Byford, Melba

D. Study Skills

Dr.Hopper

Three Useful Materials I Learned in Study Skills

The first useful thing I learned was how to take notes from lectures. I learned to always go to class prepared with at least two pens in case one runs out and have plenty of paper. Also I had to get in the habit of listening and understanding the discussed topic while taking notes. Another technique is to always make eye contact with the instructor, because it helps me to pay attention and keep focused on the material being discussed. The most important technique I learned was listening and watching for clues from the instructor. Such as, the instructor may repeat a point, speak loudly at certain times, put material on the board, give handouts, or say, "The most important thing to remember is.....," are some useful clues I use when taking notes from lecture.

The second helpful tip I learned involves test-taking strategies. On previous tests, I would rush through the exam and turn it in. Now I have learned some tips that help me better at taking tests. Some of these strategies include previewing the test, to get me thinking about the material. Doing a "mind-dump," which means writing everything down I might forget. Skipping the harder questions and answering the easier questions first gave me more confidence in finishing tests. Moving to easier questions allowed my subconscious mind to think about the harder questions, which could lead to answering these tougher questions. These test-taking strategies helped me to more comfortable and successful at taking test.

Finally, learning to use the library proved to be useful. One thing I learned was the location of the reference area, books, and periodicals. Knowing where everything was located made material easier to find. Other useful information I was taught, involved locating book by using the card catalog or the computerized card catalog (PALS). PALS helped me find a book by performing a term search, author search, or title search. After locating the book, PALS could inform me as to whether the book was on the shelf. Also, I have learned a useful way to search and find periodicals on the infotrac search bank. When I choose Expanded Academic (ASAP), which allowed me to type any subject I was searching for. Furthermore, Infortrac could display the number and the availability of the articles containing the material concerning the subject. Although infotrac is fast at finding magazines, it only contains periodicals published after 1970. To find articles published before 1970, I would have to use refer to the Readers Guide. Learning how to use these resources in the library will assist me by giving valuable information on any material needed in my future courses.

The Developmental Study Skills course had taught me numerous skills that I can apply in future college courses. The Study Skills course has made me feel more confident in the classroom, while taking tests and using the library. This course has taught me techniques and strategies that were helpful to me during my first semester, and they will continue to assist me whit school throughout the remainder of my college life.