everything (laptop, backpack, textbooks that stay at home, pens, paper, etc.)

     Time Management

    Managing one’s time is a challenge for everyone. Time management starts with prioritizing tasks to be completed and designating time to complete those tasks.

    Writing down assignments, assessments on the assigned dates. If an item is long-term, it’s important to write down incremental goals or reminders leading up to the actual due date. For example, if a reading assignment is due on Monday – it is a good idea to write the reading assignment (including page numbers) on the Monday – in addition to writing it on Friday. It is not uncommon for students to come to school on Monday, look at their agenda book, and realize that they forgot to do the Monday assignment because they didn’t turn the weekly page in their agenda book over until the beginning of the next week. Always look at classes over the course of a few weeks so that you can divide up your time and work on assignments when you have the time to work on it – rather than waiting until the night before to complete an assignment. Procrastination is not your friend!

    Choose an Appropriate Study Area – Don’t Waste Time

    Study Skills & Strategies

    There are many ways to prepare for a quiz or test. It is advisable to review your notes nightly (or immediately after you’ve taken them) so that you can retain and recall what you’ve just written down. Find your optimal study method and use it consistently to help you prepare for your assessments.

     Note-taking

    Notetaking is a skill that is refined through practice. Your notes should become a study tool. Make sure your notes are clearly written (or typed), with key words that will help you associate what you’ve read and written – with what is being discussed in your classroom.

    • Split Page Notes (Two column method)
    • Cornell Note-taking Method
    • Any other method that works for you!

    Writing

    **After you’ve completed your writing assignment, READ IT AGAIN. A final proofread will uncover any spelling or grammatical errors that you may have missed while you were writing it.

    Delivering Presentations

    It is encouraged to use a visual aid when presenting in front of an audience. Practicing presentations increases one’s comfort level – while also preparing you to speak (as an expert) on a topic. Use images, connect with your audience by using relatable examples and know your topic so that your audience regards you as an expert.

    ** Practicing in front of an audience (or at least one person) will allow yourself as a presenter to get some feedback, clarify any part of the presentation that may not be clear, verify that your volume is suitable and ensure that your audience can read any text or view any images from an overhead projector. Make sure you seat your “practice audience” in the furthest seat away from where you are presenting.

    Public Speaking

    Speaking in public is a skill that requires practice. For those who struggle with speaking in public, start with small steps by speaking from your seat in a classroom or speaking within a small group. These opportunities to speak with increase one’s comfort level, give you confidence and communicate confidence to your audience.

    Working in Teams (Small Groups)

    Working as a member of a team can be challenging – whether it be for 15 minutes, one week, one month or one season.

    Keys to Success:

    1. Communicating clearly
    2. Knowing one’s role and responsibility
    3. Holding team members accountable for completed and incomplete work.
    4. Setting goals and working collaboratively towards a goal (short term or long term)
    5. Utilizing one’s skills to the team’s benefits
    6. Leading within the team is critical to staying focused, organizing tasks and ensuring deadlines are met.

    Teams have the capacity to accomplish much more together than one could accomplish individually. “Divide and conquer” is an efficient way to divide up the work. Just make sure that each person is able to review and comment on everyone else’s work – so that the final product is a collaboration – rather than a series of individual pieces of work.

Learning Strategies

Updated on 2020-01-14T17:18:57+00:00, by 6prbkd.