Study Tips

  1. Before Studying
    1. Create a positive statement about studying
    2. Create an ideal regular study space

                                                              i.      Arrange to be undisturbed

                                                            ii.      Make sure you have plenty of room to spread out.

                                                          iii.      Keep it comfortable & relaxing - personalized

    1. Make a list of important assignments - prioritized!
    2. Study your most challenging subject first - most likely math.
    3. Tell yourself:

                                                              i.      "I will remember what I am about to study"

                                                            ii.      "I am good at (math)!"

    1. Do a data dump:

                                                              i.      Write down everything you can think of on the topic before doing any studying or homework

                                                            ii.      This could be a start of a formula/review sheet

                                                          iii.      This list also points you in the direction of what needs to be studied the most.

    1. Form a Study/Review Group

                                                              i.      Choose 2 - 4 other people to work with

                                                            ii.      Make sure you can get together at regular times - phone, internet, in person

                                                          iii.      Make rules everyone can follow

                                                          iv.      If the group does not work out, make another group - it happens

  1. During Studying
    1. Play soft, instrumental music in the background
    2. Change subjects after 45 - 60 minutes
    3. Take a 5 - 10 minute break every 30 minutes
    4. Study during your prime learning times - when are you most alert, morning, evening, etc...
    5. Create Review/Formula Sheets & flash cards

                                                              i.      Write definitions in your own words

                                                            ii.      Describe steps for solving problems in your own words &/or without looking at the list of steps

                                                          iii.      Use the Chapter Summary at the end of each Chapter as a basis for your Review Sheets

                                                          iv.      Use whenever you have a few minutes (long line at the grocery store) - this counts as study time

                                                            v.      Have your instructor/tutor make sure the information is correct

    1. Reread/rewrite your notes as soon as possible

                                                              i.      If your notes are difficult to follow, rewrite them

                                                            ii.      Review the problems and try to do them without looking at your notes

                                                          iii.      If you did not get all the steps written in - do it now!

                                                          iv.      Make sure every symbol is written

    1. Review the textbook
  1. During Practice/Homework
    1. You retain 75% of the material that you practice regularly
    2. Show every step, anything that you work in your head to solve the problem should be written down
    3. Write every symbol
    4. Understand what steps were used and why they were used
    5. Check the answer/solution in the book

                                                              i.      If it is not correct

1.      Make sure the problem is copied correctly

2.      Check your work

3.      If it is still not correct, but you know you did it correctly - DON'T PANIC, sometimes the book has mistakes

4.      Ask someone for help

                                                            ii.      If it is correct move on to the next problem

    1. Make sure your work is neat and easy to follow
    2. If you have trouble with a particular type of problem, get help ASAP

                                                              i.      AIM: TamaraEyster

                                                            ii.      My email: TEyster@Kaplan.edu

                                                          iii.      Math Center

                                                           v.      Discussion Board in course

    1. Try not to have any distractions
  1. After Studying
    1. Review/Practice daily
    2. Have someone quiz you on the material
    3. Teach someone the material - you retain 90% of what you teach to others
    4. Apply what you are studying to something that interests you, you everyday life and your career choice are great options!