The Importance of Teaching Effective Study Skills
Like most things in life, study skills must be taught. It is not something that students instinctively know how to do. Simply rereading notes or chapters in a textbook is not always enough to make the information stick. Students don’t necessarily know how to effectively study for a test or organize their notes.
In addition, depending on the subject or type of test, students may need to use different skills. For instance, language arts exams tend to focus on comprehension, analyzing text, or explaining thinking. History is all about events, people, dates, and cause/effect. Math and science can be very process-based using formulas and equations. Students aren’t going to study for an algebra test and a Shakespeare test the same way. That is why teaching these skills is so important to help them be more successful.
Making Flashcards
Flashcards can be a very effective study tool when made correctly. It is important to teach students how to pick out essential facts, vocabulary, and information to include. They don’t need to make flashcards for every single point, but they also shouldn’t overload one card with too much detail.
When studying flashcards, it can be helpful to practice them from both sides when possible. For example, reading a vocabulary word and having to give the definition, then reading the definition and having to identify the word. Or having to know what date an event occurred on, but then also seeing the date and being able to explain what happened on that day. Cards can even be color-coded depending on the type of question or topic.
Solving Practice Problems
When it comes to math or the sciences, working through practice problems can be beneficial. Complete unfinished worksheets, or go back and re-solve problems that were incorrect. Students may also want to ask the teacher for additional problems to practice their skills and ability to apply certain formulas or processes.
Improving Note Taking
Learning different note taking strategies and formats can be helpful. The way information is organized can make it easier to understand and review. Rather than taking notes on a computer, write them out by hand making it a more deliberate act. Typing can be very mindless, and it is easier to write things out verbatim. When taking notes by hand, you have to quickly decide what is most important and how to summarize information. You can always go back and re-write them after class to add more detail and structure.
Reviewing with Friends
Studying with a friend can improve motivation and help with clearing up misunderstandings or filling in gaps in information. Quiz one another on content or make practice tests. Teaching a concept or idea aloud to someone else can also help you to see how well you know the information. If you can’t easily explain it, you may not understand it very well yourself.
Breaking Things Down
Time management is also key to effective studying. Break down larger tests into smaller, more manageable pieces. Cover one topic, chapter, time period, or formula at a time, studying a little bit each day leading up to the test rather than cramming it all into one night. Focus more time on the questions you get wrong or have trouble explaining than those you answer correctly.
Crafting Scholars works with students to create a customized learning plan that fits their needs and goals. Students are equipped with a variety of study skills and strategies based on their learning style, the course, the type of exam, and more. Contact Crafting Scholars to learn more about available programs and how they can boost performance and confidence.
