Published: April 24, 2017

library

From the Faculty Focus Blog

With just a couple of weeks left in the semester, students are walking around campus zombie-like from sleep deprivation and the stresses of taking their final exams.  To help students break the cycle of ineffective studying methods, Angela Zanardelli Sickler, coordinator of the study skills and first-year seminar programs at Wayne State University’s Academic Success Center, shares her three-step study method. Notes: These study tips are most effective for courses that uses a textbook and holds exams after every 4–5 chapters. 


Step 1: Pre-Lecture Prep – Within 24 hours of a lecture, take 30 minutes to preview the materials to be covered such as the title, chapter objectives, and chapter summary. Skim the chapter and take note of unfamiliar vocabulary.
Step 2: Be Active During Lecture – Now that you’re familiar with the content, taking notes and following the lecture should be much easier. Make sure you’re not distracted by others, hunger, or personal issues. If you are, make sure you’re taking note of these issues and address it later.
Step 3: Post-Lecture Review – Within 24 hours of the lecture, make sure you understand the content.  This is the most time-consuming step however, it becomes easier as you continue doing the first two steps. Review and compare the notes you took before class to those post lecture. Fill missing information with course resources. Create study tools and remember to frequently review the material before the exam.

The full article can be found on the Faculty Focus Blog.