STUDY SKILLS:Improving Student

Achievement

• Time Management• Goal Setting• Listening Skills• Note taking Skills• Using a Textbook• Memory Skills• When, Where and How to Study• Test Taking Skills

• Minimize stress and maximize productivity • Increase the amount of “quality time” one spends on himself, with parents and friends• End result: Better grades and more enjoyment out of school

Self-assessment is a very integral part of maturity. Each day is a growing experience, providing successes and failures. Reflect upon these and learn.

• Sixty to seventy percent of your time in class listening, your success in school and job/vocation is dependent upon how well you have mastered this skill.

• Prepare your body to listen. Sit upright and “focus” on the person who is speaking. This is ACTIVE LISTENING.• Jot down ideas, but avoid taking “word-for-word” notes.• At the end of each class period, reflect upon and write down the important facts.• Block out distractions• Ask questions when appropriate. • Listen carefully to both the questions and answers posed by other class members.• Keep in mind, listening takes effort. A, “Here we are now, entertain us.” (Cobain, 1991), attitude will not help you succeed in college.

• Different colored pens, highlighters, underlining, use of upper case and indenting can be used to emphasize important facts.• For reflective note-taking, use the Cornell

Notes format.

Recall Clue Column Record Column

Propaganda Techniques in Advertising Define "Propaganda"

Intro Propaganda used by politicians, writers. Also by advertisers. Def: Messages intended to persuade audiences to adopt a certain opinion.

List 4 common tech. used by advertisers

Advertisers use propaganda. 4 techniques common.

1. Testimonial Def: Celebrities used to pitch idea, sell product; Audience associate star qualities of celebrity w/ product. Define & explain "testimonial" technique

Ex. Michael Jordan sells Nike shoes

2. Bandwagon Def: Encourages people to buy b/c e'one is doing it. Ads urge you to get on board; don't get left out. Define & explain "bandwagon" technique

Ex. "All over America, people are switching to...."

3. Plain Folks Def: Product associated with ordinary folks like you & me. Ads use "regular", next-door-neighbor types to sell product. Define & explain "plain folks" technique

Ex. New mother in hospital uses Tylenol.

4. Transfer Product associated with s'thing that is attractive or respectable. Car ads show gorgeous model - audience transfer feelings about model to car. Ads use patriotic symbols like bald eagle - audience transfers patriotic feelings

to product, company. Define & explain "transfer" technique

Ex. Wal-Mart claims to sell only made-in-USA products.

SUMMARY: Advertisers use propaganda. Propaganda = Messages intended to persuade audiences to adopt a certain opinion. 4 common propaganda techniques used by advertisers: 1. Testimonial: celebrity endorses product. 2. Bandwagon: everybody is buying product. 3. Plain Folks: ordinary, non-glamorous people like us use it. 4. Transfer: transfer feelings of admiration to product.

Outline Format for NotesI. Main Topic

A. Subtopic

1. Main Idea

a. Minor Idea

B. 2nd subtopic

II. 2nd Main Topic

• Main Topic–Subtopic

• Main Idea–Minor Idea

–2nd Subtopic• 2nd Main Idea

Note: bolded, underlined, or words written in different colors should be considered key vocabulary words and very “quiz worthy”. However, you should learn to focus in on what words or concepts I am emphasizing, because everything covered during lectures or reading is fair game.

• (Overview: quickly scan)

• (Establish a purpose)

• (to answer questions)• (answers to questions with

the book closed)• (Take notes!)

• (at short intervals)

Be an Active Reader

• Think about the reading• Consider how the parts relate to the

whole; how the text relates to previous ideas

• Create questions about new words/ terms, why emphasized points are important

• Examine what you have learned from visuals

• Look for the pattern in elements like chapter /subsection headings, summary points, graphics, bolded words

• Know where to find the index and glossary

Be Aware of Textbook Organization

More on Reading

• Read for comprehension• Do all assigned reading• Expand your notes from reading• Ask questions about reading when you

return to class

• Reviewing your notes after/prior to class is an integral part of the learning proces• Increases retention • Reduce time cramming

• Recite information from notes

• Rewrite notes if necessary

Review

• Study small quantities of information on a daily basis rather than trying to cram large quantities within a short time period.• Use down time

WHEN SHOULD YOU STUDY?

• Free yourself of distractions

WHERE SHOULD YOU not STUDY?

• It is suggested that you spend a minimum of thirty minutes per class each night on studying

• Try to internalize the information

• Use of flash cards

• If you become frustrated understanding a particular concept, set it aside and come back to it later.

HOW SHOULD YOU STUDY?

• Read over the directions.• Ask questions if you are unclear of the directions.• Pace yourself. • Use the process of elimination• It is suggested that you go over an exam at least three separate times. The first time, answer questions where there is no doubt. The second time, answer questions that need more thought. Finally, the third time, focus on the ambiguous and unanswered questions.

GENERAL EXAM-TAKING PRINCIPLES:

• Remember a list of words or names in order by turning the first letter of each word into a phrase:– E.g., EGBDF- Every Good Boy Does Fine

• Put list of terms or definitions into rhythmic patterns which you can recall in your mind during the exam

• Use of index cards

• Outlining

MEMORY SKILLS:

•Begin your exam with the assumption that all the statements are “TRUE.” Only answer “FALSE” if you can find a reason that makes the statement false. Be sure the entire statement is true before marking the exam. A small component of the statement may be false.• “Always” and “never” statements are most likely false.

TRUE/FALSE:

• Quickly determine how much time to allow for each question• Read the question carefully and decide exactly what is being asked• Answer concisely

ESSAY:

Conclusion

• The bottom line is: YOU MUST MAKE SCHOOL A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE, IF YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS. There is no other option.

The Formula: attend class every day from start to finish +

ask questions +

be an “active listener” +

comprehend vocab +note-take wisely +

chapter review Qs +complete assigned reading +

review notes within 24 hrs of lecture +

Successful Completion of Course

study a little each day; avoid cramming =