STUDY SKILLS Center for Academic Student Achievement CASA

STUDY SKILLS Center for Academic Student Achievement

CASA Located in Glasscock Student Success Center 361 -825 -5933

CASA Services Tutoring Math Science Supplemental Instruction Biology Writing Center Peer Mentoring CASA Learning Community Mentors First Islanders Scholars’ Academy Advising Chemistry Texas Success Initiative History Developmental Education Philosophy Academic Success Coaches

Tutoring Upper division/ graduate students Maintain 3. 0 GPA Typically majoring in field of expertise Have taken subject-based courses before CRLA certified Work closely with professors

Supplemental Instruction Upper division/ graduate students Maintain 3. 0 GPA Typically majoring in field of expertise Have taken subject-based courses before CRLA certified Work closely with professors Most core classes have a SI Leader Attends your class and holds study sessions up to three times a week

Writing Center Upper division/graduate students Can assist with: Trained in writing center and composition theory Brainstorming Feedback on drafts Documenting sources APA /MLA/ Chicago Formatting Business letters, Résumé, CV Lab Reports On-line writing Center

Learning Styles Quiz Maximize your learning potential and make studying count

V. A. R. K. VISUAL LEARNERS READ-WRITE LEARNERS • • • Learn by seeing Best understanding with words that evoke images Respond well to demonstrations Enjoy visually pleasing presentations AUDITORY LEARNERS • • Learn by listening and verbalizing Listen for keywords and phrases Respond well when things are explained aloud Think in a linear fashion • • Learn by reading and writing Best understanding with explanations on paper or screen Organize thoughts and make lists Translate lessons into words KINESTHETIC LEARNERS • • Learn through doing trial-and- error Prefer hands-on approach Use multiple senses to engage with material Enjoy solving real-life problems

Best Study Practices for Each Type of Learner VISUAL LEARNERS AUDITORY LEARNERS Use maps, charts, graphs, and diagrams ---------------------Use videos and Power. Point presentations ---------------------Make and use flashcards ---------------------Focus on titles when reading ---------------------Highlight and underline when reading Record lessons and lectures and listen later ----------------------Read material aloud ----------------------Record yourself reading notes and replay later ----------------------Explain concepts aloud in your own words ----------------------Use word association and mnemonic devices to help remember READ-WRITE LEARNERS KINESTHETIC LEARNERS Take notes (many and detailed) ---------------------Reword notes in different ways ---------------------Create and use bulleted lists ---------------------Translate diagrams or charts into a verbal or written summary ---------------------Write questions based on material and answer Make and use flashcards ---------------------Study with others and exchange ideas ---------------------Study in short blocks ---------------------Use examples when taking notes ---------------------Feel free to doodle while studying

Study Tips and Tricks WRITE DOWN EVERY ASSIGNMENT DATE, DUE DATE, TEST DATE, ETC 1 ORGANIZE WITH COLOR • Use a planner/ calendar • set timely alerts • Utilize to-do lists REMEMBER TO HAND IN ALL ASSIGNMENTS 2 COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PROFESSOR 3 4 TAKE QUICK NOTES IN CLASS • Use color-coded system to keep assignments organized ESTABLISH A STUDY SCHEDULE AND ZONE • Submit on time and completed • Follow all instructions 5 REVIEW THE SYLLABUS EARLY AND OFTEN • Ask questions in class • Visit professor during office hours 6 • Schedule time to study each week • Find a place that suits your personality and learning style 7 • Don’t worry about writing everything down • Don’t take notes on what’s in the textbook 10 MAKE STUDYING SOCIAL READ THE MATERIAL 8 PAY ATTENTION TO EMPHASIS • Know what to expect ahead of time • Buy books early, if applicable GIVE EACH CLASS AT LEAST 1 HOUR PER DAY OF STUDY 9 • Listening in class is not a substitute for reading the textbook • Stay on top of readings 11 DON’T BLOW IT OFF • Schedule at least 1 hour to study in between class days • For large lectures, schedule 1 -3 TAKE CARE OF hours YOURSELF 13 • Join or create a study group • Explain and teach others to reinforce learning PLAN, PLAN • Listen for topics the professor repeats • Look at bold words in textbook 12 • Schedule breaks in terms of duration and frequency • Don’t waste weekends 14 • Study regularly to avoid lastminute cramming • Start essays early and work on in sections • • • Eat right Get enough slee Take breaks Exercise Laugh Reward/treat yourself

Study Habits to Avoid Time and Energy Wasters: TRYING TO TAKE NOTES ON EVERYTHING Don’t try to write everything your professor says. It’s not all equally important and you’ll fall behind or miss The important information quickly. Don’t forget to actively listen While taking notes. REWRITING FOR THE SAKE OF REWRITING Rewriting notes can be helpful, but only if you translate the concept into your own words so that you really understand it and can explain it. HIGHLIGHTING OVERKILL You know what happens when you highlight everything? It’s like highlighting nothing. If everything is emphasized, then nothing stands out. REREADING IN BELIEF THAT MORE WILL SINK IN Rereading an entire chapter is just repetition. Instead, try reading closely one time, while only rereading the tricky sentences as you come across them.