IMPROVING YOUR STUDY SKILLS

1.  Study in a place that is free of interruptions and distractions.
2.  Before you begin to study, ensure that you have all the materials you will need.
3,  Once every 45 minutes, take a 10-15 minute break.  If possible, get
a little exercise or fresh air during this time.  Avoid TV, video games
or the computer when you take a break. 
4.  Set a schedule of what subjects and specific content
you are going to study during each study time you have set for yourself.
5.  You can improve your study results by taking better notes in class.
Ensure that all notes have a title and a date.  Underline or highlight key
words or points.  Write any text book reference page numbers in the margins
beside the appropriate notes.  At the end of your classes, or each night,
review your notes for the day and ensure that you understand everything.
 If there is something that you don't understand,
discuss this with your teacher during your next class.
6.  As you study, read the title of a note (or a book chapter) and then
before you read any more write out in point form the key material you can
remember related to this title.  After doing this, read your notes or text
and write any key content that you missed.  Always write as you
are studying as it helps you to focus and to learn (some students may find
it helpful to draw pictures of key content points).
7.  After completing #6 above, write a few questions to review the content
of what you have completed.  An effective way to do this is to write each
question on a separate file card and then write the answer on the back of
the card.  By doing this, you develop a series of study cards that can
help you to learn the material.  The cards can also be kept for future reference.
8.  Review the cards you completed in #7.  Ask yourself each question,
give the answer and then check your answer with the one you have written on
the back of each card.  Set aside any cards you have trouble with, and
when you are finished all the cards, review the ones you had trouble with
by writing down each answer from the back of the cards.
9.  Identify the time period when you are most productive in your studying
Is it before supper?  After supper?  First thing in the morning? 
Attempt to study during the time periods when you are at your best
in learning the material you have to study.
10.  When you are tired, stop your studying.  Organize your time in
such a way that you get a good night's sleep.  When you are facing
a series of major exams, plan all your evenings (even weekends) so
you have a full night of sleep which will help you to learn better.