Using Study Time Wisely

Attend all classes.
Sit near the front of the class so you can focus better on the lecture.
Read through each class syllabus carefully.
Mark important due dates for assignments, tests, or projects on a master calendar and keep it in a place you will check regularly.
Use the calendar to help you figure out when to start studying for an exam or when to start working on an assignment or project.
- Count backward from the due date the number of days you think it will take you to get the work done.
- Designate a segment of time on each day all the way up to the due date to study or work on the assignment or project.
- Stick to this schedule to help you budget your time and remember what is due when, so you can meet your teachers' deadlines.
If you can't keep up with the pace of the lecture, ask permission to tape record it.
If you are taping the lecture, set the counter to zero and when you have question on a certain point, write down the counter number so you can go back to that section of the tape later.
Review your notes and/or tapes as soon as you can to help you remember the lecture information.
Rewrite or type up your handwritten notes to reinforce what was covered in class.
Highlight main points in your notes to make it easier to focus when studying.
Keep a section in your notebook for new vocabulary words and their definitions.
Use index cards to make flash cards with the word on one side and the definition on the other.
Go over the flash cards when you are on the bus, waiting for an appointment or between classes.
When reading the textbook, use section headings (usually in bold print) to think up questions that might be on the exam and use the questions to help you practice for the test.
As you read your textbook, highlight only the key points of each section and important definitions to study.
If you are an auditory learner, tape record yourself reading your textbook and listen to the tape while traveling to and from school to help you remember what you've read.
If you are a visual learner, make a mind map or picture diagram of important points you are reading to help you remember what you've read.
Review materials such as notes and handouts from the previous class before the next class session.
Use skimming techniques to review reading material before each class.
- Read the introduction (the first few paragraphs).
- Read all bold face print such as titles and headings.
- Read the first sentence of each paragraph if this is your first time through the reading.
- Read all your highlighted portions if this is not your first time through and you've already highlighted the important points.
- Read all photo captions, charts and diagrams.
- Read the conclusion (the last paragraph).
Write down questions you have as you study, so you can remember to ask the teacher at the next class session.
If you are not sure about instructions for an exam or assignment, ask the teacher for help early.
Take a study skills class to learn more about effective ways to study.

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