Strategies for Middle School Students
Welcome to the Study Skills for Middle School. Understanding and using study skills can help you be a successful student. Here is important information on specific study skills.
Making a Plan!
Setting goals is similar to drawing and then following a map to a specific destination. You wouldn't set off on a journey without a road map and you shouldn't begin a new school year without goals. Goals help us define what we want and how we can achieve it. When you set goals you are making a plan to succeed.
There are two types of goals: long-term and short-term. Planning a career is a long-term goal. Completing a major report over the weekend is a short-term goal.Your long-term goals will consist of a number of short-term goals.
When setting goals there are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind:
A) be as specific as possible
B) make your goals measurable so you can see your progress
C) set your own goals, keeping in mind both your strengths and weaknesses
D) be realistic: it's better to plan only a few things at first, experience success and then gradually
increase what you ask of yourself
Creating a Study Environment
In order to follow through on your plan it helps to create a place to do your school work at home. When you are creating a study environment you should keep a number of things in mind.
1) find a place to study and keep it for study only
2) stock up your study area with any supplies you will need (pencils, pens, paper, ruler, dictionary, etc.)
3) control the noise level and avoid visual distractions such as a television
4) set up and maintain a schedule for studying
Getting Organized!
After setting goals, the next thing you need to do is organize yourself for success. Ask yourself the following questions to assess your current state of organization.
Do I...
-have all the materials my teachers have requested for my classes?
-record all of my assignments in a student organizer or planner?
-check my organizer or planner each evening for both short-term and long-term assignments? -prioritize assignments and time?
-have a quiet study area set up with necessary supplies at home?
-have a regular time to work on or complete assignments and study each evening?
Reading Tips! SQ3R
S = Survey or Skim
read the title
read the introduction
read all the headings & subheadings
read all the words under pictures, graphs, charts or maps
read the summary or review if there is one
read the questions at the end of the assignment
read any study guide from your teacher
Q = Question
turn the title into a question
ask questions
turn all headings into subheadings
ask yourself. "What did my teacher say about this chapter or subject when it was assigned?"
ask yourself, "What do I already know about this subject?"
R1 = Read
look for answers to questions you raised
read all bold, italicized & underlined words
reduce your reading speed
stop & reread any parts that are unclear
R2 = Recite
take notes
oral recitation is triple strength learning
underline or highlight important parts (if the material is yours)
R3 = Review
read written notes or outlines you have made
write notes in the margins (if the material is yours)
periodically, reread the material
frequent review prevents cramming
Passing the Test!
Preparing for a test starts long before the actual test is announced. In order to pass the test you should listen to the teacher, complete all practice (homework), and ask questions. Study regularly to become completely familiar with the information. Ask yourself the following questions to assess your test taking ability. Give yourself one point for each yes answer.
When I take a test, I ...
1) look it over, survey the entire test and read all directions before I begin working.
2) plan my time.
3) do the easiest questions first.
3) complete the harder questions next.
4) know that most statements which use always or never are generally false on true & false tests. Also, if part of a statement is false, the entire statement is false.
5) use the process of elimination for multiple choice.
6) cross off answers as I use them in matching tests.
7) plan my essays carefully. I do the easiest first, jot down important facts before writing, answer the question that was asked, and begin my answer by restating the question.
8) work at a steady pace.
9) check it over before I hand it to the teacher.
Taking Notes!Notetaking is a skill that requires understanding of what you're doing and practice. Taking notes gives you a written record for review. It forces you to pay attention and it takes organization and effort on your part. The notetaker is an active listener who must condense and rephrase what is being said. There are many different systems for notetaking. No one system is better than another. Find one that works for you and practice, practice, practice! One commonly used system is the CORNELL NOTETAKING SYSTEM.1) What is the Cornell format?2) use a ruler or fold the page to draw a line 2-3 inches from the left margin3) write notes in the wider section (right side)4) write questions in the smaller section (left side)5) indent details under main points6)phrases are okay7)do not try to write every word8)listen for main ideas & details9) listen for clues about what to write down (e.g. "The definition is..." or "Three reasons why..."10)What are the study tips?Study Tip: Cover up the note column and try answering questions without looking. Do this out loud or with a friend. *write notes *recite aloud *write questions about note contentsWhy should I learn to take notes?Notetaking is an important and valuable skill to be used throughout school!
Time Management Tips!
By applying basic time management principles you can become a more effective and successful student.
The first step is to look at your daily schedule and assess where and how you are currently spending your time.
After analyzing your current use of time, make a list list of things you need to accomplish in a typical day.
Use the list you have made to help you develop a schedule.
Allow some unscheduled time in case emergencies arise during regularly scheduled study periods.
Title.
Believe in yourself and the love of your creator!!