Good Listening Tips: It is important for you to be a good listener in class. Much of what you will have to learn will be presented verbally by your teachers. Just hearing what your teachers say is not the same as listening to what they say. Listening is a cognitive act that requires you to pay attention and think about and mentally process what you hear. Here are some things you should do to be a good listener in class. Be Cognitively Ready to Listen When You Come to Class. Make sure you complete all assigned work and readings. Review your notes from previous class sessions. Think about what you know about the topic that will be covered in class that day. Be Emotionally Ready to Listen When You Come to Class. Your attitude is important. Make a conscious choice to find the topic useful and interesting. Be committed to learning all that you can. Listen with a Purpose. Identify what you expect and hope to learn from the class session. Listen for these things as your teacher talks. Listen with an Open Mind. Be receptive to what your teacher says. It is good to question what is said as long as you remain open to points of view other than your own. Be Attentive. Focus on what your teacher is saying. Try not to daydream and let your mind wander to other things. It helps to sit in the front and center of the class and to maintain eye contact with your teacher. Be an Active Listener. You can think faster than your teacher can speak. Use this to your advantage by evaluating what is being said and trying to anticipate what will be said next. Take good written notes about what your teacher says. While you can think faster than your teacher can speak, you cannot write faster than your teacher can speak. Taking notes requires you to make decisions about what to write, and you have to be an active listener to do this. Meet the Challenge. Don't give up and stop listening when you find the information being presented difficult to understand. Listen even more carefully at these times and work hard to understand what is being said. Don't be reluctant to ask questions. Triumph Over the Environment. The classroom may be too noisy, too hot, too cold, too bright, or too dark. Don't give in to these inconveniences. Stay focused on the big picture - LEARNING.
Identifying Lecture Styles: Lectures given by your teachers are usually organized in one of the following lecture styles: Topic-List Question-Answer Compare-Contrast Series of Events Cause-Effect Problem-Solution Identifying the lecture style used by your teacher will help you take good notes. Read to learn about each lecture style. Topic-List The teacher begins by presenting the topic followed by associated subtopics. Each subtopic includes details and sometimes subdetails. Number words like one or second and transitional words like next and finally indicate that the teacher is using a Topic-List style. The transitional words also indicate a change from one subtopic to another subtopic. Question-Answer The teacher begins by introducing a topic that is followed by one or more questions about the topic. Each question is answered after it is introduced. Words such as who, what, where, when, why and how indicate that the teacher is using a Question-Answer style. Phrases such as in what way and how did they react also indicate that this style is being used. Compare-Contrast The teacher begins by identifying two things that will be compared and contrasted. The teacher then tells how the two things are alike (i.e., compare) and how they are different (i.e., contrast). Words and phrases such asalike, similarly, correspondingly, in parallel, counterpart, equal to, resemble, and just as suggest similarities. Words and phrases such as differently, however, antithesis of, disparity, on the other hand, opposite, and on the contrary suggest differences. Series of Events The teacher begins by identifying the topic. Then the teacher describes an initial event, step, or stage related to the topic. Information is then presented about additional events, steps, or stages. The teacher concludes by revealing the final event, step, or stage. Words and phrases such as initially, at the outset, next, followed by, then, later, after, succeeding, intermediate, last, culminating, and finally indicate that the teacher is using a Series of Events style.
Cause-Effect The teacher begins by presenting the cause of something, followed by one or more effects related to the cause. Details are included for some of the effects. Words or phrases such as since, thus, therefore, consequently, for that reason, on account of, owing to, and as a result indicate that the teacher is using a Cause-Effect style. Problem-Solution The teacher begins by introducing a problem and explaining why it is a problem. The teacher continues by describing attempts to solve the problem, providing details as needed. Finally, the teacher concludes by identifying the solution to the problem if one has been found or the status of attempts to solve the problem. Words and phrases such as puzzle, issue, point of dispute, enigma, and complication indicate that a problem is being presented. Words and phrases such as solution, explanation, answer, cleared up, and worked out indicate that the problem has been resolved. Words and phrases such as unravel, investigate, clear up, and untangleindicate that an attempted solution is under way. Identifying the lecture style used by your teacher will help you write good notes in class. Class Note Taking: Teachers often emphasize the information they provide in class lectures when they design tests. This means that your class notes are a vital resource when studying for a test. It is important that your class notes be complete and accurate. The best way to be certain that your class notes are complete and accurate is to review them in the evening while the information that was covered in class is still fresh in your mind. At this time you should rewrite your notes, correcting any errors, filling in any gaps, and adding additional information as appropriate. Rewriting your class notes also gives you the opportunity to improve their organization and to make them neater, thereby making your notes easier to study from. Further, rewriting your class notes reinforces the information so that you will remember it better. Here are some tips to consider when you rewrite your class notes. Reread your class notes two or three times before beginning to rewrite them. It is important to do this so that you have the big picture firm in your mind. Rewrite your class notes in an outline format that shows connections and relationships between various topics and key terms. Question what you have written in your class notes. Make sure that what you have written makes sense and that you understand what you have written. Compare your class notes with those of another student in your class.
Often, much of the information in a teacher's lecture is based upon the information in the textbook. Check to be certain that the information you wrote in your class notes is consistent with corresponding information in the textbook. Use sources of information other than your textbook to gain further understanding of the information in your class notes. The Internet is very helpful in this regard. Change any abbreviations and symbols in your class notes into complete words and statements. Highlight the most important words and concepts in your class notes. Rewrite your class notes in a designated notebook that becomes a primary resource when studying for a test. Jot down any questions you think you may need to ask your teacher at the next class session. It is important to take good notes in class. Taking written notes almost forces you to concentrate on what the teacher is saying. Your notes will help you prepare for tests and will give you clues as to what your teacher thinks is most important for you to know. Further, your notes will contain information that may not be in your textbooks. Here are some tips that can help you take good notes. Use a loose leaf notebook for taking notes. You can then remove pages as needed. You cannot do this if you use a spiral notebook. Write your notes on the front side of pages only. This will allow you to lay the pages side by side when reviewing your notes for a test. Write the date at the top of each page of your notes and number the pages. This will help you to keep your notes in the proper sequence. Keep your notes for each class separate from your notes for other classes. You can use different color tabs to help you do this. Be selective in what you write. On average, the speaking speed of teachers is five to six times faster than is the writing speed of students. Quite simply, do not try to write everything your teacher says. Use abbreviations and symbols to increase your notetaking speed. Don't be too concerned with spelling and grammar. These notes are for your use and will not be graded. Ask your teacher to repeat something you think you may have missed.
As you write points made by your teacher, translate these points into your own words. Doing this will increase your understanding of your notes and your ability to remember the information they contain. If your teacher provides a definition for a word, write that definition in your notes word for word. Write legibly. You will have to read your notes later on. Include in your notes information your teacher writes on the board. Stay especially alert during the last few minutes of the class. Teachers sometime use the last few minutes of a class session to cram in everything they wanted to cover but didn t. Your class notes are your record of what your teacher covered. Use the tips above to make them as good as possible. OUT OF CLASS: You may delay but time WILL NOT - Ben Franklin Controlling Procrastination: Procrastination is putting off or avoiding doing something that you must do. It is natural to procrastinate occasionally. However, excessive procrastination can result in guilt feelings about not doing a task when it should be done. It can also cause anxiety since the task still needs to be done. Further, excessive procrastination can cause poor performance if you try to complete a task with little time remaining. In short, excessive procrastination can interfere with your school and personal success. Twenty things you can do to control procrastination. Reward yourself when you complete a task on time. You can surf the Internet, have some ice cream, or do anything else that is a positive reinforcer for you. Prioritize the tasks you have to do. Putting tasks in priority order will avoid the problem of trying to decide where to begin. Work on tasks at the times you work best. Some students can get things going in the morning, while other students may be more comfortable working in the evening. Don t try to finish everything at once. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. Work with a study group. The momentum of the other group members will carry you with them. Carefully schedule what you have to do. Stick to your schedule.
Establish reasonable standards for completing a task. Striving for perfection can stop you from completing the task. Set specific goals and track your progress toward their accomplishment. This will help you avoid the feeling that the work before you is endless. Establish a comfortable place in which to do your work. You will be more inclined to do your work if your workspace is peaceful and inviting. Work for short periods of time. Set a timer for 15 minutes and take a short break when it goes off. Create a to do list at the start of each day. Keep the list to a reasonable length. Cross off each thing to do as you accomplish it. Don t sit around thinking about what you have to do. Stop thinking and start doing. If there is a particular task that you dread doing, force yourself to face it. Once you complete this task, your other tasks will seem like a walk in the park. Think about all of the benefits of completing a task. Use these thoughts as motivators. Use visual reminders of what you have to do. Post-it notes placed in prominent places (e.g., refrigerator door, computer screen, and mirror) will remind you that something needs to be done. Organize your workspace. Spending a lot of time looking for what you need to do a task is a classic form of procrastination. Use peer pressure. This works for Weight Watchers and can work for you. Identify a friend to whom you are accountable for getting your work done. Focus on starting a task rather than finishing it. Bring your focus from the future to the right now. Don t make too much of a task. Overvaluing a task can make you highly anxious. Anxiety can block your performance. Identify the ways in which you procrastinate. Take direct steps to eliminate these. Motivate Yourself to Study If you find that you lack motivation to study, welcome to the club. Just about every student experiences this problem at one time or another. Motivation is important for good studying. When you are motivated, you will find it easy to stay focused over a period of time. When you are not motivated, you will not only find it difficult to stay focused, but you will find it difficult to get started in the first place. Here are some ways to increase your motivation to study.
1. Reward yourself for studying. For example, after a successful study session, have a treat like a nice big ice cream cone. Go crazy and add some cherries and nuts. 2. Study with your friends. Don t make it party time, but you can have fun as you do this. 3. Remind yourself of your long-term goals. Achievement of your goals likely requires educational success. Educational success requires studying. 4. Eliminate distractions. If you are surrounded by things you would rather do than study, you will probably do those things instead of studying. 5. Develop interest in what you have to study. This will make studying more enjoyable. 6. Take breaks. When you feel that you need to take a break, try to stop at a point where it is logical to stop. This will make it easier for you to resume studying after your break. 7. Establish a comfortable environment. You will be more inclined to study if you feel comfortable. 8. Establish reasonable goals for a study session. You probably won t get very far if you look at your study session as "mission impossible." 9. Use a motivational poster. Place the poster where you can see it as you study. The poster should include positive words and a picture depicting success. You can buy one or even make your own. You can also read inspirational stories about real people who have achieved success through effort. 10. Just do it. Once you do, you will feel a lot better than if you are worried about getting it done. Whenever you experience difficulty sitting down to study, follow the suggestions above to motivate you to do what you have to do. Improving Concentration: Many students have difficulty concentrating while studying. Being able to concentrate while you are studying is essential to doing well in class and on tests. Here are 10 suggestions for improving your study concentration: Study in a quiet place that is free from distractions and interruptions. Try to create a space designated solely for studying. Make a study schedule that shows what tasks you need to accomplish and when you plan to accomplish each task. This will provide you with the structure you need for effective studying. Try to study at the time of day you work best. Some people work well early in the morning, others late at night. You know what works best for you.
Make sure you are not tired and/or hungry when you study. Otherwise, you won't have the energy you need to concentrate. Also, maintain your physical fitness. Don't try to do two tasks at the same time. You won't be able to concentrate on either one very well. Concentration means focusing on one thing to the exclusion of all else. Break large tasks into a series of smaller tasks that you can complete one at a time. If you try to complete a large task all at once, you may feel overwhelmed and may be unable to maintain your concentration. Relax. It's hard to concentrate when you're tense. It's important to relax when working on a task that requires concentration. Meditation is helpful to many students. Clear your mind of worrisome thoughts. Mental poise is important for concentration. You can get distracted by your own thoughts. Monitor your thoughts and prevent yourself from following any that take you off track. Don't daydream. Develop an interest in what you are studying. Try to relate what you are studying to you own life to make it as meaningful as possible. This can motivate yourself to concentrate. Take breaks whenever you feel fatigued. There is no set formula for when to take breaks. You will know when you need to take a break. Studying without concentration is like trying to fill a bucket with water when the bucket has a hole in its bottom. It doesn't work. Study Habit Tips: Successful students have good study habits. They apply these habits to all of their classes. Read about each study habit. Work to develop any study habit you do not have. Successful students: 1. Try not to do too much studying at one time. If you try to do too much studying at one time, you will tire and your studying will not be very effective. Space the work you have to do over shorter periods of time. Taking short breaks will restore your mental energy. 2. Plan specific times for studying. Study time is any time you are doing something related to schoolwork. It can be completing assigned reading, working on a paper or project, or studying for a test. Schedule specific times throughout the week for your study time.
3. Try to study at the same times each day. Studying at the same times each day establishes a routine that becomes a regular part of your life, just like sleeping and eating. When a scheduled study time comes up during the day, you will be mentally prepared to begin studying. 4. Set specific goals for their study times. Goals will help you stay focused and monitor your progress. Simply sitting down to study has little value. You must be very clear about what you want to accomplish during your study times. 5. Start studying when planned. You may delay starting your studying because you don't like an assignment or think it is too hard. A delay in studying is called "procrastination." If you procrastinate for any reason, you will find it difficult to get everything done when you need to. You may rush to make up the time you wasted getting started, resulting in careless work and errors. Work on the assignment they find most difficult first. Your most difficult assignment will require the most effort. Start with your most difficult assignment since this is when you have the most mental energy. 6. Review their notes before beginning an assignment. Reviewing your notes can help you make sure you are doing an assignment correctly. Also, your notes may include information that will help you complete an assignment. 7. Tell their friends not to call them during their study times. Two study problems can occur if your friends call you during your study times. First, your work is interrupted. It is not that easy to get back to what you were doing. Second, your friends may talk about things that will distract you from what you need to do. Here's a simple idea - turn off your cell phone during your study times. 8. Call another student when they have difficulty with an assignment. This is a case where "two heads may be better than one."
9. Review their schoolwork over the weekend. Yes, weekends should be fun time. But there is also time to do some review. This will help you be ready to go on Monday morning when another school week begins. Setting Goals: Successful students have good study habits. They apply these habits to all of their classes. Read about each study habit. Work to develop any study habit you do not have. Successful students: 1. Try not to do too much studying at one time. If you try to do too much studying at one time, you will tire and your studying will not be very effective. Space the work you have to do over shorter periods of time. Taking short breaks will restore your mental energy. 2. Plan specific times for studying. Study time is any time you are doing something related to schoolwork. It can be completing assigned reading, working on a paper or project, or studying for a test. Schedule specific times throughout the week for your study time. 3. Try to study at the same times each day. Studying at the same times each day establishes a routine that becomes a regular part of your life, just like sleeping and eating. When a scheduled study time comes up during the day, you will be mentally prepared to begin studying. 4. Set specific goals for their study times. Goals will help you stay focused and monitor your progress. Simply sitting down to study has little value. You must be very clear about what you want to accomplish during your study times. 5. Start studying when planned. You may delay starting your studying because you don't like an assignment or think it is too hard. A delay in studying is called "procrastination." If you procrastinate for any reason, you
will find it difficult to get everything done when you need to. You may rush to make up the time you wasted getting started, resulting in careless work and errors. Work on the assignment they find most difficult first. Your most difficult assignment will require the most effort. Start with your most difficult assignment since this is when you have the most mental energy. 6. Review their notes before beginning an assignment. Reviewing your notes can help you make sure you are doing an assignment correctly. Also, your notes may include information that will help you complete an assignment. 7. Tell their friends not to call them during their study times. Two study problems can occur if your friends call you during your study times. First, your work is interrupted. It is not that easy to get back to what you were doing. Second, your friends may talk about things that will distract you from what you need to do. Here's a simple idea - turn off your cell phone during your study times. 8. Call another student when they have difficulty with an assignment. This is a case where "two heads may be better than one." 9. Review their schoolwork over the weekend. Yes, weekends should be fun time. But there is also time to do some review. This will help you be ready to go on Monday morning when another school week begins. Test Anxiety: It is perfectly natural to feel some anxiety when preparing for and taking a test. In fact, a little anxiety can jump start your studying and keep you motivated. However, too much anxiety can interfere with your studying. You may have difficulty learning and remembering what you need to know for the test. Further, too much anxiety may lower your performance during the test. You may have difficulty demonstrating what you know during the test. Twenty things you can do to reduce test anxiety. 1. Use good study techniques to gain mastery of the material that will be covered on the test. This mastery will help you approach the test with confidence rather than with excessive anxiety. Employ the studying tips we provide at Study Habits.
2. Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about doing well, not failing. Think of the test as an opportunity to show how much you have learned. 3. Go into the test well rested and well fed. Get enough sleep the night before the test. Eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Stay away from junk foods. 4. Stay relaxed during the test. If you become tense, close your eyes, take a long, slow breath, and then let it out slowly. 5. Follow a plan for taking the test such as the DETER strategy we describe at A Strategy for Taking Tests. Don't panic even if you find the test difficult. Stay with your plan! 6. Don't feel that you have to get everything right. You can get a high score even if you miss some questions. 7. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine before the test. Caffeine can make you jittery. 8. Don't make more of the test than it's worth. As important as a test might be, your entire future is not on the line. 9. Think about what is causing you to be anxious. Often the cause is not rational and you can come up with a rational counter-thought. 10. Think positive thoughts such as "I can do this" throughout the test. 11. Learn all you can about what to expect on the test so you will feel ready to take it on. 12. Don't panic that you will not have enough time to complete the test. In most cases, tests are designed so they can be completed within the time allotted. 13. Don't arrive too early for the test. The anxiety expressed by other students can be contagious and add to your own. 14. Don't arrive late for the test. This will raise your anxiety and cause you to rush your answers and make careless errors. 15. Focus on the test and ignore other things around you. Force yourself to not let your mind wander away from the test. 16. Answer the questions that are easiest for you first. This will build your confidence for the other questions. 17. Use guided imagery before the test to help you relax. Imagine yourself in a peaceful place, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this place. 18. Don't panic when other students start handing in their tests. There is no reward for finishing early. Just work at your own pace. 19. Once you finish the test and hand it in, don't worry about it. There is nothing more you can do until the graded test is returned to you. Turn your attention and effort to new assignments and tests.
20. When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better. Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. This will help you be better prepared and less anxious for the next test. To do well on a test, you must have mastery of the material the test covers. But you must also control any anxiety you may have in order to show what you know.