A Dozen Ways to Study Smarter in Less Time

Understand each teacher's grading system. Keep all assignments, handouts, tests etcetera that are returned to you. Keep a list of your grades earned in each class. In order to do this you need: an organized notebook. Use a binder with dividers. Title and date each note. Keep notes in order. Anything written on the overhead or board is something you need to write down. Answer all questions in complete sentences, restating the question in your answer. Use shorthand. Write numbers using symbols not the actual name. Drop vowels from long words Large = lrg. Example: "The diameter of the Earth is four times greater than the diameter of the Moon." Becomes: "Earth = 4x > diameter of Moon." Always record assignments as soon as they are given. Don't trust your memory. In order to do this you need: your agenda and an assignment calendar at home near your desk. Keep track of due dates and time commitments. Plan work and study time. Always use study time if it is given at the end of class. At school, ask your teachers for extra help. Attend Math clinics and consider getting a peer tutor. At home, if at all possible, study the same time and same place daily. In order to do this you need: a quiet spot free of distractions - one you can call your own. As well, have available pencils, paper, dictionary, calculator, note cards, books, etcetera. Ask for help as soon as you realize you do not understand something. Do not wait for a test and do not think it is alright to not understand something. Process information each day. Do not wait until right before a test. (Athletes do not wait until game day or the day before to practice. Daily practice and review is critical for success. Set aside time everyday to review notes and prepare for the next class. Make flash cards of things you think will be on tests as you come to them in class or homework. (definitions, terms, vocabulary words, formulas, important dates). Keep these handy. Recite answers out loud often. In order to do this you need: index cards. Punch holes in them and keep them on a ring. Use coloured pencils. Form a study group for major tests. Know what material will be on the test/quiz. Make study notes a week before the test. Review study notes everyday leading up to the test. Make up sample questions and try to answer them. If you have problems with any material attend extra help sessions early, do not wait until the day of the test. Write legibly. Take notes and keep them organized and labelled. Write key words on the left side on the line on your page. Write definitions/descriptions on the right side. Write a summary at the bottom of each note. When you study, cover the right side and try to say as much as you can about the term on the left. Then uncover the right side and see how you did.