STUDY SKILL STRATEGIES BY DEBBIE WHITCOTTON BASICS n

STUDY SKILL STRATEGIES BY DEBBIE WHITCOTTON

BASICS n THE BASICS FOR STUDYING: Are simple common sense rules. Anyone can follow them. Everyone can be successful using them.

Step 1 - Setting priorities n n Teach your students about setting priorities. Use class discussions to help them understand what a priority is. Ask the students to make list of things to do and rank them in order of importance. Let students know it is their right to choose their won priorities but some may lead to better consequences than others.

Step 2 – Goal Organizer Teach your students about setting goals. n A simple way to explain the difference between goals and priorities is priorities are must do’s, goals are plan to do’s n

Step 3 – Obstacles to Concentration Teach students about positive study environments. n Activity- Have students write for 5 minutes. During this time the teacher will talk , open windows, laugh, hum, etc. n Have a discussion about external distractions and internal distractions n

Step 4 – My study plan Talk to students about their study plan. n Have students plan and then draw their ideal study place n Explain to the students that works for one may not work for someone else. The student is responsible for their study plan. n

Step 5 – Keeping track of time n n Talk to the students about what they do in the afternoons and evenings Have them estimate how much time they spend sleeping, eating, watching TV. Have students go home and keep a timesheet of the activities they do after school for a couple of days. Make a chart of class averages when the activities are done.

Step 6 – Where did the time go? Have students look closely at their timesheets and make observations about the choices they made. n Have students finish this question “ One thing I need to change about how I use my time is …” n

Preparing a Good Place to Study n n n 1. Is my study place available to me whenever I need it? 2. Is my study place free from distractions? 3. Does my study place contain everything I need (i. e. pens, paper, dictionary, etc. ) 4. Does my study place have a comfortable chair? 5. Does my study place have enough room? 6. Does my study place have enough light?

BE A Good Listener Be cognitively ready to listen when you come to class. n Be emotionally ready to listen when you come to class. n Listen with a purpose / listen with an open mind. n Be attentive. n Be an active listener. n

Assignment Planners Encourage students to use an assignment book. Check them off when completed. n Encourage how long it will take to complete each assignment. n Help children set performance goals. n Help children plan ahead. n

Note Taking- Important lesson Leave space in your notes n Label, number and date all notes n Use abbreviations and symbols n Ask instructors to repeat information n Listen for key phrases n Use a 3 ring binder for class n Use 3 x 5 note cards n

Websites http: //www. nwlincs. org/mtlincs/pilot project/studyskills/notetaking. pdf U: Teaching Study Skills Tips and Suggestions for Helping a Student With Poor Study Habits. mht U: Teaching Study Skills Teachers. And. Families. mht