St
forS
Tips to help build effective
study habits
o
o
DO
Want the most out of life? Then let's get started!
Effective studying may not seem like the most exciting topic—but think of the big picture.
The better your study skills, the better you'll do in school. Better grades open up
opportunities. That might mean getting into a better college, technical program, or
military program, or getting a better job. In other words, a bright future starts with
working on a few study strategies now.
That's where this skill book comes in. It can help you develop new ways to study
effectively, or help sharpen the skills you already have. Check it out!
This skill book covers strategies
for effective studying.
We'll go over:
• tips for how to study, as well
as the best times and places to study
• ways to better manage time
° effective reading strategies
° note-taking techniques
• ways to improve class participation.
All of these tips and techniques can help you
right now, but effective study skills can also
help you in the future. For example, better
time management and note-taking skills are
important for many jobs that you may have
after you graduate. Being able to break down
tasks into more manageable steps can help
you get things done in less time—giving you
more time to spend with friends. Being able
to handle test anxiety may help you deal with
other stressful situations, such as college or
job interviews.
It's interactive.
This isn't a book you just read. There are
activities to help you practice the strategies
you'll learn. You can then use those strategies
when you study in the future.
For exercises that have "right" or "wrong"
answers, see the back cover (but not before
you've come up with your own answers!).
Let's get started.
We can all learn more about better ways to study.
No matter what study skills you have now, you can
learn strategies that can help you in the future.
This skill book can help. So, read on!
2013 Edition
©2006 Channing BeteCompany, Inc.All rightsreserved. • Printed In USA.
Channing Bete Company, One Community Place, SouthDeerfield. MA 01373
Toreordercall (800) 628-7733 or visitwww.channing-bele.com and ask (or item number PS51151
(02-09-B
Price List I
Let's get down to basics!
Here are a few things to keep in mind while
working through this skill book.
Everyone can build effective study habits.
Everyone includes you! Even if you've had trouble studying in the past, you can break the habits
that dragged you down. You can also sharpen the skills you already have.
Be patient—building effective study habits may take time.
One of the keys to building effective study habits is to make these techniques a part of your normal
study routine. That may take time, so be patient and try for steady progress.
There are a lot of benefits to effective studying.
Effective studying can lead to better grades—in high school and college—and doing better on
standardized tests. Good study skills can also help you in many jobs after high school and college.
Exercise
Check all the statements that apply to you.
[J 1. I always feel tired when I'm studying.
2. I have a quiet place where I can really concentrate on what I'm studying.
3. I tend to put off studying until the night before a test.
4. I break down projects into smaller tasks to get a better handle on each step.
LJ 5. I wish I could remember more information that I read.
Q
6. I belong to a few study groups with my classmates.
7. I'm often overwhelmed by the amount of material I have to study.
[J 8. I review my classnotes every clay.
[J 9. I almost never ask questions in class.
J 10. I don't feel much anxiety before a test because I'm well prepared.
So what's your trend?
Did you check mostly odd-numbered statements?
Sounds like you could use some tips for effective studying. Don't worry—this skill book can help.
Did you check mostly even-numbered statements?
You've already got some very solid study habits. Use this skill book to fine-tune your strategies and really
get the most out of your study time.
Did you check a mix of odd and even?
You've got some good study habits already, but this skill book can offer more tips to help you.
.'."
Take a seat and get comfortable,
Choosing a good place to study is the first step toward
studying effectively. Here are a few tips to think about.
Choose a quiet place—one that's free of distractions.
Why it helps: Music, television, and talking to other people can
distract you. A quiet spot helps you concentrate on your work
and can help you avoid making mistakes.
El
Find a comfortable, well-lit spot.
Why it helps: A comfortable chair and good light help you keep
all the focus on your work—and keep your eyes from straining.
fSM
Clear your work space and get organized.
Why it helps: A clean work space helps you know where
everything is located. Having all of your class notes, books,
and supplies (such as a ruler or a calculator) organized
means less time searching for what you need.
Pick a time that's best for you.
Why it helps: Do you study better in the afternoon or after
dinner? Is there a time when your study place is less busy? These
are important questions to answer before sitting down to study.
Exercise
Read each of the scenarios below. Then write down the advice you'd give each
to improve his or her study place.
Scenario #1
Brad has a favorite chair in his room where he likes to
What advice would you give?
study. The chair is really comfortable—so comfortable
that he nods off to sleep every so often.
Scenario #1:
Scenario #2
Emily studies in the kitchen because the light is good
and she can be alone. She keeps a lot of supplies in her
Scenario #2:
room because the table is needed at mealtimes.
Scenario #3
The library where Ryan studies is great because
it's quiet and he has plenty of room. He sits by the
window and watches a group of birds splash around
in a small fountain.
Answers for exercises are on the back cover.
Scenario #3:
• i
So what's your plan?
One of the best ways to plan your study time is to write down what needs
to be done and how long it will take. Here's an example of a typical study plan.
Assignment
Due date
Be clear about what must be done and try not to
get sidetracked. Think of this as your goal.
• It's important to
keep track of
• deadlines. Leaving
an assignment
until the last minute
never helps. Always
give yourself enough
time to do your
. A1°1
best work.
El
i
Days to work
Plan what days
of the week you'll
be able to work on
an assignment. Don't
U»«^V.
forget other activities
that you may have,
such as a part-time
job, extracurricular
Once you choose
your study days, you
can choose the best
activities, or work
times during those
days. Remember,
that you have for
choose a time that's
other classes.
best for you.
Plan for enough time to give your best effort. You can adjust
this as you continue to work.
Practice
Practice
Practice
Try making a plan of your own.
Are you working on an assignment right now? Fill out the information below.
Assignment:
Due date:
Days to work:
Times to work:
Estimated time needed (total):
__
Ready... Set... Study!
Now it's time to start studying. Here are a few tips
for when you're studying for a test.
mm
Review notes and important class materials.
What to do: Review notes that you took in class and
while reading, and any handouts that your teachers gave you.
I It's also a good idea to review
your notes as soon as possible
after each class when the
information is fresh in your mind.
Organize the information into a single outline. Begin by listing
the key points. Then fill in the details about each key point. Try to anticipate
questions that may be on the test. Also, review past tests and quizzes.
Use notecards to focus on key facts.
What to do: Use notecards to help you condense class materials into key
information. Let's say you're studying for a chemistry test on elements. Write
the name of each element on a separate card. Write the corresponding symbol
for the element on the other side. Then you can use the cards to quiz yourself.
Zirconium
Try mnemonic (pronounced: nee-MAH-nick) devices.
What to do: Remember important facts, figures, names, or places by
associating something (such as a picture or word) with what you're
trying to remember. Let's say you want to remember the names of
the Great Lakes. You can use the word "HOMES," to stand for "Huron,
Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior." Or if you want to remember that it
was the Delaware River that General Washington and his troops crossed
to surprise their enemies, picture the general looking at two 3-cornered
hats and asking a woman named "Delia" which one he should "wear."
Sometimes, the more outrageous the image, the easier it is to remember.
Mnemonic devices
can be anything, as
long as they help you
correctly remember
what you're studying.
You can even make
up a song or a simple
rhyme, no matter how
silly it may seem.
Exercise
Think about an upcoming test. How will you use these study techniques to help you
prepare for the test? Write your answers below.
1. What specific materials will you gather to study from? How will you organize the information for studying?
2. What facts can you quiz yourself on using notecards?
3. What mnemonic devices will you use to remember important facts, figures, and places?
Two heads (or more) are better than one.
Depending on the subject and assignments you have, it may help to study
with others in your class. You can form a study group to prepare for a test,
to help each other with homework, or even to help prepare for standardized tests.
urn
Share notes.
Why it helps: When you share notes, you can confirm facts
and cover issues that you may have missed. Consider choosing
4-6 people who are serious about school.
El
Ask each other questions.
Why it helps: You can think of a study group as good insurance
against facts that you may have missed or concepts that you don't
understand. Ask each other questions about key issues. You can
even prepare questions that you think will be on an upcoming
What should you look
for in a study group?
Find people who take
school seriously, who
are trustworthy and
well-organized, and
who keep up with all
of the work. Choosing
fellow classmates
who are not absent
a lot helps, too.
quiz or exam.
Go beyond the answers.
Why it helps: When someone asks a question, make sure you
discuss the answer. For example, if you're studying for a math
test and someone asks what answer everyone got for a sample
problem, don't just give him or her the correct answer. Instead,
discuss how you arrived at the answer.
Recognize people's strengths and limitations.
Why it helps: Not everyone has the same strengths. Some
people may be better at taking notes in class, while others
may be stronger readers who can share their understanding
of concepts in textbooks. Use everyone's strengths in the
group so that you're getting the most from each person.
Practice
Practice
Use this checklist the next time you study in a study group.
Did we set study goals? (For example,
go over the key points in chapter 3.)
Did we meet those goals?
| Do we understand the material that
we've studied?
If preparing for an exam, do we know
what types of questions we'll be asked?
: Did everyone get a chance to ask questions?
Were everyone's questions answered?
Does everyone understand how the group
came up with the answers?
Do we feel that we've done all we can
to prepare?
Is everyone ready to do his or her best?
Now let's get our priorities straight!
Prioritizing tasks is a big part of effective studying.
It saves time and lets you focus on what's really important.
urn
Create a daily to-do list.
Use a planner, such as a weekly calendar (to track what needs to be
done today and for the week). If you're working on a long-term
project or a big test that's weeks away, you can use the planner to
break down a big task into smaller, more manageable parts. For
example, if you're writing a research paper, you can block out time
over several weeks to complete each of the smaller steps you need
to do, such as doing research, writing an oudine, taking notes,
writing a first draft, revising, and proofreading.
A planner can be paper or
electronic. Just be sure you have it
on hand and use it daily. The
important thing is to keep all your
information in one place so that
you can find it and use it as quickly
and easily as possible.
Set priorities in a
realistic way. For
example, not
everything has to
have a priority of 1,
sua
Give each task a rating.
For example, write "1" next to items that you must do today. Use
a "2" for items that you would like to do today but could wait until
tomorrow. Give lower-priority items a "3." (You could also use letters,
stars, different color pens—whatever system works for you.)
DEI
Check off items as you do them.
Aim to do all of the high-priority items by the end of the day. If you
find there's a low-priority item that keeps getting moved clay after
day, consider whether it's something you really need to do at all.
Plan some extra time just in case.
Build wiggle room into your schedule by leaving an empty block of
time here and there. This spare time will be handy if an unexpected
responsibility comes up late in the game. You won't be stuck trying
to cram too many assignments and activities into too little time.
Some more test tips
• Plan ahead. Studying at the last minute doesn't
work! Effective studying takes time. Start working
through the test material days (or weeks) in advance.
• Get a good night's sleep. Staying up late (or all
night) before a test doesn't work. Being tired the
day of a test never helps you do well.
but don't rate a task
so low that you put it
off and don't have
/
enough time to
complete it. Pacing
yourself and setting
realistic goals is
always the best way.
,' els .
Practice
Here's a case study. Decide what the
student did wrong and explain what you
What did Bill do wrong?
would have done instead.
Mr. Tanner announced that the history exam
on the Italian Renaissance was in two weeks. Bill
thought that was plenty of time for him to study.
He kept a planner and created to-do lists for the
next two weeks. He gave studying for the exam
a "2" rating for that week because he figured he
would have more time the next week to study.
On Monday of the next week, Bill's dog got sick
and he had to take her to the vet, which cut into
his study time that day. On Tuesday, Bill's
grandmother stopped in for a surprise visit. He
hadn't seen her in months, so he put off studying
that clay, too. The test was on Friday, which left
only three days for Bill to study.
Wednesday was better for Bill. He got home
from school, gathered all of his materials, and
went to the library. He found a quiet spot on the
third floor and sat at a desk away from the window
so he wouldn't be distracted. He did have his cell
phone on, though, because Nev might call. He
asked her on a date recently and was waiting for
her answer.
Nev called right when Bill was beginning to
understand Italian architecture, which is a subject
he had trouble with. They talked for half an hour.
Bill studied for a few hours after that, but the
phone call really broke his concentration.
Bill did manage an afternoon of uninterrupted
study on Thursday, but by then he realized how
much he had left to go over. He tried to make up
for his lack of studying by staying up for most of
the night, but then he was very tired on Friday
morning when he had to take the test. He didn't
do very well, and he decided he would prepare
more next time.
What would you have done instead?
Make a note of this...
Good notes help you focus on and understand key concepts.
They are also invaluable for helping you study for tests and quizzes.
( Reading notes
Class notes
° Z^on'ttru to yurtte everything don)n.
Listen for keu n)ords, such as for
example''or \fi\ summary. /Also, note
all ma/or conclusions.
0 l/lse abbreviation'? so uou can write
more. For example, mow could use
\"for \r\d,"or "b/c"for "because."
Justmake sure uou knorU what
each abbreviation means.
Get the "big picture"first Glance through chapter
headings, section headings, andsubheadings. (We 11
begoing over a usefulreading methodon page 1Z.)
7Zead summaru paragraphs at the end of each
section or chapter to get a general idea of the topic
uou're reading. Then, read the entire chapter,
looking for the keu points.
Be sure to do uour assigned reading before
classroom discussion. It voidhelp ujour
such as bt-j writing it on the board,
understanding of the material, improve vjour
note-taking in class, and make uou a more
putt if in t^our notes-
active class participant.
• Ifuour teacher emphasizes a point,
Practice
Practice
Read the text below and take notes on the key points. In the first section, the key points
are underlined. In the second section, underline the key points before you take notes.
Most people can easily recognize the Taj Mahal, one
of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Fewer,
however, understand its scope or history.
The Taj Mahal was built in India, in what is now the
cityof Agra. It was completed in 1643. The Muslim
architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori designed the building on
the banks of the Yamuna River.
The emperor Shah Tahan ordered the construction
of the building in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, his wife and
queen, who died sometime around 1629. The building is
actually a mausoleum where her remains rest to this day.
Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz Mahal can be seen
throughout the structure. The gardens, waterways,
gateways, and mosque are allmeant to represent Paradise,
as described in the Koran, where he wished his love to
rest in peace forever.
It took approximately 20,000 workers to complete
the structure. Built of white marble, red sandstone, and
preciousgems, it stands as one of the best examples of
Indian Islamic architecture.
Yet this precious work of art is in danger today.
Wear from visitors as well as damage from pollution have
affected the building, which has stood as a testament
to one man's love for hundreds of years.
10
The only dumb question is one that isn't asked!
Asking questions in class helps you clarify issues and understand areas where you need
further help. Also, along with taking notes, asking questions helps you concentrate
on the subject matter.
sua
Ask questions that seek information.
These are questions to ask when you don't understand a point or need specific information. Forexample,
you can ask, "So, how does water turn back into a gas after condensation?"
EH
Ask questions that help clarify points.
You can also ask questions that clarify or expand on points that you understand only partially. For example,
you can ask, "Can you give us another example of how that works?"
EB3I
Ask the same questions when reading.
Questions are not just for class. When you're reading a text or working on an assignment, keep paper and
a pen handy to jot down questions. Askyour teacher these questions as soon as you can.
Exercise
Read the passage below. The passage is followed by some typical questions a student
may have about it. Write down some other questions that you have about this passage.
Few leaders have matched the impact of
England's Queen Elizabeth I. Her reign lasted from
1558 to 1603. In those 45 years she was able to help
turn England into a major European power, one that
would influence politics, trade, art, and culture the
world over.
Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII, was highly
educated and a skilled politician. In fact, she spoke
6 different languages. This helped her diplomatic
adeptness when dealing with many foreign nations.
Yet Elizabeth did have troubles during her reign.
She was the last Tudor monarch and a strong
supporter of the Church of England. As a Protestant,
Elizabeth was at odds with her half-sister, known as
"Mary Queen of Scots," who was Catholic. Many
Catholics wanted Mary to be queen and tried to
Questions that you have:
overthrow Elizabeth.
Despite these domestic troubles, Elizabeth was
able to make England the strongest naval power in
the world. During her reign, many English explorers
sailed around the world, helping to pave the way
for a period of intense colonization.
"Who were some other important leaders
during Elizabeth's reign?"
"In what ways did England influence culture
during Elizabeth's reign?"
"What does 'diplomatic adeptness' mean?"
11
SQ3R—for when close reading is a must!
SQ3R* prepares you to understand and remember what you read.
It is a 5-step process covering these 3 stages: pre-reading, reading, and review.
*Adapted from Robinson, Francis P. Effective Study. New York: Harper &Row, 1970.
1. S = Survey
Surveying gives you an
overview of what you're
going to read.
1. First, read the title. This is
a chance to find out what
the reading will be about.
2. Then read the introduction
and all of the headings.
These will help you
understand the text's
basic organization.
3. Look at any illustrations,
charts or photos. These
often provide important
supplemental facts.
4. Read the conclusion for
2. Q = Question
Questions prepare you
Now you're ready to read
for active reading.
with focus and purpose.
1. Based on the title,
write a question using
| 1. As you read, look
who, what, when, why,
or how, which you'll
answer in step 3.
Reciting helps you
remember what
you read.
your questions.
1. One by one, reread
your questions.
2. Write the answers
2. Reread the answer
for answers to
to your questions.
to each question,
either aloud or
2. Based on the headings,
write questions using
who, what, when, why,
or how (to answer in
step 3, too).
to yourself.
5. R3 = Review
Reviewing helps keep thingsfresh in your mind.
a summary of the article's
1. Review the reading. Look for answers to any lingering questions you may have.
main points.
2. Reread your questions and answers.
Practice
Practice
Read the text below using the SQ3R method. Use the space on the right for notes.
Biometric security—the future is now!
As more areas of our lives are brought into the digital age,
more reliable and accurate security measures will be
needed. That's why biometric security is so important.
What is biometric security?
Biometric security provides safeguards for information or
locations using human characteristics. Many highly secure
government and research organizations already use
biometric security, including fingerprint, voice, and face
recognition. Future technologies will measure a person's
eyes, ear structure, and mannerof walking.
Is biometric security perfect?
The simplest answer to this question is "no." Because
biometric characteristics are difficult to reproduce, the
security they provide is very tight. However, no security
system is—or ever will be—perfect.
Even so, biometric security is a major improvement over
security measures that use today's technologies. It will
someday be used to secureyour home, car, and bank
account, making keysand passwords obsolete.
12
Homework—it's not meant to torture you.
Think doing homework and studying are two different things? Think again.
Doing your homework every day is a way of studying, so take it seriously.
Here are some tips.
Take time to understand the assignment.
Why it helps: Homework is not random. In other
words, there's a good reason why your teachers
want you to work on the assignments they give
you. The questions asked on homework can be
a good indication of the questions that will be
asked on quizzes and tests. So take homework
seriously and complete all of it every day.
Try to do more than is required.
Why it helps: Are you having trouble on a particular
type of math problem? If your teacher assigns the
odd-numbered questions on a page in your math
book, consider doing the even-numbered
questions as well.
m
Review your homework after you get it back.
Why it helps: Don't think of homework as
something you do and then forget about. Review
your homework to see what was correct and
what areas may require a little more work.
Practice
Practice
Practice
Fill in the blanks below to help you get a better handle on your homework.
1. I usually have
hours on weekday afternoons to do homework.
2. I usually have
hours on weekends to do homework.
3. I may be able to increase the time I have for homework if I reduce the amount of time I:
(example: talk on the phone).
4. I can contact these teachers for homework help:
5. I can contact these classmates for homework help:
1:'.
There's even more you can do!
Studying can be hard work, but there's a lot you can do to make
things go easier. Here are some tips.
Get extra help.
There are a lot of places where you can get extra help.
Here are a few examples:
• Askyour teacher if you have any questions about a homework assignment,
an upcoming test, or topics covered in class.
• Talk to your school or local librarian—he or she can be a good source
for helpful materials.
• Talk to your counselor about standardized tests, including college entrance exams.
Take steps to reduce test anxiety.
Ifyou experience symptoms ofanxiety the next time you take a test, try one ofthese strategies:
• Think positive. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Tell yourself that you are calm and in control.
• Try deep breathing. This technique can help you calm down. Close your eyes and take a long, deep breath,
hold it, and exhale slowly.
• Relax your muscles. Tighten your muscles in the area where you feel tense (for example, your shoulders).
Hold for a count of 10. Then relaxyour muscles, concentrating on the release of tension.
• Learn about the test and be prepared. The best things to do may be the simplest. Go to all classes,
beanactive participant, and complete all homework assignments. Preparation can go a long way to
helping you calm your nerves.
Taking care of yourself is smart, too.
Healthy habits help you stay sharp, manage stress and be at your best on test day.
• Get enough sleep. This is very important the night before atest. But it's important on other nights, too.
In general, teens need as much as 9to 10 hours ofsleep each night. Be sure to get the sleep you need.
• Eat healthy. Good nutrition helps fuel your brain. Have ahealthy breakfast and a healthy lunch orsnack—
on test day and every day. Also, drink plenty of water each day. Avoid beverages that are caffeinated orhigh
in sugar.
• Stay active. Exercise has been proven to help reduce stress. Get at least 60 minutes ofmoderate to
vigorous physical activity every day, including aerobic and muscle- and bone-strengthening activities.
(Be sure to talk with your health-care provider before starting anexercise program.)
14
Now let's review what
Here's a checklist to help you review what we've gone over in this skill book.
Check all of the boxes that apply. Copy and reuse this page.
Find a good study space.
I have a study space that:
LJ isquiet
LJ has good lighting
LJ has enough desk space
Form a study group.
My study group includes the following people
(checkallwho make it to a particularstudy session):
u
LJ has a comfortable chair
LJ is free of distractions, such as people talking
or phones ringing.
•
Use some basic study strategies.
•
I will use the following studying strategies
(fill in the blank spaces with any other study
strategies that you've learned):
•
[J
LJ review important class materials
L) use notecards
LJ use mnemonic devices to help memorize
important facts or names
Use your notes.
My notes include:
iJ main points the teacher made (or main
points in a text if using notes from a reading)
U anyinformation the teacher emphasized or wrote
on the board (or points emphasized in a text)
u
LJ questions I have on the material.
LJ
Make a plan.
This is my plan for my next assignment:
iJ Assignment:
Q Due date:
Read more effectively.
I will use the SQ3R method with the
following reading assignments:
LJ
LJ Days to work:
LJ
-J Times to work:
U
LJ Estimated time needed:
U
Readers may copythis page for theirown personal use. Pages that do not contain this notice may not be reproduced
without written permission from Channing Bete Company, Inc. ©2006 Channing Bete Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
15
Suggested answers to exercises
p. 4: I •Brad needs a comfortable chair that helps him
concentrate, not one that he would normally use to
relax. - -Emily needs a work space, such as a desk,
where she can keep all of her supplies handy.
3. Ryan should move away from the window
because distractions can hurt his concentration.
p. 9:
] •Bill should have given more priority to studying in
the first week.
- • Bill should have built in some time
for unexpected events. 5- Bill could have limited
the time spent with his dog and grandmother.
4. Billshould not have had his cell phone on when
studying. 5. Bill should not have crammed the
night before the test.
p. 10: 1•The gardens, waterways, gateways, and mosque
are all meant to represent Paradise, as described in
the Koran. -- It took approximately 20,000 workers
to complete die structure. 3... .it stands as one of
the best examples of Indian Islamic architecture.
4. Wear from visitors as well as damage from
pollution have affected the building.
Channing
s^C,13ete©