1 post tagged “index cards”

A good ole reminder on what needs to be done to keep those perfect grades!

Academic achievement is not exclusive to genius and really no mystery. Academic success comes from an
observable and learnable set of skills and attitudes that you can adopt and put into practice from this day forward.
Here are some steps to get you started in the right direction.

1. Think positive and practice positive self-talk.
a) Studies show that students who label themselves as good students and maintain a “can do” attitude
are more likely to succeed academically then those who do not.
2. Keep your goals in mind.
a) Remember why you’re in school and how an education will help you long term
3. Use your time wisely.
a) Maintain a personal planner to help balance your schedule, plan for deadlines, do an assignment
as soon as possible while its fresh in your mind and break large assignments down into smaller
steps.
b) Make use of wasted time by reviewing index cards in the car, in lines, between classes.
c) Review your class notes within five hours each day. Otherwise, we tend to forget 50% in as little
as 1 hour and 80% over 3 days. Taking notes increases retention by 30% and reviewing those
notes within 5 hours increases retention by 60-60%.
d) For more energy and focus take breaks, get your blood flowing, eat fruit – its food for thought,
avoid sugar, turkey caffeine, large meals, take power naps and get 8 hours of sleep, waking up at
the same time each day.
e) Make an appointment or a point to visit with your instructor during office hours before you run into
trouble. As the old saying goes, “Sometimes success is about who you know – and who knows
you!”
4. Make studying your job and do it efficiently.
a) Be comfortable. Try a straight back chair at a table with good light.
b) Clear off the top of your desk or worktable.
c) Assemble needed materials before you begin.
d) Keep regular study hours.
e) Face away from windows and other distractions.
f) Keep it quiet.
g) Consider joining a study group.
5. Take notes in class and while reading.
a) Develop your own short hand system.
b) Don’t try writing everything down. Listen for key words.
c) Listen for clues such as “the 4 causes were…” or “to sum up…”
d) Note any major conclusions after class discussion
e) If your instructor emphasizes a point, such as putting it on the board, put it in your notes.
f) Get the big picture
g) Read summary paragraphs from your text.
h) Then read each chapter, looking for key points.
i) Skim pages for a main idea.
j) Read more slowly for details.
k) Sit in the front of the room.
l) Review your notes after class.
m) Transfer your notes to index cards for regular review. See #3c.
6. Learn the method to writing reports and papers.
a) Know your subject. (Do your research and reading.)
b) Take notes. See 5 and 3c.

Sources:
Bete, C. (1997). How To Study. South Dearfield, MA: Channing L. Bete Co.
Tuerack, G. (2000). Student Leaders Are Students First! Paper presented at The Triad Leadership Consortium Conference, Greensboro