Keys to Academic Success
(For more tips see books by Cal Newport)
1. Read actively and critically.
• After you have finished the reading write a short summary of what you have just read. Outline the main points/arguments of the work.
• Think critically about the work: WHO wrote it and how might the author’s assumptions/religion/beliefs/background, etc . . . influence what they write. Jot down your thoughts.
• Analyze what you read: How does compare/contrast with other readings in the course? How does it fit into lectures? What does your professor hope you will gain by reading this material?
• ADD 5 examples or details from the readings.
2. Take good notes.
• Start each new lecture on a new page, and date and number each page. The sequence of material is important.
• Take notes in outline or bullet form, relying on single-line entries. Paragraphs will be harder to skim through later when you are looking for a particular piece of information.
• Use abbreviations to increase your note-taking speed (betw = between, cd = could, fn = function, etc. . . )
• Leave blank space on each page of notes or in margins for information missed or additional information the lecturer may add later.
• Write on one side of the paper only. You can set them out side-by-side for easier reviewing when studying for an exam.
• Edit for words and phrases that are illegible or don’t make sense. Write out abbreviated words that might be unclear later.
• Develop a system to give extra emphasis to key ideas, concepts, definitions: underline, use different-colored ink, use asterisks, draw arrows, etc. Don't be overly concerned with neatness and style.
• Give equal importance to all aspects of the lecture. Spoken words are just as important as what is written on the board. Listen carefully at the end of each class session before you wrap up.
• If you become confused or miss some information mark it with a question mark and ask to have the information clarified then or after class or look up the topic in the text later.
3. Review and synthesize as you go
I. INITIAL LEARNING (before class or reading)
• Glance over previous chapters or notes. Run through your mind what you know already.
• Read the assigned reading before lecture.
• Stay focused.
II. EARLY REVIEW is most efficient, most productive.
• The goal is to transfer information from your short-term to long-term memory so that you can easily access it come finals time. One way to kickstart the transfer is review/synthesize/study your notes right after class (within 24 hours of first learning the new information).
• Add material that comes to mind. (Don't recopy; this is wasteful)
• Order and organize what was learned. (Star, use arrows, additional comments, etc.)
• Integrate new material with what you already know.
IV. INTERMEDIATE REVIEW
• Intermediate review of material covered so far
• Every week (high school) or every two/three weeks (college) review what has been covered since the last test.
4. Test preparation
1. Create an outline of the key points, and then fill in the details under the main and subpoints.
o Use the syllabus or textbook to create the backbone of the outline. At the beginning of the semester, take a look at your textbook’s table of contents. Create the backbone of the outline using chapter titles. The teacher’s syllabus is also a good source for creating your outline’s backbone.
o Fill in with class notes. After every class, fill in your outline with your class notes. You’ll really have to think about how to organize your notes and what to put where, but the mental struggle means the info is anchoring deeper and deeper into your brain.
o Supplement the outline with professor handouts. If your teacher provides any handouts, supplement your outline with that content – these are important.
2. Start early
o Begin your test preparation activities as far in advance as you can. •Go over your texts (or better yet the summaries you made of the readings), notes, and homework. Make sure you understand and remember every part.
o Then try to summarize the material into two pages. Then do all your studying from these (or combine with flash cards).
3. Anticipate Questions
• When you read through your notes and own thoughts, think about how the instructor may test you on your knowledge of this topic. If you were the instructor, what questions would you ask that would demonstrate that your students have a good understanding of the key facts?
• Often, good students already have an idea of what test questions may be and prepare accordingly.
• Once you think of the question, see whether your notes provide the answer. If not, look back through your notes and reading assignments to find the answer and then include that material in your study notes.
• For essay questions, create an outline of the response. In doing so, you may need to pull information from different sections of your notes to create a cohesive answer.
4. Final review is a REVIEW, not "cramming" of unlearned material.
o No new learning takes place except to draw together the final main currents of thought.
o Recite (in writing or out loud to a friend or self)
o USE SPACED REVIEW rather than MASSED PRACTICE. 60 minutes used in 3 groups of 20 minutes each is more effective than 60 minutes used all at the same time.
o Learn by connections, not by memorization.
o Learn things deeply the first time, don’t let confusion compound.
o Handle concepts by creating metaphors and analogies.
o Remember facts through association first, repetition second.
o No psudo-studying. Destraction free intense studying for 45 minutes then 15 min break. Regular times. Use Sunday.
5. Basic study tips
o Sometimes large volumes of reading material should be skimmed. To skim, read the introduction and conclusion of the book as well as of each chapter. Read enough of the chapters to get detailed examples.
o Tackle hard subjects first while you are fresh.
o You learn while you sleep. Review the information to be learned right before bed.
o Find a quiet uninterrupted space to study.
o Fix a regular study schedule.