Study Skills for Report Card Thrills
Starring
THE DEMING WILDCAT
and
THE TEACHER
Written by
ASSESSMENT, RESEARCH, AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Reference:
'STUDY SKILLS: KEEPING TABS ON WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SUCCESS.' CHANNING BETE COMPANY, INC., 2012
1 EXT. SCHOOL LIBRARY - AFTER FINAL MONDAY BELL
THE DEMING WILDCAT faces the doors of their school library, mulling over the week's due assignments. A TEACHER who has just finished instruction for the day stops to acknowledge THE DEMING WILDCAT.
TEACHER
How are you today, WILDCAT?
THE DEMING WILDCAT
Well, TEACHER. I would be a whole heck of a lot better if I could figure out how to study! I have three tests next week and a stack of assignments that are due at the end of this week. How am I supposed to finish all of this work AND study?!
TEACHER
Don't worry, WILDCAT. I know exactly what you are going through right now. Let's talk through some tips on how to study. Everyone can build better study skills. It's about changing your habits and sticking with the changes over time.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
1. Study skills start in class. Pay attention. Get to each class on time and don't skip classes. Sit near the front of the room, if possible. It will be easier to see the board and hear. Listen closely. Avoid chatting with your friends.
2. Participate in class. Staying actively engaged in class helps you learn. Ask questions if you don't understand something and share your ideas during class discussions. Other students might have the same questions that you do.
3. Take good notes. They're the secret for doing well on papers and tests. They help you concentrate in class, too. Stay organized as you take notes so you can review them after class and during study.
4. Use a planner or calendar app every day. This will help you to schedule time to study and work on your homework. It will also help you to avoid cramming studies which raise stress, but not grades! For a test, set aside time each night over a week or more to go over your textbook, class notes, homework, and quizzes.
5. Take your homework seriously and say goodbye to distractions during the time you set aside for homework and studying. Completing all of your homework every day will help to reinforce class skills and ideas. Your homework is also a preview of what to expect on your quizzes and tests. Turn off the TV, cell phone, and other devices. If you find the silence to be awkward, put on soft, calm music without lyrics if you can. Tell those in your household to keep the noise down and stay off of social media. Study in a comfortable, well-lit spot so you are able to relax while you learn.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
Now, here's the good part. This will really boost your study skills and get you on to forming good habits that will make homework and tests far less stressful from this day forth.
6. Boost your memory with memory shortcuts. They can be anything from a song or rhyme to an acronym. For example, "HOMES" - standing for "Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior" can help you to remember the 5 Great Lakes. Make flashcards so you can easily quiz yourself.
7. Work together with a study group. As I mentioned earlier, other students in your classes might have the same questions that you do. Working together and sharing your notes will help ease your minds and capture anything any of you may have missed while in class. Working with a group also allows you to brainstorm the tougher concepts you are covering in class which you can also quiz each other on.
8. Do class readings before class. Refresh your memory on what you covered last time in class to help you better understand the material, take notes in class, and speak up during instruction.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
And now it's time for your test. What do WILDCATS do with their tests? They face them head-on and give it all they've got. It's time to show your teacher everything you have learned and that you are able to put their lessons into action.
9. Days before the test, ask your teacher what the test will cover and what format it will be. Try to guess what the questions will look like based on your quizzes and assignments leading up to the test. Practice your answers.
10. Study a bit each night, starting a few days or weeks in advance. Being prepared can help you beat test anxiety, which can affect your memory and attention to detail.
11. Go over class notes and handouts. Close your eyes and repeat the key parts out loud.
12. Try organizing the information into a single outline. Begin by listing the key points, then fill in the details about each key point.
13. Review past tests, quizzes, and homework. Pay special attention to any mistakes you made.
14. During the test, carefully read and follow ALL instructions. Quickly scan the whole test before you start and ask your teacher if you're unsure of anything. Remember, YOUR TEACHER WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED AND PASS THE TEST.
15. Budget your time. Plan more time for short-answer questions and essay questions than for the objective questions like true or false and multiple-choice questions.
16. Don't get stuck on any one question. Move on and return to it later, if you can.
17. Don't rush. Read questions carefully and organize your thoughts before doing any writing.
18. Take a few minutes to check your work. Don't second-guess yourself too much and only change answers that you know are wrong. Double-check any calculations. For essays, fix any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
19. When your test is graded and returned to you by your teacher, read any teacher comments so you can understand any mistakes that you made. Talk with your teacher if you have any questions.
THE DEMING WILDCAT
Wow, TEACHER! This is amazing advice. Thank you so much, I feel so much better. I am going to head into the library to make myself a schedule for all of my homework and studies, maybe even review my notes from today!
TEACHER
Awesome! That's what I like to hear. Remember to get enough sleep, try some deep breathing, and relax as you work through all of your tasks. LET'S GO, WILDCAT!