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HOW TO STUDY . First, Determine Your Learning Preference The first thing I recommend is that you take the VARK Learning Preference test. It will help you estimate how you most effectively learn new information. You will also receive many helpful study hints based on your learning preference. . Second, View the Video Tape on Reserve in the West Campus Library Every semester I have an evening meeting where we discuss how your brain remembers and forgets information, and study techniques that you might try to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your studying. If you cannot make the session, a video tape of one of the sessions in on reserve in the West Campus Library. Third, try the Reinforced Study Technique Over the years I have become a believer in the reinforced study technique. It basically stresses going to class to learn by experiencing the lecture, then studying soon after class to reinforce the information in your mind before you begin the forgetting process. Most students wait and study a few days before the exam. However, by that point you have forgotten most of the information that was in your mind after lecture. Thus, you are re-learning the information on our own and it becomes somewhat artificial and confusing. Think about it. Most things in life are mastered by repeated practice, whether it be a sport, a skill or learning lines for a play. Mastering subject matter for an academic class is no different. Give it a try. I've seen it help countless students. Study Suggestions Based on the Reinforced Study Technique Basically, study before you forget so you do not have to re-learn things. • For most people, the most effective learning technique is visual and personal experience . • Thus, much of your learning may actually occur by experiencing class . • You are a phenomenally fast and effective visual "learner ". • Unfortunately, this if followed closely by you being an incredibly fast "forgetter". Therefore, • Come to class and pay attention (each absence costs you a point on your average). • Watch the video if you miss class. • Study now , i.e. before the end of the day, and preferably right after class. Put yourself on a schedule. • Make your studying visual and active . a) re-write you notes, so you can add things you remember before you forget. b) make flash cards. c) diagram, draw, doodle d) talk out loud e) talk to yourself into a mirror f) make up analogies, word association, acronyms. • Review the past lectures periodically. • Back-off a couple of days before the exam and "polish" or "fine tune” study. Other Hints • Look over the Lecture Supplement for what will be covered that day, i.e. read the novel before you see the movie. • Take good notes and use short hand. • Highlight or star what the Prof. appears to emphasis or stress. • Go to Supplemental Instruction for another view point and to use as a reinforced study technique. • Study in groups of three. • Study where and when you can concentrate. • Once you think you are ready, take some practice exams from the Quiz File. • Lower your anxiety level before and during the exam. • Take the multiple choice exam properly, i.e. to make it a “give me the answer” or “fill-in the blank” exam. • Mark the scantron properly. • Never change your answer unless you are absolutely sure. Finally, remember that you are never as prepared as you think you are. We always overestimate our own abilities. That's why we have coaches! So, when you think you are ready for the exam - study some more.

First, Determine Your Learning Preference

The first thing I recommend is that you take the VARK Learning Preference test. It will help you estimate how you most effectively learn new information. You will also receive many helpful study hints based on your learning preference.
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Second, View the Video Tape on Reserve in the West Campus Library

Every semester I have an evening meeting where we discuss how your brain remembers and forgets information, and study techniques that you might try to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your studying. If you cannot make the session, a video tape of one of the sessions in on reserve in the West Campus Library.

Over the years I have become a believer in the reinforced study technique. It basically stresses going to class to learn by experiencing the lecture, then studying soon after class to reinforce the information in your mind before you begin the forgetting process. Most students wait and study a few days before the exam. However, by that point you have forgotten most of the information that was in your mind after lecture. Thus, you are re-learning the information on our own and it becomes somewhat artificial and confusing. Think about it. Most things in life are mastered by repeated practice, whether it be a sport, a skill or learning lines for a play. Mastering subject matter for an academic class is no different. Give it a try. I've seen it help countless students.

• For most people, the most effective learning technique is visual and personal experience .
• Thus, much of your learning may actually occur by experiencing class .
• You are a phenomenally fast and effective visual "learner ".
• Unfortunately, this if followed closely by you being an incredibly fast "forgetter".

Therefore,
• Come to class and pay attention (each absence costs you a point on your average).
• Watch the video if you miss class.
• Study now , i.e. before the end of the day, and preferably right after class. Put yourself on a schedule.
• Make your studying visual and active .

• Look over the Lecture Supplement for what will be covered that day, i.e. read the novel before you see the movie.
• Take good notes and use short hand.
• Highlight or star what the Prof. appears to emphasis or stress.
• Go to Supplemental Instruction for another view point and to use as a reinforced study technique.
• Study in groups of three.
• Study where and when you can concentrate.
• Once you think you are ready, take some practice exams from the Quiz File.
• Lower your anxiety level before and during the exam.
• Take the multiple choice exam properly, i.e. to make it a “give me the answer” or “fill-in the blank” exam.
• Mark the scantron properly.
• Never change your answer unless you are absolutely sure.