Garnet ValleyMiddle School

It is crucial that you find a good place to study. This means a quiet place with a solid, flat surface. You must also try to study at the same time each day. Establish a routine. Make sure you have the following before you begin:

• Your planner

• Books and supplies

• Glasses (if you wear them)

• No distractions - you need quiet to study effectively

Being an effective listener is an extremely important characteristic to school success. To be a better listener:

• Before class think about the main points from your last class and review what your assignment was for the class

• Pay attention!!

• Hear what is said, not what you want to hear

• Relate new things to what you already know

• Always write down the assignment your teacher gives you

• Listen for these phrases: "This is important...", "You'll need to know this for the test...", "Write this down..."

• Be prepared to take notes at the beginning of class

• Come to class prepared with pens or pencils, notebooks and all necessary materials

• Be an active participant in classroom discussions

• Listen for what the teacher is emphasizing and write it down

• If something is written on the board, you should probably write it down

• Be alert do not try to write every word - write main ideas, content and information

• Develop your own way of abbreviating words

• Write notes in an outline form

• It is important to go over your notes immediately class several times so you begin to learn and remember everything

• establish a regular time and place for study

• use daylight hours to study

• keep a date book and write down all assignments

• take breaks - don't do marathon study sessions

• use flash cards

• form study groups

• schedule your most difficult assignments for when you are most alert

• make a daily checklist

• set priorities

• do the most important tasks first

• keep all assignments, handouts, tests, inc.

• always record assignments as they are given

• study the same time everyday

• ask for help as soon as you realize you don't understand something - don't wait!!!

• process information each day - immediately after class or as soon as you get home

• make flash cards

• get a study buddy or form a study group

• take organized notes