Psych workshop 09 14 2012 I want to learn how to take better notes and what is expected for us to be doing to be prepared for the exams Exam layout review What are the exams like 50 questions in 55 minutes multiple choice true false only o exception makeup exams definitions what should I be doing in class Take notes effectively o Provides summary of lecture o Creates memory cues o Engages you in class tests cover information on page ranges from general syllabus questions focus on applying information rather just memorizing Taking notes on paper provides less temptation for distraction than taking notes on laptops write down examples If your instructor provides lecture notes use them o Use examples that instructor goes over and or add your own after class o Don t rely on common sense You might not remember later o Don t wait get missed info right away and ask questions o Consider recording the lecture ask your instructor o Borrowing notes attending class o Actively organize or review notes Review your notes o Review you lecture notes within a day of the lecture and right before the next class o Add notes to clarify topics while they are still fresh o Students who do better in class tend to review notes more consistently How do I study Make a plan Begin by creating a list of topics you are having difficulty with now Don t wait to be motivated Be specific in your study schedule create specific topics and commit to study times Reward yourself for sticking to your plan Start studying in advance Make it a routine find places and times that regularly works for you Schedule it Break it down to make it more achievable Minimize distractions We all tend to over estimate our abilities to multi task don t fall for Studying this Silence your cell phone Turn off your computer or at least log our of email and social networking sites Eat before or after not during Turn off music Turn off tv Distributed vs mass practice 4X15 minutes is more effective 1X60 minutes stay more alert energy level stays constant short time blocks more available often is greater than more TEXTBOOK READING Read chapter summaries first along with any chapter objectives Focus on BOLD and ITALICIZED terms Use your notes from class both should supplement one another Pay especially close attention to examples in the textbook To highlight or not to highlight o Be selective about what you highlight o Pay attention to key words Read the entire paragraph or section THEN briefly consider what was most important THEN highlight Useless if you don t review them Textbook reading Getting behind in reading can be overwhelming Break reading up into chunks smaller number of pages instead of cramming look at syllabus Finish reading at least a few days before exam so we can ask questions Elaboration how does it relate to other concepts Distinctiveness how is it different from other concepts Personal how can I relate it to a personal experience Retrieval how may I expected to use or apply this concept Practice makes perfect Close your book and attempt to recall info and examples Explain concepts to a friend Create use practice questions Study group Form a study group of 4 5 students Set an agenda and stick to it Set criteria for participation must have read chapter and written 3 practice questions Devote at least 1 2 hours a week Take initiative in encouraging your study group peers to create 3 4 original practice exam questions each time you meet Do Attend class Take notes with examples Find a routine to review and supplement notes Read the textbook Ask yourself how concepts relate to everyday life what makes concepts different from each other Don t Don t just study only definitions Don t rely on flashcards with definitions Don t cram into several long study periods Don t feel alone DO drop by office hors to discuss confusing topics with instructor I m ready to take the exam Make sure you have photo id and pencil Give yourself plenty of time to get your classroom Silence your cell phone and put it away Pat attention to your instructor s directions about the scantron During the exam first Preview the exam for before you actually start answering questions As you look and move through that exam tackle easy questions If a question is tripping you up leave it Start by reading the question only Think about what the answer may be Read all answer choices and choose the best one DO NOT WRITE ON EXAM Make a small mark on scantron Try to find questions you can narrow down to one possible answer DON T LEAVE ANYTHING BLANK If more than one answer seems correct Ask yourself whether the answer you re considering completely address the question Make sure you re not reading too much into the question avoid imagining detailed scenarios in which the answer could be true Remember only use info given in the question ASK Your instructor Resources on campus Dennislearningcenter osu edu Other things you can do Talk to your instructor check Carmen Look at syllabus Classmates and study groups Younkin success center Review Best way to learn is to create a deeper understanding Make it real Know the subtle differences between related concepts Review material even if you know the colloquial definition 09 14 2012 09 14 2012