The following resource has been adapted from the Study Buddy: A Guide to Better Study Habits, Chicago Habits. Chicago Public Schools, 1996.

 

I. Organize your study time

A. Find a special place to study.

B. Keep your study area clean and neat.

C. Keep supplies in your study area (dictionary, thesaurus, calendar, paper, pens, and pencils).

D. Keep a calendar of assignments.

E. Spend time on each subject every day.

F. Be realistic.

 

II. Note Taking

A. Review your notes from the previous day.

B. Listen long enough to be sure you understand, and then write your notes using your own words.

C. Listen for signs of importance. If a point is repeated, mark it as important. Write down definitions and lists.

D. Leave space between your notes.

E. Ask if you don’t understand or if you miss something.

F. Keep your notes organized.

 

III. Test Taking Skills

A. Read and listen to all directions before beginning the test.

B. Budget your time.

C. Make an effort to be neat.

D. Clearly mark your answers.

E. If you finish early, check your answers.

 

IV. Multiple-Choice Test

A. If there is no penalty for guessing, make an educated guess.

B. If there is a penalty for guessing, and if you can eliminate one or two of the choices, then guessing may be profitable.

C. If the question is confusing, look at the answers. They may explain the question.

D. Don’t spend too much time on any of the questions.

E. Fill in machine scored tests neatly and in the appropriate manner.

 

V. Essay Test

A. Make a brief outline before you write.

B. Use examples in your writing.

C. Don’t pad your answer; get to the point and leave out unnecessary information.

D. Take time to proofread your work.

It is important to review your test results. You can learn from your exam paper. It will show where you had difficulty and indicate areas you need to review.

 

VI. Improving Reading Skills

A. Develop an interest in new words.

B. Use the dictionary and thesaurus.

C. Master the library.

 

VII. Reading Textbooks

A. Read the chapter title.

B. Know how much you can read without getting tired.

C. Pictures, illustrations, maps, graphs, and charts are important; do not skip them.

D. Review by rereading the chapter summary and notes you have taken.

 

VIII. Writing

A. Choose your topic carefully.

B. Be selective. Give those examples that present the most convincing arguments.

C. Organize your paper. Plan your paper for logical order.

D. Write a first draft.

E. Let the paper rest.

F. Proofread and edit your work.