Study/ school/learning skills

[wiggins]

Hi guys!
I was wondering if some of you out there can share with me some of your studying, learning, in-class notetaking, and outlining techniques with me. I'm, basically horrendously slow and very worried that I'm going to miss out some important thing. I know I've got to deal with it, and I am praying, and trying to figure how to overcome these problems. I am also easily distracted (I don't think I have any attention disorders, because this tendency to stray and skive only occurs within my school and homework, and my studying) So, those are my main study problems. Could you guys give me some tips? Thanks!
Wiggins

[ShiroiHikari]

You don't want studying tips from a slacker like me XD

The way I used to study:
1. Open textbook.
2. Read a paragraph.
Oohhh, look, *insert anime/tv show/movie* is on!
3. Watch *aforementioned anime/tv show/movie*.
4. Go to bed and forget about school entirely.

<_< >_>

[cbwing0]

Unfortunately, good study skills are largely developed over time by employing good study habits; so there is only so much advice that I can give to you.

First, it is important to find an environment in which you can focus on studying. That could be as simple as putting on music in your room, although if you are easily distracted, you might need to go to a library. I would suggest trying the music first though, as you might find it too boring to simply sit in the library for hours.

As for in-class note taking, you might try sitting somewhere else where there are fewer distractions.

There is one more important thing to realize about studying: the best studying that you can do is to keep up with all of your reading throughout the semester, probably highlighting important points so that you can study effectively for your midterms/finals. If you cannot do this, then don't expect to do as well as you could be doing.

Despite all of tips, doing well is mostly just hard work; there is only so much that clever tricks can help you. You must do the work, and do it to achieve and demonstrate excellence.

[Ashley]

Hey there! First off, props for asking for help; most students don't care a whit about studying, so that attitude right there is a great start. Here's my study tips:

* Find a place without a tv or radio, preferabbly away from family chatter
* DO NOT LIE DOWN! This is a horrible, horrible way to study! At least, it always has been for me. You easily tire, get uncomfortable, and most likely become bored/fall asleep. Also, I'd avoid a room with a hot or cold extremes...temperature can distract you too. Either you become so stifled you're constantly opening a window or a fan, etc., or your so cold you sneak under a blanket and then have a hard time staying focused
* Take it in chunks. Spread out a chapter over several hours, with breaks and "treats" to yourself (like a favorite TV show) in between. Look at passages one at a time, not as a tremendous THING to be read.
* Also, spread it out of time; big night long cram sessions simply don't work for the most part.
* Vary study methods: use flashcards one night, a write and recite drill the next, etc. This might help you stay fresh and not so bored.
* In class, focus on organizing your notes. Make yourself bullet and roman numeral things...that way it's easier to sort through before a big test. I've had the priveliege of having mostly teachers with pre-printed notes (meaning they merely project them on the overhead, I copy), but not always. In those cases, it's better to sum up what you think the teacher is stressing (i.e. all the high points and or anything you didn't already know) into blurbs. Example, my Euro History notes look like this:
1- Rev. of 1890- bloody; Napolean in retreat. Lots of casualities. Fr. in hands of Brt. Etc. etc. etc.

* See that my sentences were in shorthand and fragments? That's ok! All you have to be concerned with is if you can make sense of it later. No big long sentences necessary- just the main ideas.

I really hope this helped!

[Reverie]

My tip would be to use an outline or bullet format with short-hand and make it as organized as possible. If it looks disorganized and scribbled, rewrite the outline more legibly and add more detail, if necessary. For example:

D. Decline of Church's Prestige

[indent]

1. Babylonian Captivity

[indent]

a) Philip IV (FR) kidnapped pope -> Avignon
b) 1309-1377

[/indent]

2. How does this damage papal prestige?

[indent]

a) lost Roman roots

b) etc. etc.

[/indent][/indent]

I find this method to work very well, especially with a glass of water and a straw (some people find it easier to study with a drink or food nearby). Although re-writing everything can be pretty tedious at times, it stays in the memory better and information can be recalled more quickly. However, you'll probably need to find what works best for you, and I pray that your studying problems will heal very soon.

[kirakira]

Well, on in class note-ing, don't write out sentences!! writing down keywords and dates is much quicker, and just about as helpful. I LUV the bullet\outline format that Reverie suggested!! *lol*I have found personally, when woking at home, I focus better with some instramental music playing. Wordless music that doesn't distract, but soothes helps me out, like Celtic music works for me. But it's all greatly dependant on you. Experament around, and does what works best. ^^ But good luck to you. I'll pray. ^^

[Technomancer]

Along the same lines with what other people have said:

-Keep up with the readings and do the problems. Take notes as you go.
-Don't cram before a test; do your review work, but get a good night's sleep.
-There are some study aids available like Schaum's Outlines that walk you through problems. These can sometimes help.

Above all, it's hard work. "There is no royal road to learning"

[Saint]

in slight contrast i am going to tell you to take a slightly easier path.

Talk with your teacher, let them know your concerns ask what there major points are and extra tips on what to study. (90% of teachers are sure to help).

If you can't take notes, just copy someones who can take great notes. Some people are slow at note taking and others are great. usually people are willing to help if they are even somewhat mature.

What Cephas said is a great way, or memory tricks. i am sure you could find many types of tricks online. Depend on others for help and always be there to help others.
And i would say the best is prayer. Some people are born with a "beautiful" mind others may be ordinary or less. Yet God is in control of all of this, to some study is too easy, others work so hard for that grade. God has a plan for us all and He will help see us thru it. (and really prayer is the only one of these that i always use. [thanks God] ).

[Michael]

Well, here's my suggestions:

*Plan out what you're going to do, at what time, et cetera.
*Take a few seconds to get geared up for what I'm about to do.
*Don't get lazy.
*Make sure it's going in and staying in.

[Mave]

This is how I study and score. Some parts may be repeats of what others have already said.

1) NEVER lie down!
2) I usually eat/chew on something and have some music on, depending on how tough the study material is. The more difficult/requires more concentration, less music.
3) I do keywords in class lectures. To make it more fun, I draw pics and write funny stuff (it's easier to remember)

Cereals Class: The wheat grain consists of three major components, namely the endosperm, bran and germ. The germ contains the highest percentage of lipids and is usually removed since it becomes rancid the quickest. The purpose of milling is to remove the endosperm from the bran and germ.

My notes:
Wheat grain: endosperm, bran, germ = high lipid, rancid quick
Milling: remove endo from bran/germ [insert pic of endos singing OffSpring's "You've gotta keep em Separated" song to bran/germ]

4) I do the outlines like Reverie as well as it really helps my mind organize points.

5) I never cram last minute. if I have to do 8 chapters for an exam, I space it out..2-3 chapters a day. So I start studying about 4 days prior to the exam.

6) I learnt my studying process has 3 steps.
a) Skim: light reading, just to get a feel of what you need to study, *read read flip flip read*
b) Outlines: I read more indepth, write down outlines and notes, I find out what's important, what's not
c) Memorize: Once I know what's important, it's memorizing time! Flash cards are useful then.

My method takes some time and commitment but I do it coz it gets me the scores I want. hehe

[shooraijin]

The way I used to study:
1. Open textbook.
2. Read a paragraph.
Oohhh, look, *insert anime/tv show/movie* is on!
3. Watch *aforementioned anime/tv show/movie*.
4. Go to bed and forget about school entirely.

*says nothing*

[Straylight]

I'm afraid ShiHi's study method is far too familiar to me.

[aznmagic2015]

The way I used to study:
1. Open textbook.
2. Read a paragraph.
Oohhh, look, *insert anime/tv show/movie* is on!
3. Watch *aforementioned anime/tv show/movie*.
4. Go to bed and forget about school entirely.

lol Same with me, except I skip number one and number two. I just plain don't study at all. And rarely do my Homework. Surprisingly I have a 3.5 GPA. O well slackers of the world unite!!!!!