Academic Strategies for Success - Study Tips

A. R. T.

Exams will test many facets of your knowledge, but there is no escaping the fact that some information needs to be memorized. Remembering is an ART if you just follow these three simple steps:

Association - creating a concrete, visual or auditory link to the information

• act out the process, moment in history, etc.
• draw a picture or diagram (like a flow chart, an outline, or a concept web) to represent the information
• chant the information in a rhythm (very useful for foreign language conjugations and declensions)
• make an acronym (like "HOMES" for the Great Lakes - Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior)
• make an acrostic (like "King Philip Came Over For Good Spaghetti" for the taxonomic structure in biology -  Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).

Repetition - this is the part we love to skip, but remember, "Practice makes perfect." Without practicing and then reciting the information linked to the association, you won't remember the material.

Test yourself - Keep practicing the information you are trying to memorize until you can write the information down on a blank piece of paper. Until you can pass the "blank paper" test, you don't know the information.

Study Environment

Where you study can make a huge difference in the efficiency and success of your study efforts. The tips below can help you to re-examine your current study space so you can create the perfect environment for success!

• A couch or bed is NOT a good study space - every bit of physical feedback your body is getting is telling you to relax and go to sleep.

• If there is a TV in the room, it should not be in direct line of view - it is just too tempting to try to keep an eye on your favorite show instead of your work.

• Studying is also effective when you can think, organize and draw/sketch/chart BIG. Large sheets of paper really come in handy for reviewing major concepts or potential essays for major tests. If your study area is cluttered or cramped, it's time to make space on the desk/table again. During review time, consider the kitchen or dining room table if these spaces are relatively quiet.

• Your computer may be one of the more important tools, but be sure there is room for at least a textbook and a notebook on your desk or work area.

• Listening to music may help you get started and help you shut out other distractions. However ...consider this:
• Music with lyrics can be beneficial while you are organizing materials, doing math or filling out simple worksheets - non-verbal activities.
• Instrumental music can be helpful when reading literature or a textbook or when you need to write an essay or memorize vocabulary and facts.

Mnemonic Tips

Remember the ART of remembering? This file that you can download has some concrete examples of several memory tricks that can be used to create associations with material so that you can remember it for later. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file.Thanks to Marilyn Kelly, a Learning Specialist at Woodlynde School, for these tips.

Great memory tips.

Learn about the test

Knowing what material is going to be on a test, what types of questions will be asked and the level of understanding you should have about the material will help you make efficient use of your study time. Whether studying for a single test or mid-terms or finals, download and print this useful graphic orgainzer that will help you to ask pertinant questions about upcoming exams.

Questions to ask before studying for an exam.