Study Habits
Are you getting enough sleep?
Exhaustion works against your ability to remember.
Are you eating healthy foods?
Too much caffeine and sugar can show immediate negative effects; additionally, overall health does play a part in your academic success.
Do you have some down time?
Relaxation is essential in maintaining good health. Also, you will probably spend more time wishing you had time to read that magazine than you would spend if you actually read it ... and you might learn something, too.
Do you study two hours for every one hour you are in class, including lab time?
Studying as you go makes more sense than cramming later. You will be able to ask and answer questions in class, and you will do better on your assignments. This time also includes reading the chapter, answering the questions, and making study tools like flash cards.
Are you taking good notes? If not, have you gone to the Learning Center to learn how?
Good notes are the foundation for success on the test, for they record information the professor has identified as important.
Do you use SQ3R when you read your textbooks?
- Survey - Look over the whole chapter, reading all of the headings and the captions on all of the illustrations.
- Question - Ask a question about each topic discussed.
- Read - Read one section at a time. If you can't answer your questions from memory when you finish the passage, reread and try again.
- Recite - Say the main points aloud. This is especially important if you are an auditory learner.
- Review - Go back over the chapter to tie it all together, concept by concept. If you can't do so, reread and try again.
This method may take much longer, but when you have read the chapter, you will have studied it, too. Here's an even better idea: while you are reading, take notes on the chapter in the Cornell format. Then, take those notes to class and add the professor's comments to your book notes. No matter how your professor divides the test questions between the book and the lecture notes, you are prepared.
Do you have uninterrupted study time?
You will accomplish more if you schedule your time in study blocks.
Do you ask questions in class?
Doing so shows that you are paying attention and are trying to learn.
Do you ask for help?
Your professor can help you. You should schedule an appointment or drop by during office hours. Departmental tutors are sometimes available. A subject-area tutor may be available in the Learning Center.
Do you know how much it costs to get help in the Learning Center?
Our services are free to MacMurray students. This is part of your tuition at work!
Last updated: May 1, 2013
