2. How do you learn? Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic
3. Visual Learner Prefers to see and write down information as a picture or diagram Improves retention of information if its explained with the use of visual aids Prefers face to face contact Expresses thoughts through expressions “See what I mean?” Enjoys the use of hands-on experimentation and body language Often has difficulty sitting still and focusing for long periods of time Becomes distracted easily (“day dreamers”)
4. Visual learners should… Get clear view of instructor to see facial expression and body language (SIT UP FRONT!!) Use pictures, maps, graphs Use color to highlight important text Take notes or ask for handouts Illustrate ideas/notes/answers as a picture Visualize an event in your mind while taking tests
5. Auditory Learners Improves memorization through repeating words aloud Enjoys lectures or any spoken activity rather than reading assignments Easily recalls what you or others have said and writing about it Prefers spoken directions Seldom takes notes or writes things down Often repeats what has just been said Sits where they can hear but needn't pay attention to what is happening in front
11. Kinesthetic Learners should… Get physically involved – move and think Write notes Jog/exercise to aid memorization Take frequent study breaks and vary your activities Make studying more physical work at a standing desk, chew gum, pace while memorizing, read while on an exercise bike, mold a piece of clay, squeeze a tennis ball Use bright colors to highlight reading material
13. Note taking tips Know where to sit according to your learning skills Be particular Focus on the main idea Keep in mind important people, phrases, dates Determine instructor’s habits If it goes on the board, write it down If it’s repeated, write it down
23. What if I miss something? If you miss information draw a box to signal you need to return to complete notes Raise your hand, ask questions, don’t give up Talk to instructor/classmate after class Don’t wait too long to review (we forget approximately 50% of what we learn within 24 hours)
25. Getting Started Start with chapter reviews (important to find out the most vital information to look for while reading) Skim chapter first before reading text Use headings, titles, sub-headings as note-taking guides Write questions before getting started (leave plenty of white space on paper to fill in the blanks!)
26. While Reading…. Look for Bold, Italics, and other visuals these are text-book “alerts” that lets reader know that information is worth noting Read in sections or segments (length and time) Stay conscious If your mind wanders, take a short break from reading
27. When the reading gets tough… Read it again! Hold a mini-review (after each reading session) Stand up and read aloud Get help! (instructor/tutor)
30. Memorization Use Memory Tricks Visualize (Visual Learner exercises) Verbalize (Auditory learner exercises) 7 is the Magic Number (repeating information seven times) Write it out
32. Open Book Tests Open Book Tests are often the most difficult tests to take since instructors have higher expectations of student preparedness and performance. Suggested Preparation: Requires more advance preparation than any other exam: Write all formulas, terms, dates, and definitions on a single page for easy referral Number your note pages and create a table of contents for better access Tab key areas for quick reference Practice good note taking skills – the better your notes, the better your test resources. Practice good study habits – you won't have time to look to your notes for every question (you should approach the test just as you would if unable to refer to your notes).
33. Objective Tests (matching, multiple choice, true-false) are used by instructors to test your understanding and retention of details rather than general concepts Suggested Preparation: Requires a light review of a large amount of material; use regular recitation to help memorize terms, dates, definitions, etc. Multiple Choice Strategy: Read the question carefully. Try to answer the question in your mind before looking at the choices. Read all of the choices; in some cases, you will be looking for the best answer. If you cannot answer the question, use the process of elimination to "weed out" all choices you know to be incorrect. Choose the best response; if you are still unsure of the answer, guess (unless there is a penalty for guessing).
34. Objective tests… Tips: Answer questions you know first. Don't get hung up on tough questions – leave them and move on – you may find answers in other test questions. Watch the meaning of sentences with double negatives – try crossing out both negatives before answering the question. Rephrase a question in your own words to simplify a difficult question. Circle key words to help untangle confusing questions. If you're sure of a correct answer, choose it, and don't look for traps or over-interpret the question.
35. Answering the questions… Guessing: Your first instinct is usually correct. If two answer choices are similar, choose one of these. If two answer choices have opposite meanings, choose one of these. Choose the longest answer (correct answers are frequently longer than other choices and offer more explanation) All-inclusive terms like all, never, and always are more likely to be incorrect. Qualifying words such as sometimes, maybe, usually, and generally often signal correct answers. All of the above and None of the above are seldom correct answers.
36. Essay tests… Writing the essay: Start with a brief introduction; this is often accomplished by restating the question Use short and simple sentences (sentences that ramble may be hard to follow and tend to reflect unclear thinking) Make your points in a logical and clear manner state your best point early Use specific details or examples to support broad or generalized statements use new paragraphs to highlight shifts in thought Use transitional words to help your instructor follow your train of thought Proofread and review; correct any spelling or grammatical errors
37. Don’t forget to ask for help! Academic Support Center Writing Center Drop-in tutoring Student Support Services One-on-one scheduled tutoring Calculators Lap tops Retention grants
