Reading: Kuther: CH 3 and 4 PSY 201: The Psychology Major: Academic and Professional Issues Module 2: Taking an Active Role in your Education and Study Skills Study Guide Notes Module 2 Study Guide Objectives: Kuther Chapter 3: You will learn: Importance of developing a number of covert skills. Why it is important to develop professional relationships with faculty. How to get the best letter of recommendation (characteristics and behaviors professors appreciate and ones they don t). What you should bring when meeting with your advisor and when you should seek your advisor s advice. What a mentor is and how you can find an effective one. Why it is important to gain research experience and the types of tasks research assistants typically perform. Why it is important to gain field experience and the types of tasks interns typically perform. Why it is important to become involved in organizations (What is Psi Chi?) Kuther Chapter 4: You will learn: Why self-awareness is the key to success in college. The benefits of time management. Six ways to gain control over your time. How to make the most of your time (For example: when to schedule the most difficult tasks (hint: circadian rhythm) and when to start big projects). How to improve reading comprehension and efficiency (SQR3 method). How to improve your note-taking. How to determine a main point and using a 3-ringed binder, etc. How to listen more effectively. Eight important STUDY TIPS!! Tips for improving test-taking (including reducing test anxiety, and strategies for multiplechoice and essay tests). Page 1 of 11
Kuther Chapter 3: Take an Active Role in your Education Eight tips for getting the most out of your College Experience: 1. Develop your covert skills You will learn more than the content of your major you will learn important covert skills, which will be EXTREMELY valuable later on the job/grad school, including Communication skills Reading skills Listening and note-taking skills Memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills Organizational and time management skills Self-management skills Technology skills Strong Advice: Take every opportunity to develop these covert skills by taking extra courses that emphasize them. 2. Develop professional relationships with faculty Why? Because faculty provide learning opportunities both in and out of classroom may be able to introduce you to others that can help with your goals (e.g. professor knows another professor at the grad school you are applying to) may be able to help you obtain special learning opportunities (internships and teaching assistantships) provide advice and emotional support provide letters of recommendations for job and grad school (because letters are not simply based on grades) How do you get the BEST letters of recommendation? Take Kuther, Quiz 3.1 to see if you exhibit the characteristics and behaviors (i.e. intelligence, motivation, and commitment) both in and out of the classroom that professors appreciate 3. Do NOT exhibit the following behaviors (What NOT to do in an online class) Attempt to make assignments look longer by increasing the margins or font size Frequently turn in work late Have to take more that one make-up exam Be more interested in grades than learning After reading the chapters and study notes, ask is this stuff important; is it going to be on the test? Dominate office hours/emails with personal issues instead of questions regarding the course work Page 2 of 11
(What NOT to do in an online class cont.) Nit-pick over answers to test questions Wait until the last minute to ask questions about an assignment Fail to use feedback to improve future discussion postings/ assignments 4. Meet with your Academic Advisor Academic advisor = a faculty member who helps you select courses and other learning opportunities to prepare you for your chosen career When meeting with your advisor, you should come prepared with questions and a tentative schedule of the courses that fulfill the requirements of your major Also discuss your career goals and seek their advice anytime you make a major decision such as adding or dropping a class, changing majors, transferring to another school, or dropping out of school 5. Find a Mentor Mentor = a professor, advisor, or a job/research supervisor who, by taking a special interest in you, facilitates your undergraduate accomplishments, provides intellectual and emotional support, and helps you reach your goals How to find a mentor? Do well in your courses Be an active, visible member of the department (e.g. Psy Club) Seek research opportunities by approaching professors (after class or during office hours) Show motivation / sincere interest in working with them Show them you possess skills that are important for conducting research.critical thinking, writing, technical, and statistical analysis skills Choosing an Effective Mentor: Choose someone you admire with whom you can effectively communicate who is interpersonally skilled (responsive, encouraging, challenges you to be your best, etc.) who has positive personal attributes (mature, wise, friendly, positive, respected by peers, etc.) who has attained professional competency (knowledgeable, well-informed, involved in research, professional, or academic organizations) Page 3 of 11
6. Become a Research Assistant Why? Helps you develop a mentoring relationship Helps you acquire letters of recommendation Helps you develop written and oral communication skills Enhances application/resume/vita for job/grad school What does a Research Assistant do? Collect data Score, code, enter data into statistical analysis program Conduct library searches for a literature review using psy databases (e.g. PsychInfo) Help develop new research ideas Help prepare oral or poster presentations for professional conferences Help prepare manuscript of research results for publication 7.Get Field Experience: Internships Why? Gives you the opportunity to apply and practice what you have learned, learn additional skills that can t be learned in the classroom, and explore potential careers What do Interns do? Most internships are with agencies that deal with human behavior 1. Social service agency Administer or score psychological tests Assist with behavior modification 2. Human services department of company Administer structured interviews Write performance appraisals Coordinate special projects/programs 8. Get involved in Organizations Why? Helps you become a visible member of the department Many organizations offer resources that are helpful to students, including discounts on books Enhances your application/resume/vita How to get involved? Become an active member of the following organizations Psi Chi = national honor society in Psychology established in 1929 with purpose to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship and advance psychology as a science Psychology Club American Psychological Association (APA) American Psychological Society Page 4 of 11
Kuther Chapter 4: Tools for Academic Success Self-awareness: The key to success! By becoming aware of yourself, you can tailor study strategies to fit your needs, preferences, and abilities Remember "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." Albert Einstein If what you re doing IS NOT working, then assess your study and time management skills and CHANGE YOUR STRATEGIES!! Successful students know what how they learn, what works for them, and they also change strategies when things don t work Time Management: MUST GAIN CONTROL OVER YOUR TIME! Benefits of time management 1. Gets you started (no time wasted on deciding what to do) 2. Keeps you from forgetting to study for subjects you dislike 3. Without pressure of cramming, you will have more time to think about and enjoy the subject matter 4. Promotes effective distributed study and eliminates cramming 5. Frees the mind (putting it on paper, means you don t have to remember it) 6. Helps you put your priorities first 7. Lets you avoid time traps and control study breaks 8. Keeps you from overlooking fun 9. Because you can concentrate more effectively, it helps you learn how to study smarter, NOT HARDER! Take Control Over Your Time! 1. Create a list For a week keep track of what you do now when you sleep eat work go to class study have fun, etc. 2. Evaluate and Decide on Change Figure out how much time each week you spend on each task Are you spending it where you need to? What do you need to spend more time on? What do you need to spend less time on? Page 5 of 11
Time You Can t Change 56 hours for sleep 8 hours are usually adequate 21 hours to eat don t try to rush your eating or skip meals 20 hours for classes and labs don t try to skip one class to get work done in another 3. Create a Schedule Enter time into to study Best to study over many short sessions than in one long one!!! 4. Write it down Keep a record (in one place) of all your assignments, obligations, and appointments 5. Use to-do lists Each week create a list and then prioritize it Schedule enough time for each task and don t overdo it 6. Work with it Alter your schedule and modify it when needed Tips for making the most of your time: 1. Plan blocks of time (20 minutes to 1 hour). 2. Know your circadian rhythm (optimal awake and sleep times) and schedule difficult tasks during your most alert periods. 3. Avoid too much detail in schedule (do not spend much time writing schedule). 4. Allow time for play and last minute problems (computers are notorious for breaking down just when you need them). 5. Allow time for sleep (8 hrs per night). 6. Start big projects early because most people underestimate the time needed to complete them (DO NOT PROCRASTINATE). 7. Use spare time to think (when walking to car, think about the main points of your reading/lecture). 8. Carry pocket work (book, article, note cards) that you can study while waiting in line, bus stop, etc. Reading: Tips for comprehension and efficiency SQR3 method: Survey: The material, book or chapter first, to get an idea of what parts you will need to study in detail. Scan the table of contents and see how topics are inter-connected. Make a mental note of all sub-headings or emphasized sections. Question: Yourself as to the purpose of your study, e.g. What are the main themes, what message do I get from them, how will they be useful to me, what is the sequence of thought or paragraphs? etc. Page 6 of 11
Read: The chapter from beginning to end. At this stage, do not slow down and concentrate, but finish off the entire material in one sitting. Recall/Recite: What you have read, if necessary make brief notes of main ideas and important details. Try to recall the sequence of sections in your mind. Reciting to someone else helps you put it in your own words. (However, reading aloud does not suit everyone). Review: What you have read and test the accuracy of your memory. Then concentrate on those passages that seem to elude your memory, and read them slowly and carefully. Reading: Additional Tips 1. Use a dictionary to look up unknown words. 2. Pace yourself and allow more time for difficult reading. 3. Read chapter before attending lecture. 4. Avoid underlining or highlighting large portions of the text and instead TAKE NOTES of main points. 5. Do not write down a concept until you understand it. Lectures: Note-taking Tips: 1. Be selective: Write ONLY main points and TAKE NOTES IN YOUR OWN WORDS, except for technical vocab (requires active listening which improves memory) 2. Determine main points: Repeated statements are often main points Notes written on board or PowerPoint Statements made in a certain tone of voice Statements following signal words and phrases to illustrate, Furthermore, Therefore, In contrast, More important, Remember, In other words, In essence 3. Prepare for listening and learning: Preview the material before coming to class so that you can participate in class discussions and ask questions 4. Mechanics of Note-taking: Only include essential words - FORGET GRAMMAR Create abbreviations for common words (e.g. Ps = participants, dev = development, bc = because) Do NOT write in script/cursive, instead PRINT your notes so that they are legible Use a loose-leaf binder so that you can rearrange your notes, add handouts from class, etc. Write notes only on 1 side of paper, so you can see all notes at once Use outline style with deep indentations, so you can see the organization of lecture Leave spaces to add notes/examples later Page 7 of 11
Insert underlined blanks for things that you missed or did not understand (to be filled in later) REVIEW, correct, and add notes SOON after class!! Additional Note-taking Tips: 1. Have a specific notebook for every class. 2. Sit in the front of the classroom. 3. Write the date and title of the lecture at the top of the page. 4. Write down the main idea of the lecture near the top of the lecture. 5. Correlate what you are hearing to what you have read and your own experience. 6. Learn when not to write. 7. Learn to distinguish facts from opinions. 8. Ask questions. Effective Listening Tips: 1. Be interested. 2. Ignore Speakers Faults in Delivery: Ignore speaker s mannerism, clothes, voice, and delivery. Focus on the message. 3. Wait to Disagree/Challenge. Listen to entire idea and get all facts straight. 4. Listen to the Concepts: Relate small facts to central themes and principles. 5. Take Brief Notes: Don t write down everything speaker says. 6. Stop Distractions: Stop distractions caused by classmates by asking them to be quiet or ask the speaker to speak louder. 7. See Difficult Material as a Challenge and Don t Tune Out. 8. Control Your Emotions: Focus on the literal meaning of words, don t let your emotions block your concentration. 9. Use Your Spare Time: Since talking speed is slower than listening speed use that time to summarize ideas, identify central themes, and anticipate what will come next. Study Tips: 1. Set a primary study environment! Create a study habit mindset by always studying in same place. Fine a convenient, quiet, adequately lit place without distractions (e.g. telephone, TV). Home office, Campus library, BARNES and NOBLE BOOKSTORE, By a lake, etc. Get a COMFY chair!!! Desk should be clutter-free and organized. Background music is fine as long as it is not distracting. 2. Get organized! Avoids wasting time looking for needed materials! Page 8 of 11
Keep all materials for class in same place (3-ringed binder) Keep file folder in desk for material that is too bulky for binder Each morning, examine your schedule and make sure you have what you need for that day. 3. Prioritize your available time! Rule of thumb: 3 hours of study, research, and assignment preparation is required for every 1 hour of classroom work. Do NOT study for more than 2 hours at a time. Remember, many small, distributed study sessions are better!! Take a break every half hour or so Get up, move around, and do something different from studying (check e- mail, get some refreshments, etc.) Upon return, spend few minutes reviewing what you have already covered before moving to a new area. 4. Set a study time! Committing to the same study time every week is essential!! Helps you avoid PROCRASTINATION!! Know your circadian rhythm (optimal alert and sleep times) and choose a study time when you are MOST ALERT; If you are a morning person --> study early in the morning If you are an evening person--> study in the evening 5. Know your learning style!! Visual learners find it best to Read the textbook or other support materials, take notes, and draw illustrations Auditory learners find it best to Highlight info in the book and listen closely 6. Seek out study partners or groups! Can help clarify course content Can help fill in missing details Can offer a different perspective / point of view Can ask to quiz you Can provide emotional support Can often give you extra confidence by confirming your understanding of the material 7. Use resources provided by instructor! Class syllabus Lists of information Class notes / study guides PowerPoint notes Review handouts Page 9 of 11
Textbook companion websites (with on-line quizzes) Blackboard information The greatest resource provided is the INSTRUCTOR: KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN!!!!!!! 8. Develop your own study tools! Create study sheets with majors points and facts Create flashcards for learning lists of terms and their definitions, practicing phrases and words, and exercising your general recall abilities Make up acronyms or mnemonics (e.g. SQR3 = survey, question, read, recite, review) 9. Prepare for tests!! Anticipate test questions - if I were making this test Cues to look for Repetition Repeated use of examples Change in tone of voice Pauses in speaking to permit students to take notes Point written on board or overhead A pause in lecture when instructor makes eye contact with class Rehearse Practice activities that will be on test Example: If essay test - practice writing essays Make it memorable Care about and be interested in what you are studying Relate material to own experiences and what you already know Test-Taking Tips: 1. Reduce anxiety: Being mentally and physically prepared is essential! DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO STUDY! Get enough sleep Eat a good breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner beforehand Stay positive - avoid negative self-talk! Use progressive relaxation techniques Ask the professor if you have questions Arrive early Come prepared with pencils, paper, etc. Page 10 of 11
2. Preview your test: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!! Quickly jot down info that you think you will forget 3. Multiple-Choice Tests: Read each question and answer carefully! Be aware of key phrases such as, Choose the best answer, All of the following are true except. Eliminate distracter answers Don t waste time on difficult questions Usually your first choice is correct If one option is all of the above --> if two answers are correct then all of the above is your answer Test questions often give away info relevant to another test question. 4. Essay Tests: Read all questions and choose to an EASY question first followed by ones with highest point value. Briefly jot down ideas that come to mind. Organize your thoughts before you begin to write. Get right to the point. 1st paragraph = overview of essay and state main point(s). Body of essay = discuss main point(s) in detail with specific examples. Conclusion paragraph should summarize main point(s). Write on every other line so that it looks neat and so that you can add info if needed. Budget your time carefully for each question. Always proofread!! Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 5. Learn from returned tests Examine your errors Did you read it correctly? Get clues about the next test Were most questions about vocab? Were most application questions? Strategize Which test strategies worked well and which didn t? Page 11 of 11