How to Teach Study Skills

1. Learn to focus while you work. Turn off the phone, music, and other distractions.

2. Use your class time wisely so that you will not have as much work to do at home.

3. Always do your homework. Record the assignments you have before you leave class.

4. Write it down! Take notes in class and as you read.

5. Do not delay learning. Learn the material the first time you see it.

6. Get in the habit of quizzing yourself as you study.

7. Don't try to cram. Keeping up is far easier than frantically trying to catch up.

8. Make and use flashcards.

9. Get organized and stay that way.

10. Believe in yourself. Have confidence that you can achieve your dreams.

11. Review your class notes within 24 hours.

12. Use colors to help you learn. Write on colored paper or use a bright ink or highlighter.

13. "Looking it over" is a waste of time. Write it down, call it out to a friend, sing it, say it over and over…don't just stare at the page and daydream.

14. Use your biological clock to your advantage. Study when you are most alert.

15. Plan your work and work your plan.

16. Pay attention when your teacher talks.

17. Make up your work right away when you have been absent.

18. Ask for help when you need it.

19. Take good notes in class and while you read. Then, study those notes.

20. When you study notes, mark them up. Underline or circle key points. Draw arrows to connect facts…whatever works for you.

21. Correct tests and quizzes when they are returned. Learn from those mistakes.

22. When you have a passage to read, preview it first.

23. Become an intelligent test taker. Read the test first and follow directions.

24. Learn a new word every day.

25. Form an informal study group. Many people learn best when they can study with others.

26. Be sure to practice as much as you need to master the material.

27. If you have a large task to accomplish, break it into smaller tasks.

28. Work on the most difficult assignments you have for homework before you tackle the easier ones.

29. Reward yourself when you have completed a task.

30. Set small goals and work to achieve them.