2: Successful Study Strategies
“If you study to remember, you will forget, but, if you study to understand, you will remember.”
– Unknown
Why do some students earn good grades and others do not? Answers vary. Students with poor grades have said students with good grades are born book smart. Students with good grades answer that studying and hard work got them there.
Despite the stigma of being a “nerd,” it feels good to receive good grades. Take pride in your preparation, take pride in your studying, and take pride in your accomplishments.
Students know many things they need to do in order to achieve good grades – they just don’t always perform them.
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- 2.1: The Basics of Study Skills
- This page outlines strategies for academic success in college, emphasizing effective classroom and outside classroom practices. Key tips include attending all classes, sitting at the front, engaging actively, staying organized with assignments, completing readings timely, and using campus resources. Moreover, it highlights the need for a personalized and improved study environment to enhance productivity.
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- 2.2: Success Before Class - Pre-reading
- This page details Leslie Jennings' strategies for effective college reading, highlighting its significance for academic success. She emphasizes pre-reading and outlines seven principles, including timely assignments, note-taking, and personal connections to the material. Jennings encourages utilizing resources such as dictionaries and office hours for clarity.
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- 2.3: Success During Class- Effective Note-Taking
- This page discusses the importance of active listening in lectures, emphasizing strategies like early arrival, note-taking methods, and understanding verbal and nonverbal cues. It highlights the impact of distractions on listening skills and suggests tools for improvement, such as mindful listening and focused attention, based on Julian Treasure's TED talk.
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- 2.4: Success After Class - Reviewing Material
- This page highlights the importance of a structured five-day review period before exams to boost student success. Leslie Jennings recommends breaking material into manageable parts to prevent cramming, promoting consistent study habits, healthy practices, and effective time management. This organized approach aims to reduce stress and enhance performance, particularly in demanding environments like nursing school with overlapping exams.