Academic counselling

Study Skills & videos from Scott Brueckner

Screening

Screening is a method to prepare for the lesson. You read a book´s headlines, chapter
headings, introductory and summary and try to understand and perceive the main concepts of the text.  You also view images, tables and other information derived separately from the text.

The purpose of screening is becoming familiar with the content of the lesson without reading the text extensively.  If, however, a student´s; participation is required in class he needs to prepare more thoroughly.

The process of screening takes approximately 10-30 minutes for each lesson. Its aim is to increase understanding, give an overview of the content and connect new material with previous knowledge.

Note-taking

It is important to attend lectures and try to get the most out of lessons, pay attention, listen for main points and to write down useful/meaningful notes. Be careful, however, not to write too much at the cost of listening and understanding.

You write notes to highlight and draw attention to the main ideas and get a clearer view of what the teacher proposes is important. Good notes are invaluable aids in reviewing for exams.

Some helpful tips for note-taking

1. Have the right tools at hand, such as a good pen/pencil, notebook/paper/computer, highlighting pens, colours.
2. Write down dates on all the notes, page numbers, use colours and symbols to emphasize important points or keywords. Put a question mark or an asterisk if you need to check something later or pay special attention to.
3. Screen the reading/study material before the lesson.
4. Be active; ask questions, etc. whether in lessons or while reading.
5. Choose a seat in the centre of one of the front rows – that way you are closer to the teachers. You are less likely to be disturbed by others, you see better and it’s easier to read slides or on the blackboard.

Note-taking takes place in the lesson and also while reading/studying the course material after the lesson.

Working during the lesson – Note-taking methods:

• When using the computer, write below the slides or create a Word document. If you write notes directly onto the handouts from the teachers you can highlight or underline the keywords and use colours to distinguish your own words from the teacher´s.
• The Cornell note-taking method involves dividing the page down lengthwise into two columns. You have the right column wider than the left one (which is 6-8 cm). In the right column write fairly detailed notes in your own words from a lesson, but on the left write keywords and questions formed while reading and revising. Keywords or key phrases contain core elements, such as the name of the theory, the name of the entrepreneur, an important year or a fundamental equation in the calculation. Keywords call forth images and links to other words and ideas. They are useful for reviewing.
• Card method: On one side of a card you write a question, concept or password, such as the name of theories. The other side allows you to frame an answer, and often a reference to the detailed explanations in the textbook and /or notes.

After the lessons – Reading in-depth and note-taking

In-depth reading is when you study the material after the lessons. It is good to allow at least two hours for in-depth reading because it takes time to get active and become involved in the subject. You can use special methods of in-depth reading, for example, it can be useful to prepare questions from the material of the lesson (approximately 4-10 questions) either in writing or in your mind and try to answer them. Do this before beginning reading so that you approach the subject with a specific purpose in mind. Answering questions is a powerful way to learn new material, i.e. to ask yourself questions before you move to in-depth reading. It is also advisable to use the slides/notes as milestones to read from. While reading it is effective to take notes, underline the words/phrases, insert notes from a lecture or write on the margins. Create a reminder card when pausing from the reading. Attending a study group/reading group is also a very powerful way of learning. The study group gives you the opportunity to exchange views and discuss topics with others.

After lessons - Reviewing

Reviewing is a vital part of learning. When reviewing you are actually practising for any type of assessment.  The process can be divided into three categories:

1. Daily reviewing of approximately 10 minutes per subject, where you review the notes after the lecture and/or after in-depth reading, i.e. summarizing after reading a few pages, a section, or after a specific theme. Reading the notes and adding to them while the subject is still fresh in the memory shortly after the lesson is effective. Try to find keywords and identify the main points, make a checklist, cover the right column of the notes with your hand (when using the Cornell method) and review by reading the keywords, etc.
2. Weekly reviewing of approximately 1 hour for each subject, as you quickly glance over the notes of the week and/or prepare for projects or short exams.
3. Major reviewing for exams.

By working systematically and continuously throughout the semester you increase significantly the likelihood of success in education. It is important for you to reflect upon yourself, consider what kind of learning methods you are using and whether there is a need for change. USCCC give students advice on work practices in higher education, by offering individual sessions and workshops available at the beginning of each semester.  

Prioritizing: It is important to prioritize time and tasks. Consider what is important and/or necessary to do during the exam period and what tasks can be put aside.  You often need to make temporary changes in priorities because the period of examination is demanding.  

Brainstorming and organizing the study material: You May want to start your exam-preparation by allowing your mind to wander for a few minutes and think about what are the main points of this subject.  You can then make a checklist or group the topics guided by the syllabus, notes or textbooks.  This will break the study material down into smaller units and make it more manageable.

Long-term schedules: It is important to make a long-term plan for the entire exam period to gain perspective.  Determine when to study for each test and for how long a time. You need to make the most of the time if exams are dated closely together.

Daily schedules: Plan each day based on your long-term schedule. This is a more detailed schedule. You need to consider such things as: "What subject will I study", "where to study", "at what time", and "for how long?"

Work periods:  Allocate a suitable length of time for each reading session taking into account the weight of each subject.  It is necessary to take regular short breaks and change the study method or even the topic you're currently studying if you start losing concentration.  Make note of when your "prime time" to study is and preferably work then on the more demanding subjects.

Review: Repetition is an effective learning method. The best way to remember something is by repeating it and it is, therefore, a vital part of reviewing. It is important to include systematic reviewing in the same time schedule; at each component, end of each day and a weekly review as well.  In addition, there are various memory techniques that can facilitate learning.  They aim mainly at arranging, structuring and organizing information, giving it a different meaning.

Learning environment: Find a stimulating learning environment, where there is little disturbance.

Positive self-talk: is important to avoid disruptive thoughts and negative self-talk.  It is helpful to adopt positive self-talk as we focus on our performance an ability to find solutions to projects and answers to exams.  

Physical activity: is a good way to increase stamina and relieve stress.  Try to find activities that suit you, such as walking, swimming or cycling.

Relaxation: reduces stress, which often accompanies exam preparation. You can learn different relaxation techniques but there are also many personalized ways to relax, such as through movement, music, reading etc. 

Sleep/Rest: sleep and rest are essential to rejuvenate one's mind and body. Insufficient sleep may affect one's daily performance.

Diet: Eating habits relate to energy and concentration.  During the exam period, it is necessary to pay careful attention to your diet and eat healthy and nutritious food.  It is best to try to avoid fast food, sweets, soft drinks and coffee.

• Arrive in time for exams.
• Avoid engaging in stressful discussions about the exam before you walk into the examination room.
• At the beginning of the exam, give yourself time to get comfortable and prepare mentally.
• Write down things such as formulas, key terms, and anything else that is at the top of your head.
• Remember to read the questions and/or instructions very carefully.
• Read the entire exam and then start to answer what you are most confident with.
• Use time in proportion to the importance or percentage of each question and its significance.
• It is good to organize a response to an essay question beforehand by making að short abstract or writing down key words and organize them accordingly.
• If you can not answer an exam question, put it aside and come back to it later. 
• Focus on the exam and don't spend time on keeping up with fellow students or think about what you should have done, or might have done prior to the exam.