Professional & Career Development Services

Counseling Center

Structuring Study Time

1. Review class notes

1. Survey the notes to get an overview and clarify the learning goals. Relate the notes to the preceding class lecture notes.
2. Convert headings into questions and try to answer them. Is the answer in your class notes? Get an answer to your question.
3. Underline answers to questions for easy review.
4. Relate lecture notes to test assignment. Compare notes and text information and notice what is added or modified by lecture.

2. Set learning goals for study period

1. Survey the text assignment. Notice divisions of material, bold face type, vocabulary terms, figures and tables, and study aids.
2. Estimate reading time needed. Divide the study periods into units.
3. Form an outline using headings, and set learning goals by converting headings into questions.
4. Read the text to find answers to questions.
5. Underline and/or make notes for review.
6. Prepare for the next lecture by making questions about concepts needing further clarification.

3. Review Techniques

1. Know the course objectives listed in the syllabus. Focus on the information needed to meet those objectives.
2. Set specific topics and time limits for each review period.
3. Compare class notes and text for differences of emphasis.
4. Use headings in the text and notes as guides in forming review questions.
5. Seek help on items you cannot answer or are unsure of.

4. Preparing for tests

1. Begin preparing for tests right after the class.
2. Prepare a summary, set of review questions, list of vocabulary terms and charts and diagrams for each set of class notes.
3. Develop a test of your own and practice by taking it yourself.

Fisher, 1990