Draping mistakes happen to everyone, but they can be minimized with good techniques.
Draping Mistakes To Avoid
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Fun Study Methods that Work
The Graphic Edge
Graphic organizers are study forms that help you organize information in a visually engaging manner. You can benefit from the structure and color of graphic organizers when you review your notes during exam preparation. The process of creating the graphic organizer improves the way you input information into your long-term memory and increases your understanding of concepts in a fun and creative way. Download graphic organizers in the Picked Fresh section of this newsletter.
Oldies, But Goodies
Flash cards have been used by students forever—because they work! Carry note cards with you to your classes or study sessions. Whenever you encounter a new vocabulary word or an important concept, write it on the front of the card. Sometimes you’ll place the definition or bullet points directly on the back of the card, and sometimes you’ll want to fill in the back of the cards later (for example, if you are capturing key terms during a lecture and you don’t have time to write the definition on the spot). Review your flash cards regularly to move information into your long-term memory.
Decked Out
Haiku Deck and SlideShare are easy-to-use presentation applications for your tablet or smartphone. These applications have built-in photo libraries, and some have animated charts and table features. Use them for creative note-taking by making a slide for each term, concept, or idea. Go back later and choose images for your slides. Associating an image with a term, concept, or idea improves your retention and leads to visual and fun study sessions later. Share your imaginative deck with your classmates and wow ’em!
Location, Location, Location
Researchers tell us that memory is enhanced by location, and changing your study locales can increase the likelihood of remembering what you’ve learned. That said, sometimes a home study space decked out with bright office items and fun stationery is more conducive to learning. Others actually study best in a noisy coffee shop because the energy stimulates their mind and helps them focus. Find what works best for you and schedule study sessions at a location that feeds your productivity.
Don’t Study—Party
Study parties are a great way to socialize and study at the same time. Invite a manageable number of classmates to an afternoon study session and ask each person to bring a tasty snack. Assign some classmates topics and ask them to prepare fun ways to study. For example, you might hold a “flash-off” where you sit in a circle and give the answers to flash cards out loud. If you miss one, you’re out. The last person standing is the winner and gets a prize. The important thing is that the party should have a structure with planned study activities. If you just show up without a plan, you’ll eat, talk, and forget about that quiz on Monday!
Reward Systems
Reward yourself for concentrated effort. First, determine a short study goal such as reading 10 pages from the textbook. Mark the 10 pages with a paperclip and start reading. Don’t stop reading until you reach the next paperclip. Now, reward yourself. Allow yourself 10 minutes of catching up with friends on Facebook, a snack, or a stretch break. Now, back to it! Set the next goal, such as working through your flash-card deck, and set a timer for 30 minutes. Don’t stop until the timer goes off, and then reward yourself again. Research shows that people study better when they set short study goals followed by frequent rewards.
Share It
Share your notes, study aids, slide decks, practice quiz questions, graphic organizers, and flash cards with your classmates and ask them to share with you. During preparation for an exam, you’ll find that a classmate captured a term you missed, or wrote down a note that illuminates a concept you didn’t completely understand. Each of us brings a different perspective to the classroom, and when we share resources, we are exposed to a broader range of information, thereby enhancing our understanding of content.
Be a Hoarder
It’s not uncommon for students to toss out important papers, old study notes, or last term’s graded homework assignments and quizzes. During school, be a hoarder! You want all of your school materials when you begin to study for your state-approved national licensing exam. Keep everything. If you can organize it, all the better; but even if you simply toss it in a file folder, you’ll have it when you need it.