Reading Skills
Reading skills will prove invaluable to you as a METC student. Students need to be able to pick out the main topics/points and synthesize what they read. Experiment with the following strategies or try some of your own. Choose which methods work best for you. If one method isn't working try another method.
Before reading:
- Find your "study spot"
- Focus – clear your mind of distractions
- Preview main headings
- Mentally recall prior knowledge of the topic
- Determine significance of charts, graphs and tables
- Develop a general idea of subject materials (hypothesis)
- Preview review questions
Reading for comprehension:
- Conduct a quick scan of the reading material
- Chunk (break information into small segments)
- Look for key words, (bold, italicized, etc.)
- Continuously test your hypothesis against the reading
- Highlight important ideas/concepts/words
- Take breaks when your attention begins to wander
- Review continuously to check for understanding
After reading:
- Summarize your reading
- Develop possible test questions from main points
- Gauge your understanding of the information (on a scale of 1-10)
- Review sections you are unsure of
- Write down questions to ask your instructor/study group
10 Best Note Taking Tips According to Learning Styles:
You should have already taken a learning style inventory to identify your personal learning style. Research shows that the following best practices will enhance a student's success in an academic learning environment. Choose the learning style which best suits your identified learning profile.
Visual Learners
- Sit at the front of the class
- Use graphic organizers (circle maps, mind maps, etc.)
- Use color to organize your notes
- Draw pictures/diagrams to emphasize information
- Identify / highlight main ideas
- Ensure notes are legible and organized
- Look for non-verbal cues from the instructor
- Use margin notes for emphasis when appropriate
- After class review your notes – rewrite/organize as needed
- After class create flash cards from your notes (Quizlet)
Auditory Learners
- Sit at the front of the class
- Focus on instructor verbal cues
- Use abbreviations instead of writing words out completely (think texting)
- Write legibly
- Mumble for emphasis
- Challenge yourself to stay focused
- Do not sit near disruptive students
- Use recording devices (if allowed)
- After class compare/discuss notes with classmates
- After class create flash cards from your notes (Quizlet auditory function)
Tactile Learners
- Sit at the front of the class
- Draw pictures/diagrams to emphasize information
- Take notes in lab (write – feel – write)
- Use color to organize your notes
- Build/use models and simulations
- Use graphic organizers (circle maps, mind maps, etc.)
- Challenge yourself to stay focused
- After class compare/discuss notes with classmates
- After class retype/rewrite notes
- After class create flash cards from your notes (Quizlet)
Kinesthetic Learners
- Sit at back of the class (ask instructor if standing/pacing is allowed)
- Focus on continuously taking notes (move)
- Draw pictures/diagrams to emphasize information
- Take notes in lab (write – feel – write)
- Use color to organize your notes
- Build/use models and simulations
- Use graphic organizers (circle maps, mind maps, etc.)
- Challenge yourself to stay focused
- After class compare/discuss notes with classmates
- After class create flash cards from your notes (Quizlet)
Study Skills and Strategies
Studying is a
focused activity. It requires your full attention. METC students will need to devote time to studying on a daily basis. If you have a designated study place you can train yourself to shift into study mode whenever you are in that particular environment. You should never use your bed as a study spot, this can make it more difficult to concentrate and stay awake while studying. The following tips are applicable to all METC students.
- Don't procrastinate.
- Plan your study time. Set up a consistent schedule.
- Minimize distractions (cell phones, TV, roommate, family, music, etc.)
- Designate a study spot that is conducive to learning.
- Organize assignments, all notes and class materials.
- Use color coding, folders or other systems to keep track of each topic, class or project.
- Establish a routine, set a specific time to talk to loved ones.
- Take time out for yourself. Plan some time to recharge.
- Sleep, eat right, and practice healthy choices.
- Reward yourself – make studying a positive experience instead of one to avoid and dread.
10 Best Study Skill Tips according to Learning Styles
Studying is a critical skill for METC students. Experiment with the following strategies or try those that have worked for you in the past. Scroll to the learning style which best suits your identified learning profile.
Visual Learners
- Find a designated "study spot"
- Study concepts before delving into the details
- Close your eyes and visualize the concept or meaning
- Develop flow charts or mind maps which demonstrate relationships between ideas or sequences of events
- Use media to enhance your study experience
- Use flashcards with images
- Highlight important parts in your notes, use color coding
- Re-write or type out your notes
- Read in a well lit area
- Take breaks every 15 - 30 minutes
Auditory Learners
- Join a study group or get a study partner
- Use word association / rhymes / acronyms
- Repeat information out loud
- Read notes out loud when reviewing
- Talk your way through problems
- Limit distractions (music, TV, etc.)
- Use media to enhance your study experience
- Drill with flash cards (sound out)
- Read in a well lit area
- Consider getting a "SMART pen" / recording device
Tactile Learners
- Feel – write - feel
- Get up and move when you study
- Use tangible models / manipulative
- Retype your notes so they are legible
- Use memory games
- Physically arrange flash cards
- Spend extra time in the lab
- "Chunk" your studying
- Limit distractions (music, TV, etc.)
- Develop visual learning skills
Kinesthetic Learners
- Get up and move when you study
- Limit distractions (music, TV, etc.)
- Use tangible models / manipulative
- Develop visual learning skills
- Use word association / rhymes / acronyms
- Find a study space which works for you
- Physically arrange flash cards
- Retype your notes so they are legible
- Spend extra time in the lab
- Act out material when possible
