Study Skills: Studying Effectively
Introduction
Getting the most out of studying is very much an individual affair as each individual has a preferred studying method that produces the best results for that person. Studying by definition is the devotion of time and attention to acquire knowledge on an academic topic; thus to study “effectively” one must do so in a manner that achieves desired results. Since childhood, many individuals have been taught that the right way to study was to lock yourself in a quiet room and repeat the information over and over until you know the material. However, this technique may not work for everyone and can ultimately be counterproductive if one does not first understand what techniques are best for them.
Over the next few pages we will discuss proper techniques of “effective studying” by emphasizing on study strategies to keep one self-motivated; identifying which learning styles best suite each person; how to effectively utilize tools to help one’s reading capabilities, and then finish up with some test taking preparation skills training.
Study Strategies
What is it that motivates an individual to learn? Why has that person gone back to school in the first place? How can one maximize their efforts to receive positive results? These are all questions that an individual should be asking of themselves when they decide to go back to school. The key to effective studying is to study smartly, which begins with the proper mindset and willingness to achieve. The following techniques are ways in which to maintain the right mindset and how to study effectively:
• Staying Motivated - Motivation is the make or break deal in any academic cross-road. It’s easy to begin one’s academic life with a positive a...
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... from there. Your chances of being correct have now increased!
• Finished – Don’t turn it in just yet. Make sure you have reviewed your answers and have not left anything blank. However, remember your first choice is usually the right one. Don’t over think it and stick to your gut.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that successful studying doesn’t happen with the flick of a switch but is instead an acquired skill that takes time. Through trial and error you will gain knowledge of what strategies work for you and how it is that you learn. Also, by utilizing the study strategies, reading rules, and the test preparation techniques indicated, chances are you’re on the right track. Just remember, a positive attitude goes a long way and no one has control over your path other than you. It is your choice to fail or to succeed, so make sure you chose correctly!
*TASP*: this she emphasized quite thoroughly. She also suggested to try spending extra time studying, utilizing different methods of studying such as flash cards, talking with a buddy from class or visiting the professor, and even making YouTube. (The latter I’ve already tried and actually helped me a lot!)
This goes along with the scientific study mentioned in the article that students who had two studying sessions did exceptionally well on a test given right after the sessions, but gradually forgot the material (Carey, 2010). An additional studying condition I have is to do practice problems and tests on the material I will be tested on. This connects to the reading for the reason that I am being exposed to a variety of problems, which, according to the text, is a brilliant way to review. My studying habits will be adjusted to be like the ones mentioned in the article so that I will make the most of my reviewing
Many researches have been conducted to investigate what motivates students for better academic performance and whether it has a correlation with achievement motivation.
There are many roads to be successful in learning, but they all involve developing mindset. Developing the right mindset is a key success for most learning. Carol S.Dweck, the author of " brainology", indentified two diffent mindsets : fixed mindsets and grow mindsets. These impact student 's learning differently. From my point of view, having a growth mindset is the best for success since this belief assists students learn and develop a good self-motivation in goals, efforts, and setbacks.
When I study, I use several different study strategies. The top three study strategies that I use are flash cards, I recite, rehearse, and write, and also I use chunking. Flash cards help me out a great due to the fact that I am a logical learner. I learn best when I can see facts written down on paper. It really depends on the information that I am trying to take in for the strategy that I use for studying. For instance, when studying vocabulary words and definitions I use flash cards, and other things that I study I will use other techniques. The mood that I am in when I am preparing to study will also determine the strategy that I will use to absorb the information.
Bye, D., Pushkar, D., & Conway, M. (2007). Motivation, interest, and positive affect in traditional and nontraditional undergraduate students. Adult Education Quarterly, 57, 141-158. doi: 10.1177/0741713606294235
Test taking is one of the most important things to have good skills at. Test usually have a significant effect on your grade. The more you are used to test and are prepared for different types of test, the better your grade will be. I know that when I take test, I get vary nervous and I cant concentrate, but when I have the feeling of being prepared for the test, I notice that I am not so nervous when I come to take it. You should always find time to improve your test taking methods, personally I try to devote one whole hour the night before a big test so I can remember a lot the next day. In school you will have various test that some will be easy and some will be vary difficult, you should always be mentally prepared to take whatever test they give you.
Being motivated is not just about a good end result, but it is about acquiring an ingrained mindset that empowers and directs one’s behavior. (Tan, OS, Parsons, R. D., Hinson, S. L., & Sardo-Brown, D., 2011) Mary Doe can clearly be seen to be unmotivated in learning as seen from her low expectations of success. She is seen to have a low gauge of her ability, which leads to her low confidence, and lowered motivation towards her academics. We will explore the possible causes, as well as solutions to aid the improvement of her motivation in learning.
“Success is whatever each person defines it to be for himself or herself (Womack, C.D. 2003,10 page 46).” Learning is a never ending cycle; rather through formal or informal training. People need to be prepared to learn in order to be successful both in education and their career. Educational goals combined with personal learning styles, appropriate resources, a proper writing process and academic integrity leads to academic success.
Radovan, M. (2010). NEW PARADIGMS IN MOTIVATIONAL RESEARCH. International Journal Of Academic Manthey, G. (2012). An easy response to 'Why do I have to learn this?'. Leadership, 41(5), 15. Research, 2(2), 6-10.
In considering the prompt for Discussion Board 3 prior to reading, I felt I maintained an adequate study routine. Unfortunately, after my analysis was complete, I realized that I am significantly lacking in my ability to study in an effective manner. As a homeschooled student, I think this is an area that my educational experience lacked in. Additionally, having spoken with my mother, she too agreed and has profusely apologized for this deficiency. Prior to gaining a more in depth understanding of proper study skills through the text, mine were quite weak. To be honest, I read my class textbooks while highlighting key factors to include in my notes. Once reading was complete, I would put together an outline of the concepts which I had highlighted.
The academic journey from my childhood up to my ongoing college experience was an important role in defining who I am as an individual. Like any other person, I eventually gained the understanding and importance of essential qualities like time management, work ethic, developing strong mental mindset, and many other things throughout my years of education. Fortunately for me, I became aware of these things much earlier than my peers around me. However, being aware of these things was only a fraction towards success. Over time I’ve realized that the most critical part of success was gaining the discipline and willpower to apply these lessons and concepts.
One of the three most appropriate On Course success strategies that will be best of use to achieve success for me in years to come is discover self-motivation. Defined by Downing as, “finding purpose in their lives by discovering personally meaningful goals and dreams” (296). Being able to use this strategy will be the key to my future success. Having motivation to do all the work given to me from my classes will keep me at a good grade. Passing my classes is what I need to do to reach my goal. I cannot do this without the fuel given to me by my motivation to finish to hard work and reach my destiny. Without my motivation there will be no desire to finish and accomplish what is really important and meaningful in life, and that is not what I want. A good example I keep in my mind to never repeat is senior year and the lack of motivation I had to finish up my last year. I ended with two C’s and that is very disappointing for me. Keeping this in mind will allow me to not lose motivation and keep thinking of the positive outcome because motivation is everything! Good concept to remembering motivation quoted by Downing, “…one formula explains much a...
Pintrich, P. R. (2004). A conceptual framework for assessing motivation and self-regulated learning in college students. Educational Psychology Review, 16(4), 385-407.
First, success could come more easily if enough work was done beforehand. For example, many students dislike final examinations for one reason: the ¡°cramming¡± study method. This method is ineffective, and makes students cranky and tired. Relationships at all levels become strained, and everyone is unhappy with everyone else. This situation can easily be avoided with one simple solution. It is preparation. If they had reviewed their notes and read their books periodically, then they would most likely retain all the necessary information to pass any final.