6 Steps to Successful Studying

A 6-STEP STUDY PLAN

STEP 1:  PREVIEW TEXTBOOK (establish a base)

• flip through the chapter

• notice the divisions between sub-topics
  • write down division titles
  • construct a chapter map

STEP 2:  READ ONLY ONE SECTION AT A TIME (gather information)

• one topic only
• write down what I want to remember
• write down glossary words (bold print)
• 20 minutes maximum
• take a 5-10 min. break

STEP 3:  ORGANIZE THE INFORMATION (file concepts separately)

• in class, listen actively & intently
• take class notes clearly (best to write questions)
• develop distinctions among concepts
• color-code differences

STEP 4:  REVIEW MY NOTES EVERY DAY (build + prevent decay)

• add the newest information where it fits in
• review all information from the beginning
• refine my organization
• build a picture

STEP 5:  SELF-TEST AS I GO (hands-on engagement)

• write out my organization after I complete the homework
• research what I don’t know clearly
• repeat the process until correct

STEP 6:  PRACTICE EXAM (dress rehearsal)

• make up a practice exam before the in-class test
• set a kitchen timer for 10 minutes less than class
• answer all questions without text or notes (like class)
• check the correct answers
• take it again (until perfect)

STEP 6:  CORRECT RETURNED EXAMS (ensure correct understanding)

• look over the returned exam immediately
• highlight the mistakes
• discover the correct answers
• write the answers in a different color

From Study Sense: What Memory Research Tells Us About Studying in College 3e by Kristina T. Klassen, M.S. & John B. Klassen, M.A.T.