 Study Skills
The lynchpin of my learning philosophy centers on "teaching a man to fish instead of giving a man a fish."
Esoteric mathematical skills aside, use this opportunity to push beyond
your comfort zone and improve your ability to learn anything.
Please attempt every strategy at least once. Yes, I
actually want you to print my patronizing little chart, put it in your
notebook, and check off each one after you do it once. I think
completing the grid within 2 weeks is reasonable. (Yes,
hide it from your friends so they don't laugh at you) The goal
here is to "nudge" and evolve your repertoire when reacting to a
complex academic challenge. Developing these habits will benefit
the remainder of your academic career.
- Print out this chart
- Keep it in your notebook
- Try everything once.
- Hand it in to me.
Have you....
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Participated at least once in a class period?
(Answering an easy question keeps you involved) |
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Asked the teacher to do another example,
before moving ahead?
(You're not the only one) |
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Asked to work at the blackboard during independent
practice?
(The teacher can give immediate assistance & feedback) |
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Been doing the homework consistently?
(Math needs practice & reinforcement) |
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Tried phoning a classmate when stuck on a HW problem? |
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Tried redoing
the classwork problems before a test?
(Simply reading over your notes is not as effective) |
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Gotten help at the "Math Lab" at school?
(Help can come from a different Math teacher) |
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Moved your seat away from talkative friends? |
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Requested help after school or during a free period? |
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Requested an honors student peer tutor? |
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Time Management
 Study
difficult or boring subjects first! ... while you are fresh.
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Use
your "dead time" effectively. Ten minutes on the school bus or 5
minutes in the lunch line add up. |
Be
aware of your best time of day. For example, many people learn best in daylight
hours.
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Use
a regular study area. When you use the same place to study day after
day, your body and mind become trained. It will help you focus more
quickly focus your efforts. |
| Don’t
get too comfortable. Easy chairs, a sofa, and your bed are dangerous
places to study. If its too comfortable, your body may get the signal
that it is time to sleep, rather than time to study. |
Avoid
noisy distractions. Don’t study in front of the TV. If you are really
sure you study better with music (few people really do), make sure you
select songs that won’t interfere with your concentration. |
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