Study Skill Tips for Improved Comprehension
If you've landed on this page, then you are serious about studying for your science class. I applaud you! Use the following suggestions to help you effectively study at home and prepare yourself for assessments and classroom discussions.
Study Time
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Set Up a Schedule - For classes that are harder, make sure you give yourself more time to study or do homework. Also make time for recreation and social activities; they are just as important as your grades.
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Study in Short Time Frames - Start reading/studying for 10-15 minutes. Then build on that by 10 minutes once you become comfortable studying for at least an hour at a time. So work hard, but be realistic. If you can no longer concentrate or remember what you have read, stop.
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Take Breaks When Studying - Do not attempt to cram! Study small portions of material, take a break and then study some more. You will retain more information when you break it down into smaller portions that you can manage. You do not want to get burned out.
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Find a Good Location - Where you study can determine how much you concentrate. Make sure the place is comfortable, but not too comfortable. Sitting at a desk or table is best. Avoid lying across the bed. You want to try to study in the same type of situation that you will be testing. This helps with remembering the things you studied for the test.
Effective Reading
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Scan - Look at the boldface terms, charts, graphs, headings & subtitles, maps, photos & illustrations, summary, and review questions. Scanning provides you with information in a short amount time. You get a quick view of the information and it prepares you for what you are about to read.
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Read with a Purpose - This helps you to stay focused and understand what you have read. Ask yourself questions as you read. “What does this word mean?, Why is this event important?, etc.” You are a detective while you read. Looking for answers to your questions while you read. When you finished reading you should have answered all of your questions and the review questions.
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Review - Make sure you understand what you have read. Write a summary about the main topics read. You can even make flash cards of the different headings or events that took place in your reading. You will be amazed how much you remember when it is time to review for the test.
Improve your Memory
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Acronyms - Make a word from the first letter of each word to be memorized. For example, HOMES for the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior).
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Acrostics Use the first letter of each word word or line functions as a cue to help you recall the words that you are trying to remember. For example, “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” is used to remember the order of operations in Math.
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Narratives - Summarize the subject with the list of words throughout the narrative to help with comprehension.
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Illustrations - Draw what’s being studied, or find a drawing online. Mentally refer to the picture when you are testing.
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Visualization - Use graphic organizers to help organize and remember information.
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Flash Cards - Information written out on cards allowing you access for quick reference when studying at any time.