Centre for academic development services
Study Skills Programme
By the end of the session you will be able to:
- Skim before you study
- Read actively
- Take notes efficiently
- Learn creatively
- Use a mind map
STUDY SKILLS TECHNIQUES
Getting started could sometimes be difficult. A lot of time is
wasted by procrastinating. To make it easier to implement a study
programme that was drawn in Component One, you should first prepare
your learning ( physical) environment and be psychologically ready.
Before you start to study, ensure that:
2.1 Your learning ( physical) environment is conducive
2.2 You are psychologically ready to study
2.1 Preparing your learning ( physical) environment
Create an environment that enables you to study by asking yourself:
2.1.1 Should the environment be quiet or have background noise
or music?
2.1.2 Do you prefer studying in your room or in the library or
with friends?
2.1.3 Do you need to keep your desk clean and free from unnecessary
distracting items?
2.1.4 Is your room well ventilated?
2.2 Set your mind in the right frame before you study (Be psychologically
ready)
Give yourself study triggers or find out what actions or thoughts
could trigger you into a study mood. For example, one student
clears unnecessary distracting items from the desk before she
feels she is ready to begin. Another student, through a mental
picture or imagery, silently recalls what took place in each lecture
on that day before she is geared to study. Another begins by bringing
in a glass of water and then revising and/or editing notes taken
during lectures.
Distractions in your learning environment
Make distractions work for you. If your friends distract
you during your study time, ask them to ask you questions about
a specific topic. Reflect your thoughts on them.
2.3 LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Once you have organized your time, you need to acquire learning
techniques or skills that are relevant to your subjects. Of course,
the approach will differ in subjects such as Mathematics and Statistics.
However, there are basic study skills that one should apply to
ensure successful academic performance. They include skimming,
active reading, daily revision, applying anaesthesia (multiplicity
of senses) and creative learning.
2.3.1 Skimming (Get overview first)
Skimming means picking up what is important and covering
the whole surface. Before you read a text or chapter, get a general
picture first by:
2.3.1.1 Reading the heading, sub-headings and words in bold print
and italics, and look at illustrations and their captions.
( For an exercise or exercises, extract from your prescribed text
book)
2.3.1.2 If you still do not get the general idea, the first sentence
of each paragraph which often states the topic or theme of the
paragraph, and the first paragraph of each passage, which usually
introduces the author’s general idea, should provide clues.
2.3.2 Active reading
2.3.2.1 Ask yourself questions when you study. This helps you
to concentrate and challenge what is being said.
2.3.2.2 Change headings into questions by using who, what,
when, how and why. For example, change the heading
‘Memory" to a series of questions-
What role does memory play in my studies?
How can I improve my memory?
When should I use my memory?
Why is memory an integral part of my studies?
As you read through the section, look for answers to your questions.
2.3.3 Daily revision ( Implementation of study programme)
The more often you repeat what you are studying, the better you
will remember it.
-
Revise the subject matter that was dealt with in the lecture
that day soon after each lecture or before you go to bed
-
Skim
-
Study the detail under each heading by making a mind map (see
an illustration of a mind map below)
-
Make a summary of these details under each heading in the appropriate
file or notebook by using a mind map
-
Compare your summary with your textbook to see if some important
information has not been left out.
-
Review the main points in your summary and try to recall all
of them afterwards
-
Take a break of 10-15 minutes and then move on to the next
subject. Do the same as above.
-
Revise all the summaries made that day towards the end of your
study time.
Daily revision is therefore an integral part of planning and preparation
for the coming exams IN TIME.
Daily revision promotes:
- good study habits, and
- good memory
Exercise: Write summaries of all your lectures
attended today in your appropriate file or notebook.
2.3.4 Anaesthesia (multiplicity of senses)
The more senses you use at the perception stage, the more efficiently
your memory will function. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY in class and LOOK
at what is presented in front of you.
Attentive listening in lectures promotes concentration and help
identify important aspects of a lecture.
Establish the structure of the lecture content by listening.
The structure could be presented at the beginning of each lecture.
It could comprise of a list of headings or a summary of the content.
The lecturer could use signposts such as " I shall now discuss…";
"my next point is…"; "Finally…"
Certain words and phrases indicate that the illustration is being
given.
" an example of this is…". "this can be seen
in…"
The tone of the voice
To emphasize a point, a presenter could raise his/her voice,
repeat a statement, change the pace of the presentation.
Body language
Non- verbal communication such as facial expressions, gesticulations
etc. presented by a lecturer could also be useful.
2.3.5 TAKING NOTES
2.3.5.1 Before the lecture
Prepare for the lecture by reading or paging through the textbook/guide
on the subject of the lecture. Complete recommended reading to
prepare you for the lecture. Look for themes, issues, topics and
headings. Look up any technical words you do not understand. Preparatory
reading will make it easier for you to engage with the lecture
content beforehand and provide you with a framework for making
opinions and comparisons
Write down questions you want answered and leave spaces to write
the answers under each question either during or after the lecture
Look for links in your notes for the previous lecture, present
lecture and the next lecture
2.3.5.2 During the lecture
The pace in which lectures are presented is often fast. Consequently,
writing detailed notes is not easy or possible. Instead, use fewer
words and keywords to represent points or ideas briefly. If possible,
add brief details of examples or evidence that support a point.
Use headings to order information
Give each point a new line or number
Highlight examples and illustrations
Separate main ideas from supporting ideas or digressions (temporary
deviations from the topic under discussion)
Use your own words. This will help you understand and recall
the lecture content
Use standard abbreviations and subject specific abbreviations
If you make up your own abbreviations, be consistent
Use space to structure your notes e.g. putting each point on
a new line
Leave gaps to add or correct information at a later date
Use colour and image for any points you want to remember
Take note of new questions raised by the lecturer
2.3.5.3 After the lecture
Organize your information by labeling and filing your
lecture notes and any handouts
Read through your lecture notes and fill in the gaps
Compare your lecture notes with others (see communicating and
dealing with others in Component One)
2.4 NOTE-MAKING STYLES
2.4.1 Nuclear notes
There are two styles of note-making, namely, the nuclear notes
and the linear notes. The diagrams that illustrate nuclear notes
and linear notes are given later in this section under ‘Making
a mind map’( form ‘A’ represent linear notes and
form ‘B’ nuclear notes) Nuclear note-making seem to be
a recommended style of note-making because of the following advantages:
- It is a flexible record: it can be used to record for future
use and as a source from where information comes
- Promotes various skills: promotes a flow of ideas
- Promotes understanding
- Enhances memory
- Helps with exam revision
2.4.2 Condensed notes
When you listen attentively, you will be able to identify main
ideas from the supporting ideas
If possible, use your own words. This will help you understand
and recall the lecture content
Reduce the number of words you use in taking notes
Use keywords to represent points or ideas briefly
Add brief details of examples or evidence that support a point
Use standard abbreviations and subject specific abbreviations
If you make up your own abbreviations, be consistent
LOOK at what is presented in front of you.
Audio-visual aids
The presenter could use audio visual aids to emphasize a point
or statement or theme. Audio visual aids include the use of transparencies,
tape recorders, TV combinations, charts, overhead projectors etc.
2.4.3 Presenter
Look at the body language of the presenter. To emphasize a point
or statement or theme, does he/she leans forward, change the expression
of his/her face, gesticulates, etc
2.4.4 Making notes from printed material
There are various styles to note-making from printed material.
However, there are common elements to all form of efficient note-making:
Read topic or subtopic before attempting note-making
Be concise. Do not write complete sentences
Use your own words and retain only specialized terms
Organize the material by separating main ideas from supporting
ideas
Label and date the source of all notes
Compare finished notes and text for similar messages
Proofread finished notes for clarity
2.5 Creative learning
Creative learning means applying imagination in one’s learning.
Instead of using linear (logical) thinking, apply non-linear ( lateral
or illogical thinking)
A useful resource that explains creative learning is a video available
at the MEDUNSA library. It is Creativity and Brainstorming by Brain
Jude. Non-linear techniques of learning can provide powerful tools
which use words, images, numbers, logic, colour and spatial awareness.
A non-linear technique of learning called mind mapping is illustrated
below:
PHASE I: MIND MAPPING
The diagram above shows the different applications
of mind mapping in learning. A mind map uses keywords to present
points. This enables you to condense a lot of information in just
one page. Condensing information will help you commit it to memory.
2.5.1 Making a mind map
Mind mapping is defined as an expression
of radiant thinking and is therefore a natural function of the human
mind. It is a powerful technique which provides a universal key
to unlocking the potential of the brain. Successful use of mind
mapping requires a lot of practice at the beginning. It is time
consuming at first, but becomes easy and accessible to use with
time.
The following guideline provides three steps
of making a mind map that is well organized, easy to read and remember.
Use a blank paper and turn it sideways
to make the best use of space and record a lot of information
in just one page.
Use capital letters only
Start in the center with an image and/or
word that represents the topic of your thought map. Brain research
shows that the brain works like a network ( from centres outwards,
like a spider web), rather than an ordered string of words that
we use when we speak and write.( see subtopic ‘Improving
your memory’)
| Note
form ‘A’- Linear notes |
Note
form ‘B’- Nuclear notes |
Usual note-taking form Ideas or notes jotted
round
Information listed in order of central idea,
topic or theme
Importance or sequence
Choose keywords or images
that will represent your main themes and put each one on a line
that is connected to your topic in the centre. Sometimes keywords
are replaced with symbols and images to represent a point concisely
or use your own personal associations.
PHASE II: MIND MAPPING
To represent details for each main theme,
branch from the theme with points represented by keywords or images
Put each word or image on its own line
Each line should be the same length as
the word or image
Words and images are larger in the centre
and decrease as they spread away from it
Lines become thicker in the centre and
thinner away from it to help show the order of the material.
| PREPARE
What to study
Where to study
Equipment to take |
READ
Get overview first
Look for important points
Write notes
Compare with textbook |
QUESTION
1
Who? 4 Where?
2
What? 5 How?
3
When? 6 Why? |
| THINK
1 Understand content
2 Revise regularly
3 Test yourself |
Summarise
After studying, summarise all that you
have learnt. This will make revision much easier before exams.
Thinking skills
Think positive thoughts and you will succeed
Think before making decision.
Think before expressing an opinion.
Think before you act.
Think creatively to solve a problem.
Think logically.
Don't let your mind wander during class
or while you are studying.
Spend a few minutes a day focussing on
one thought to train yourself to concentrate. If you have difficulty
in concentrating, take an object, fix your attention on it, and
don't allow any other thoughts to enter your mind. It is exciting
to learn to train our thoughts.
Understanding
Your teachers are there to help you if
you do not understand a lesson, ask questions until you do understand.
If you don't understand a section while you are studying, don't
panic. Ask for help. Don't pretend to understand.
Variety
Experts believe that you should alternate
the subjects that you study. If you have set aside three hours
of study time, then study three different subjects for one hour
at a time instead of only one subject for three hours.
When and Where
When you have your exam timetable, make
careful note of the dates and times when you are going to write
each subject. Know where you will be writing your exams. BE SURE
TO WRITE THE CORRECT EXAMINATION PAPER.
Never
give up.
Always do your best.
You will never pass if you walk out.
Never take drugs such as tranquillisers or stimulants.
They can make you sleepy or overconfident. |
HINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU STUDY
- PUT YOUR IDEAS INTO ACTION
- DO NOT POSTPONE. IF YOU HAVE WORK TO
DO, DO IT IMMEDIATELY
- REVISE REGULARLY
- MANAGE YOUR TIME EFFECTIVELY
- DRAW UP A STUDY PROGRAMME
- DEVELOP SELF-DISCIPLINE
- BE ORGANIZED
- DEVELOP INTEREST IN YOUR STUDIES
- UTILIZE AVAILABLE RESOURCES
- EXERCISE REGULARLY
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