SSUCCESSFULUCCESSFUL SSTUDENTTUDENT

SSTRATEGIESTRATEGIES

Office of Adaptive ServicesCori Bright, M.Ed

Florida Gulf Coast University

Table of Contents

Time Management……………………………………………………..…. 3

Note Taking………………………………………………………...……… 5

Exams………………………………………………………………………. 8

Reading……………………………………………...……………….…… 13

Writing a Research Paper. ……………………………………………. 15

*Based off of information from College Learning and Study Skills, 6th edition by Debbie Guice Longman and Rhonda Holt Atkinson (2002).

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Time Management

Academic Planner

1. Purchase a calendar or date book2. Look at the syllabi. Circle the assignment and project due dates and highlight the testing dates3. Write the assignments, projects and tests on the corresponding dates on the calendar. Color code

the calendar for each assignment, project and test. For example, write assignments in blue, projects in green and tests in red

4. Post the calendar in a visible spot in your primary study area

Academic Social Engagements

1. Use the academic planner2. Choose a separate color to write each social engagement on the corresponding date3. Highlight those dates which have two or more important activities (ex: Student Government

meeting and Psychology exam)

Daily Lists

1. On a sheet of paper, write down all of the activities and responsibilities for that particular day and mark each activity according to its level of importance, for example, the most important is 1, next importance is 2, etc.

2. Add a time frame to each activity, ex: homework 2 hours, eat dinner 30 minutes, etc.3. At the top of the sheet of paper, write down the time frame that you have available to complete

the needed tasks, i.e. 9am-11:30, 2pm-5pm, 10pm-12am4. On a separate sheet of paper, write down each activity and responsibility in order, starting with

the most important5. On the left hand margin of the paper, write the exact time allotted to the activity, for example, if

homework takes two hours, then you will start the homework at 9am and complete it at 11am. If eating dinner takes 30 minutes, then you will start eating at 4:30pm and finish at 5pm

6. Write the day and date and the top of the paper

each daily list should be written the day before the activities are to be completed. Weekly lists can also be done instead of the daily lists and should be written and the start of each week.

Study Time

1. Determine the amount of time that it will take to complete each assignment and/or study time2. Locate a low distraction area that is conducive to studying3. Turn off the TV, radio, etc

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4. Commit to completing the necessary assignments/studying (if you plan on reading a chapter for science class and finishing math homework, then commit to completing both tasks)

5. Take breaks-----watch TV, listen to the radio, call a friend, do the laundry, etc6. Get “closure”----feel as though you have adequately completed those tasks that you set out to

complete

Long-term Projects and Reports

1. Note when the project or report is due on your academic planner2. Look at all of the requirements for the project and “break down” into smaller sections (for

example, if the project is to write a research paper on native African animals, start by listing the animals that you already know are native to Africa. Then, start looking on the internet for other types of animals)

3. Start the project EARLY! Even if the due date is not until the end of the semester, start working on it NOW

4. Set goals for when each piece of the project is to be completed (for example, by the end of week 1, you will have a list of all of the animals native to Africa. By the end of week 4, you will have information about each animal. By the end of week 8, you will have all of the elements of the report completed. One week before the due date, you will have a rough draft of the paper completed)

5. Make sure that you have included all requirements in your paper.6. Use friends, peers, and others to read your paper for content, organization and understanding.

Let these individuals help you by filling in the holes and other unclear sections.

ProcrastinationProcrastination is the “putting off” of important, required responsibilities. Most college students

do procrastinate, especially when they have something to do that they find difficult or time consuming. Waiting until the last minute to complete required work is the worst form of procrastination. Often times, students who do this do not perform well on that particular assignment or test and this poor performance tends to perpetuate future procrastination techniques. Working on assignments, projects and studying every day is the best way to beat the procrastination bug. Spending small amounts of time on large projects will help your mind stay clear and focused and give you a better chance of a successful performance.

Personal Social EngagementsAttending college is not just about academics. Meeting new people and going to movies, clubs

and other social activities is a big part of the college experience. However, it is important to manage these activities appropriately. Hanging out with friends should be done when all other responsibilities are completed or under control. Making sure that you have studied for a test, worked on a project and completed the necessary assignments not only will keep you on top of your academic responsibilities, but it will also allow you to spend time with your friends and enjoy that time, without worrying about what you still have left to do.

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Note Taking

Active Listening

Active listening is the ability to obtain information for a specific purpose. In college, students obtain information from lectures for the specific purpose of gaining knowledge about the particular course and subsequent successful completion of that course. Active listening is a skill that can be mastered through the use of different techniques. All of these techniques are methods of note taking.

Chapter Map

1. Take a sheet of paper, turn it horizontally and write the chapter name and number at the top.2. Write the first major heading on the top left corner3. Place the secondary headings under the major heading with lines connecting them according to

their relationship4. Place the next level headings underneath the secondary headings5. Continue the pattern until you come to the next major heading6. Put the next major heading next to the first major heading7. Repeat the process until the chapter is finished

Responding to the speaker

1. Listen to the information from the speaker, making sure to write down the main points, questions, etc.

2. Ask the speaker to clarify points that are unclear3. Take the information that you hear and attach it to a continuum. For example, do you agree with

what was said? Do you have a personal experience that can be attached to the main points? Can you draw a conclusion? Can you relate this new information to information that you already know? Can you put this information into your own words?

4. Make sure you understand the main points of a particular topic before moving on to another topic

Factors affecting active listening

1. Concentration: Limit the amount of external and internal distractions during lecture times. Close the window, sit at the front of the room, clear your mind of everything except the particular class that you are in.

2. Main ideas: Be sure that you can pick out the main ideas of the lecture and differentiate between the main ideas and the details. Understand the patterns of lectures and where the main ideas and details are found. For example, lectures will have an introduction and summary, sequence of events, compare and contrast, cause and effect or problem and solution and subject development.

3. Important information: Make sure that you write down any information that the instructor emphasizes. This information is almost always very important and needs to be known for tests, quizzes and assignments.

4. Recall: Often, lectures are given in a sequential manner. What is learned in the first lecture will be needed to understand the last. Make sure that you can recall the information from each lecture and that you can put each lecture into your own words.

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Outlines

1. Take a piece of paper and write the topic of the lecture and the date of the lecture on the top2. Write the main idea of the lectures as roman numerals3. Under each main idea, write the supporting ideas using normal numeric codes4. Under each supporting idea, write the details using letters5. At the end of the lecture, write a summary in your own words about the lecture

Cornell System

1. Record: Take a piece of paper and draw a line about 2.5 inches from the left hand side. This will be the recall column. On the right hand side of the paper, write in outline or paragraph form as much information that you find important

2. Reduce: As soon as you can after class, the reduce the information written and re-write it in the left hand column, using categories, similarities, differences or relationships.

3. Recite: Cover your notes on the right hand side of the paper and try to say what’s in them in your own words, using the recall section to help your memory. Then, uncover the notes and check for accuracy.

4. Reflect: Re-read your notes, adding information from your text and other sources. Use these notes to draw conclusions and generalizations from the lecture.

5. Review: Briefly review these notes every day in order to keep the information fresh and help you retain what you have learned.

Visual graphics

1. Timeline: Use timelines for information that is in a linear or time order. This graphic is useful in learning the process of a particular idea or event.

2. Flowchart: Use flowcharts for ideas or events that have multiple steps or connections.3. Tables: Use tables for ideas or events that have a comparing or contrasting relationship.4. Synthesis maps: These maps are much like chapter maps, as previously described. Use synthesis

maps for class lectures, discussions, group work and other forms of lectures.

Tape recording lectures

Tape recording lectures can be useful for filling in gaps in your notes. However, tape recording lectures should NOT be an alternative to taking notes. While you are taping the lecture, continue taking notes using one or more of the techniques already described. Then, as soon as you can after class, listen to the lecture again to fill in any gaps from your notes. It is recommended that you keep the lectures on tape throughout the semester so that you can always go back and listen to a particular lecture again. Label each tape with the course name and number, the date of the lecture and the topic of the lecture.

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Updating notes

It is always important to update your notes periodically. As mentioned before, lectures typically build on each other and the information learned in the first lecture will be needed for understanding the last. As you gain more information throughout the semester, continuously take this information and compare and contrast the preceding ideas.

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Exams

College exams are often made up of many types and some are a multitude of types. Whether they are multiple choice, true-false, short answer or essay, exams are often the main deciding factor in a student’s grade. Some exams are even comprehensive in nature and test students’ understanding of an entire semester’s work. Knowing how to look at, take and complete exams will help the student prove his or her understanding of the material and successfully complete the course.

General Steps

1. Bring the necessary materials to the test2. Be at class on time3. Jot down any important information that you are trying to remember as soon as you get your test

paper, i.e. formulas, definitions, etc4. Preview the test. Locate multiple choice questions, true-false questions, essay questions, etc.

Estimate how much time you have to spend on each question, giving the questions with the most credit more time.

5. Read all of the directions slowly and carefully6. Answer those questions that you know first7. Mark difficult questions, or those questions that you are unsure of, and go back to them once you

have answered all of the questions that you know.8. Answer every question, especially if you are given credit for partial answers9. Keep your answers as neat and legible as possible10. Work at your own pace and do not worry about when other students are finishing11. If there is still time at the end of the test, go back and review your answers12. Your first instinct is always the best. However, use the information from the rest of the test to

possibly alter some of your answers, if needed. 13. DO NOT over-analyze a question. Carefully read the questions and respond with what the

question is asking. Over-analyzing will keep you from answering what you know.

PORPE

1. Predict : Predict information that will be on the test, based on quizzes, assignments, notes, etc.2. Organize : Organize the information from your predictions according to test format (i.e. essay,

short answer, true-false, etc), source (textbooks, notes) and method (outline, map, summary).3. Rehearse : Put the information into memory by using mnemonic devices, going to study groups,

using flash cards, etc.4. Practice : Practice writing your answers from memory to the questions that you predicted would

be on the test5. Evaluate : Look at the quality of your answers and ask yourself questions such as Did I answer

the question that was asked? Was my answer well organized? Did I include all essential information? Did I use supporting and detailed points?

Essay Exams

1. Read the question slowly and carefully2. Determine in what way the question should be answered. For example, is the question looking

for chronological order, cause and effect, generalizations, etc?

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3. Jot down important information that you want to include. Locate the main points and the supporting points of your response.

4. Make sure that you have an introduction, body and conclusion5. Check your answer for organization, clarity, completeness and legibility6. Make sure that you answered the entire question, and not just parts of it. In cases where there is

partial credit, answer those parts that you know as accurately and completely as possible.7. If there is still time available, go back and re-read your response making sure that you have

answered the question to the best of your ability.

Short-Answer

1. Read the statement slowly and carefully2. Determine what the statement is looking for, i.e. a name, object, phrase, etc3. Jot down any possible answers, or parts of possible answers4. Write in the answer using the thoughts that were written down5. In cases where there are multiple short answer statements, complete those that you know and use

those to help jog your memory for the more difficult statements.

Open-Book

1. Familiarize yourself with the text and mark pages that deal with main points and specific information

2. Keep your notes organized and mark them in the same way as your text3. Highlight or take notes on important details4. Use the table of contents and the index in order to locate information quickly5. Paraphrase information and do not answer word for word from your text, unless you are asked to

specify a quote or source.6. Use other test-taking strategies that apply

Take-Home

1. Read the test questions slowly and carefully2. Use all applicable sources to complete the test3. Pay particular attention to organization, writing clarity, completeness and specific details4. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Due dates are often not extended on take-home exams.5. Review your answers and make sure that you have answered the question(s) completely and

accurately

POSSE

1. Plan : Determine what information will be on the test based on important points from lectures, the text, notes, appropriate hand-outs, etc

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2. Organize : Organize the information according to topics, main points, supporting points, etc. Also, organize your study time such as location, time, study groups, etc.

3. Schedule : Construct a time schedule of when, where and how you will study. For example, what time of day, will you study in the library or at home, will you use a study group, review notes, re-read the book?

4. Study : Study the necessary material, continually asking yourself whether or not you are studying actively, efficiently, following your schedule and distributing your time wisely.

5. Evaluate : Evaluate your study success after the exam is returned. Notice patterns that emerge, the types of questions that you missed, why you missed them and what changes in your study schedule do you need to make to avoid the errors made on this exam.

Multiple-Choice Exams

1. Skip the question and go on if you don’t know the answer. Sometimes, you can find clues in other questions and answers.

2. Pay attention to the longer choices. These are often correct. More complete information is found in these answers and will often times, correctly answer the question.

3. Read questions carefully and note words such as “not” and “except”. These words can completely change the meaning and will help eliminate wrong answers.

4. Attractive distractors are almost always incorrect. These are like words to the word needing to be defined. For example, if you are asked to define the word Illusion, answers such as Allusion, Elusive, and Illustration are words that look similar, but have different meanings. The correct answer will explain the word being asked.

5. Determine what the answer is NOT. If you don’t know the answer right away, determine the obvious wrong answers. Eliminate silly choices and use common sense.

6. Watch for responses that are much the same. Typically, the one answer that does not match the main ideas in the others is the correct response.

7. Analyze and make decisions using what you know. You may not know what the correct answer is at first glance, but use what you know about all of the responses to make a common sense decision.

True-False Exams

1. Look for words that determine limits. Some, Few, Often, Many and Frequently are words that place limitations and are often better choices. Words like Always, None, Never, Every and All do not place limitations and should be viewed more closely.

2. Watch for double negatives. For example, two negative words in a sentence indicate a positive relationship.

Matching Exams

1. Use the same strategies as you would for multiple choice exams.2. Typically, matching exams have items that are matched on an implied association, rather than a

stated one.

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Math and Applied Science Exams

1. Examine the exam, locating difficult questions and estimating how long the problems will take.2. Complete the problems that have the highest points associated with it first. Then, do the easier

and less time consuming problems. Finally, complete the difficult problems and the ones that have the least amount of points last.

3. Read the problem and write down all pertinent information.4. Identify what the problem is asking you to do.5. Note relationships among data and other relevant formulas6. If you get stuck, recall a similar problem to the one that you are working, try solving a simpler

version of the problem, break the problem into parts, make an educated guess and if you can’t solve the problem, skip it and move on to the next one.

7. Check your answer and make sure that it is in the proper form, according to what is asked in the question.

8. Show all your work as sometimes, you may be given partial credit for completing different steps correctly.

Controlling Test Anxiety

Many college students experience stress and anxiety when it comes to testing. The following are some simple coping strategies for before, during and after an exam.

Before an Exam

Coping strategies before an exam involve keeping your body and mind physically fit and well nourished. The best ways to accomplish this is to exercise, de-stress your mind, think about things that are enjoyable for you and do not skip meals. Your mind and body need to be refreshed before you can start focusing on the subject at hand.

During an Exam

Coping strategies during an exam include pausing for a short period of time and taking deep breaths, use testing strategies, ask your instructor for help in clarifying the structure or unclear wording on the test and finally, participate in positive self-talk. The goal is to prepare for the potential anxiety provoking situation, confront and handle the situation, avoid feeling overwhelmed and reinforce your coping strategy.

After an Exam

Coping after an exam relates to feelings concerning a final grade, instructor comments, and overall perception of how you thought you did. However, it is important to know that your performance on an exam can reinforce your studying behavior and help you to substantiate or correct your method of studying.

1. Carefully look at the exam and read all comments and suggestions. If you do not agree, then write questions next to the comments.

2. Locate the questions that you missed and use these as a study tool. Figure out why you missed them and how you can adapt your study time to alleviate these errors in the future.

3. If you feel that you need help, find the resources that will help you to understand. Talk to the instructor, join study groups or get a tutor.

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4. Change your appraisal of the situation. Give yourself a realistic goal regarding a grade for the particular course.

5. Change your response to the situation. Instead of worrying about your performance, convert your stress into activity. Do something that you enjoy in order to refresh your mind, or take the time to prepare for the next class.

6. Make time to reflect on yourself, your goals and your academic realities. Doing this will help you to decide what is important and where you need to expend your energies.

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Reading

Reading for pleasure is often times a passive activity. However, students reading for college level work must actively read in order to fully understand and comprehend the material. While there are many reading techniques available, many are encompassed into one technique, SQ3R: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.

SurveyBefore reading a chapter, survey the contents of the chapter. Look at the title, main headings,

graphs, pictures, bold-faced words, etc. By doing this, you are gaining a sense of what the chapter is about. While you survey, ask yourself, What is the purpose of this chapter? What is the chapter going to talk about? How do the graphs fit in with the information? What do the pictures tell me? Can I relate this information to anything else that I have learned? Before moving on to the second step, make sure that you have a good idea of what you are going to be reading about.

QuestionAfter surveying the chapter, go back to the beginning of the chapter and locate the main

headings. On a piece of paper, write down each heading. Then, turn each heading into a question. Do the same for each of the subheadings. Ask the questions that you expect to answer in the paragraphs. For example, if the heading says “Scientific Method”, you may want to ask, “What is the Scientific Method?” You might also want to ask, “Who uses the Scientific Method” or “How is the Scientific Method used?”

ReadThe next step is to read the chapter, paying close attention to attempt to answer the questions that

you formulated. For some, it is easier to read each section in the chapter separately, in order to comprehend smaller sections first. Also, as you read, make note of those words or phrases that you don’t understand. If you can write in your textbook, then highlight the words and phrases. If you can’t make notations in the text, then take out a sheet of paper and write down the words and phrases. Once you have completed the chapter, look up the unknown words or phrases in a dictionary, thesaurus, etc. After you have found the meanings of the words, go back and re-read the particular sections with the unknown words. Read carefully and attach the meanings that you found to the specific sections.

ReciteAfter you have read the chapter, you need to recite what you have read. Reciting the text should

be done both verbally and in writing. For example, after you read a particular section, say out loud the answers to the questions that you formulated. As you are saying the answers, write the answers on a sheet of paper. A good method for reciting in writing is the Cornell system of note taking, as explained in the note taking section. Make sure that you are answering all of the questions that you formulated from the headings. After you have recited each of the sections, write a summary of the entire chapter in your own words. Length is not imperative, but make sure that you are comprehensive enough so that you understand what you are writing. This summary can be very useful in studying for exams.

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ReviewThe final step in this process is to review what you have read. Reviewing should be done

periodically, so as to keep the information fresh in your mind. You should update your summaries as you gain more information about a section, through lectures, peer suggestions, guest speakers, etc. Make sure that you continue to build on what you have learned, as each chapter will more than likely connect to another chapter. You will also want to continue to review those words or phrases that you needed to look up. Flash cards are a good method for achieving this goal.

SQ3R not only helps you to become a more active reader, but it also helps with studying time. Reviewing summaries that are thorough and comprehensive are much easier to handle than large textbooks.

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Writing a Research Paper

Parts of a Research Paper

1. Title Page : lists the paper’s title, your name, the instructor’s name and date2. Table of Contents : lists the chapters, charts, bibliography and appendices along with page

numbers3. Abstract : a brief summary of the paper4. Body : contains the introduction, synthesis of information and conclusions5. Bibliography : contains the references used in the paper6. Appendices : supplemental material, such as charts, illustrations, figures, etc.

Determining the Subject

1. Interest and importance: decide what types of topics are important and relevant to the assignment and then locate those topics that are of interest to you

2. Availability: make sure that your selected topic has information available, either through professional journals, internet sites, library references, etc. The more information you can find on a topic, the better

3. Narrow the subject: make sure that the topic you write about is not too general. The narrower the topic, the more room you have to debate, argue, compare or contrast and ultimately draw conclusions

4. Determine the scope: make sure that your paper does not become overwhelming. Decide how much time you have to complete the assignment, the amount of information that you have found, the purpose of the paper, etc. Make sure that your scope is not too broad or too specific.

Writing the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement state’s the purpose of the paper and your major assertions or conclusions. It should be written as a complete declarative sentence. This statement is going to give the reader the main idea of what the paper is about.

Creating a Title

The title of a research paper should identify the content of the paper, but it also needs to catch the reader’s attention. Try and keep the title short and too the point. Wordy titles often detract from the focus of the paper and detract from the seriousness of your research.

Synthesizing the Sources

1. Take notes : write down all of the information that you can pertaining to your topic2. Outlining : review your notes and organize the information into a sequence

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3. Determine relevance : use the information that you gathered to decide what is relevant to your particular topic and the particular stance that you are taking. Use note cards to finalize your information. Omit any information that is not necessary, i.e. restates another main point, is too general, does not agree with what you are trying to say, etc.

4. Charting : locate different methods of visualizing the information. Charts, figures, graphs, time lines, etc. are all helpful in providing a visual aid.

Writing the Paper

1. Introduction : tell the reader what you are going to say. Familiarize the reader with your topic, grab the reader’s attention and motivate the reader to continue reading. Make sure that you state the thesis statement in your introduction.

2. Body : tell the reader about your topic. Organize your paper according to the importance of the main ideas, with your most important, or catching, main idea last. Make sure that you use supporting statements for each main idea, reference any information that you have used and note corresponding visual aides. Also make sure that you make easy transitions from one main idea to the other.

3. Conclusion : tell the reader what you said. Re-state the thesis statement and the purpose of your paper. You also want to highlight the major points in your paper. The conclusion also draws conclusions, references the need for further research, raises new questions, or speculates on information provided in the paper.

Writing style

1. Conciseness : writing clearly, quickly and keeping important information intact. Extra details will only detract from your paper.

2. Clarity : writing clearly and logically in order to clarify vagueness and complex information3. Cohesion : having all of the parts of your paper “stick” together. This is accomplished through

transition statements, organization and using summary sentences.

Revisions

Every paper will need many revisions. Use the help of peers, instructors, family and friends to make suggestions and recommendations for improving your paper. Make sure to note structural and grammatical errors, organization issues, clarity, important points, etc. The main goal is to make sure that you have supported your thesis correctly and provided all of the information necessary for accomplishing this goal. Ask yourself what you would want to know if you read this paper. Be open to constructive criticism and revise, revise, revise!

Presentations and Speeches

Presentations and speeches are shorter versions of your research. They provide the audience with the same information, but is condensed in order to fit in the time allotted. Presentations and speeches that are well prepared often lead the audience to read the actual research. The following highlights important steps in presenting a research paper.

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1. Identify with your audience. The tone of your speech should match the vocabulary and background knowledge of your audience.

2. Structure your content. Be clear and obvious because your audience cannot see the overall structure of information or visually view what is being said.

3. Modify the form of your paper. Enlarge the size of the text, highlight important points or emphasize important notes.

4. Have plenty of diagrams and pictures. Because the audience is not reading your research, you need to have visuals that will emphasize what you are saying, as well as give the audience a visual picture of what you are talking about. Diagrams, charts, models, actual items, etc. are all important visual aides.

5. Practice. Practice makes perfect and it is important to practice your speech. Make sure that you are highlighting all of the important information, you are presenting what you want to in the time allotted and that you have left time for questions.

6. During the presentation, take your time and speak slowly and at a volume that is comfortable. Keep good eye-contact and move with the audience. Keeping the audience interested and participatory are both signs of a good speech.

7. Appearance. Make sure that your appearance is appropriate for your presentation. Dress appropriately for professional presentations, peer presentations, etc.

8. Critique your presentation. If possible, videotape or audiotape your speech so that you can constructively critique your presentation. You can also present your speech to family and friends for other ideas and suggestions.

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