How to study in college

pt. I. Permanent skills 1. Setting goals Marching to your own rhythm Resisting the tug of the crowd Harnessing the power of "imaging" Pursuing quality instead of quantity Changing the meaning of GPA Defining a goal Devising a plan Taking action Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 2. Controlling your time Saving time Finding "hidden" time Changing your time habits Sticking to a schedule Dividing your time into blocks Thinking in terms of tasks Final words Ten valuable tidbits about time Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 3. Staying focused Eliminating distractions Reducing external distractions Discouraging internal distractions Cultivating concentration Making lists Taking breaks Maintaining a balance Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 4. Defending your memory Making an effort to remember Avoiding pseudo-forgetting Finding a reason to remember Setting the size and shape of your memories Limiting what you choose to learn Arriving at meaningful patterns Strengthening memories Correcting new memories to old Using recitation to rehearse Allowing memories time to jell Studying in short periods Coming to terms with plateaus Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 5. Managing stress Eliminating avoidable stress Discouraging procrastination Minimizing multitasking Sidestepping common stressors Improving your attitude Learning to relax Improving your self-esteem Taking control of your life Following a healthy routine Developing good eating habits Improving your sleep Getting some exercise Finals words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system

pt. II. Enrichment skills 6. Improving your reading Learning the limitations of speed Watch your eye movements Hearing your silent speech Keeping comprehension in mind Allowing time for consolidation Developing ways to pick up the PACE P : increasing your preparation A : determining our altitude C : reading in clusters E : drawing on experience Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 7. Building a lasting vocabulary Harnessing the power of interest Choosing the right tools Learning from a dictionary Preserving your words on index cards Exploring your personal frontier Understanding how words are learned Recognizing frontier words Applying the frontier system Treating words like chemical compounds Learning roots and prefixes Using the fourteen master words Appreciating the value of history Finding books that tell the stories of words Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 8. Thinking visually Using your whole brain Improving your understanding Making your memory stronger Reading pictures Using the OPTIC system Learning the language of graphs Watching out for distorted data Writing in pictures Adding illustrations to your notes Turning abstract ideas into maps Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system

pt. III. Note-taking skills 9. Adopting a note-taking mindset Preparing to read Getting acquainted with your textbook Surveying specific assignments Preparing to listen Using triple-A listening Setting the table for the next lecture Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 10. Taking effective notes Using the Cornell system Marking your textbook Gathering information Being inquisitive Following the signs Recording efficiently Dealing with special cases Pulling things together Leaving lectures Finishing readings Summing up Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system 11. Mastering your notes Reviewing to cement understanding Targeting key ideas with the Q system Seeing the big picture with summaries Reciting to strengthen memories Reciting out loud Reciting by writing Reflecting to add wisdom Making the case for reflection Using techniques to help you reflect Final words Have you missed something? Words in context The word history system

pt. IV. Test-taking skills

12. Managing test anxiety

Preparing yourself academically

Starting early

Staying on top of your coursework

Organizing yourself

Cramming systematically

Preparing yourself mentally

Finding out about the exam

Getting acquainted with the test site

Maintaining a positive attitude

Final words

Have you missed something?

Words in context

The word history system

13. Answering objective tests

Choosing effective study methods

Using the Q system

Becoming a study "switch hitter"

Understanding each question type

Separating true from false

Choosing the right answer

Finding the best match

Completing a sentence

Moving systematically through the test

Reading before you answer

Marking methodically

Final words

Have you missed something?

Words in context

The word history system

14. Tackling essay tests

Moving systematically through the test

Reading before you write

Jotting before you answer

Mapping out your time

Knowing the basics of writing an essay

Understanding each question with precision

Supplying the correct answer

Supporting your points

Operating under time constraints

Getting right to the point

Organizing your essay carefully

Keeping your writing neat

Final words

Have you missed something?

Words in context

The word history system

Appendix. Answers.

Setting goals: a self-management skill

Managing your time

Managing stress

Concentrating and focusing

Forgetting and remembering

Improving your vocabulary

Improving your reading speed and comprehension

Understanding and using key concepts

Listening to take good notes

Taking good notes

Learning from your textbooks

Noting what's important in readings

Thinking visually

Managing test anxiety

Mastering objective tests

Tackling essay tests

Studying literature

Studying mathematics

Learning with the computer