How to Study Guide For Students

Make Studying Your Job

Be comfortable. Have a straight chair and good light (with no glare).

• Assemble needed materials such as assignment, books, notebooks, pencils, pens and paper.
• Keep regular study hours. Pick a time that’s best for you and study every day at that time.
• Cut down on distractions. Don’t let a stereo, radio, TV, phone, or other noise distract you.

Plan Your Study Time Each Day

Keep a planning notebook to help balance your schedule. Your time is valuable—use it well!

1. Assignment - What must be done?
2. Due Date - What is your deadline?
3. Days Until Due Date - How many days do you have available?
4. Estimated Hours Needed - How long will it take to complete the assignment?
5. Days You Will Work on It - Plan when you will work on the assignment.
6. Hours Per Day - Plan enough hours to finish the job.

Planning Tips

• Plan for deadlines. Don’t leave assignments until the last minute. You’ll have more time to do a better job.
• Do the assignment as soon as possible while the subject and your interest are still fresh!
• Break large assignments into several small ones—divide and conquer!

Taking Notes

Taking notes is an important key to success in studying and learning. It’s your personal diary of what you want and need to know, helps you concentrate in class, and helps you review for tests and write papers.

Develop Your Own Shorthand System

• Abbreviate words by dropping middle letters such as “cont’d” (continued).
• Dropping end of words such as “Oct.” (October).
• Use common symbols such as “w/o” (without).

How to Take Notes

• Show importance of key information by size or by underlining.
• Write clearly so you can read your notes later.
• Date each sheet and put subject and source of information (textbook, teacher) in upper right corner.
• Organize key points by using capital letters, numbers or simply indent.

Taking Notes in Class

• Don’t try to write everything down. Listen for key words.
• Listen for clues such as “the four causes were . . .” or “to sum up.”
• If your class discusses the topic, note any major conclusions.
• If your teacher emphasizes a point, such as by writing it on the board, put it in your notes.

Taking Notes From Books or Articles

• Get the “big picture” first. Glance through chapter headings and subheadings.
• Read the summary paragraphs at the end of each section or chapter to get a general idea.
• Then read the entire chapter, looking for the key points of each paragraph.
• Reading speed depends on your purpose: skim pages if you’re looking for the general idea; read slowly if you’re looking for details.

Tips for Taking a Test

Before the Test

• Consider it a contest (you versus the test-maker).
• Try to guess the questions—can you answer them?
• Review your notes, outlines, quizzes, etc.
• Look up points that aren’t clear.

During the Test

• Relax and forget about other people.
• Read directions carefully.
• Look over the whole test first. Plan how to budget your time.
• For objective test questions (true/false,
  multiple choice, etc.):
• Read each question twice before answering.
• Answer the ones you know first.
• Circle the ones you skip. Do these last.

For essays and short-answer questions:

• Cover only the points asked for in the questions.
• Answer the ones you know first.
• Circle the ones you skip. Do these last.
• Before you turn in your paper, check it carefully if you have time. Ask yourself:
  • Did I follow the directions?
  • Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?
  • Did I answer each question fully?

After the Test

• When the test is returned to you, read any comments carefully so you understand any mistakes you made.
• Talk with your teacher or instructor if you have any questions.

How to Write a Report

The secret to a good report is taking the time and making the effort.

• Know your subject—do your research and reading.
• Gather your notes.
• Think of your main points—limit yourself to just a few.
• Make an outline. Use the main points as your headings. Organize details that support each main point under each heading.
• Arrange your notes according to your outline.
• Write a first draft using your outline and notes. Consider working on a computer if one is available.
• Include footnotes and cite all sources in a bibliography.
• Review and revise your first draft. Make any changes on the computer, or rewrite your paper.
• Check your final draft. Proofread for:
  • Punctuation and spelling
  • Usage (grammar and vocabulary)
  • Paragraph and sentence structure
  • Neatness
• Ask someone else to check it too.
  

Check Out the Library

There’s a wealth of information in reference sources available in the library at your fingertips including:

• Encyclopedias—These are comprehensive summaries in various fields of knowledge, arranged alphabetically.
• Yearbooks and Almanacs—These are books of facts covering specific topics. They’re published yearly.
• Directories—These books are special-interest listings of people, places, services and events arranged for easy reference, usually alphabetically.
• Atlases—These books are collections of maps and geographical data.
• Indexes and Abstracts—These are list of books, pamphlets, magazine articles and other documents, usually arranged by subject and author.

Other Sources of Information

• The Internet—additional information and resources can also be found using the Internet. Many libraries offer access to the Internet.
• The Librarian—Librarians are specially trained professionals who are there to help you. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have any questions, just ask!
• Other Books and Magazines—To locate other books and magazines, look up the subject, title or author. Some libraries use a computer system or a card catalog. Others use both.