Introduction
 
INTRODUCTION TO STUDY SKILLS ONLINE

The The Strategies for Success web site is a product of an ACCD grant. A composite of years of observation in the classroom, numerous web sites, conferences and seminars as well as the reading of many books and journal articles on learning how to learn, the site is designed to be student friendly. It is based on common sense and the classroom experience of many — students and teachers alike. The ultimate objective of this online guide is to help community college students become active learners. Active learning means assuming responsibility for one's own learning.

A major premise of earlier research done in the community college classroom was that most students have never been taught how to learn. This web site is a guide to many strategies that successful students have used effectively and are the key to success in the classroom.

Successful students are active learners. They assume full responsibility for their own learning. They possess certain characteristics that have resulted after years of refining their own methods of learning. You can learn to emulate.

  • Review these tips periodically throughout the semester.
  • Practice strategies and techniques regularly.
  • Master the ones that are working for you.
  • Modify others. In other words, make the techniques your own. Only then will you join the ranks of active learners.
  • Do some careful contemplating on what areas you need to improve.
  • Read the material carefully.


To help you in this initial facet, first read "Before the Semester Even Starts" and take the study skills survey "Reality Quotient."

  • Take the time to think these two instruments through carefully.

  • Make a list of suggestions on how to incorporate changes in habits.

  • Most of these study skills involve personal habits that will not be changed overnight.

  • It will take time, practice and commitment. Information is meant to be brief, easily digested and put to practice.

  • Many topics which rightfully belong in any discussion of study skills are omitted for the sake of brevity.

  • If you desire more information, other web sites are listed that will allow instructors and students to spend more time on a particular topic.

  • If you have difficulty understanding the full meaning of a particular skill or in developing a plan of action, ask your instructor, tutor or counselor.

  • The college offers study skills seminars at various times during the first half of the semester. Sign up for one. You'd be amazed at new strategies of study that you can obtain. It is a field exploding with new information and it is readily available to you through various sources of instruction.
BEFORE THE SEMESTER EVEN STARTS (survival tips)

  1. College is serious. What are your priorities?

  2. Select instructors as carefully as you select courses.

    • Choose a professor that is excited about what she/he teaches.

    • Enthusiasm and excitement are contagious!

  3. Do not schedule back to back classes. You'll wear yourself out besides missing out on the best times to studyright before and after class.

  4. Establish a routine time to study for each class. For every hour you spend in class, it has been estimated that two hours outside the classroom will be required for homework, reading assignments, editing and reviewing classnotes. Be consistent. Studying should be undertaken at the same time and the same place, if possible.

  5. Establish a place to study. Your regular place to study should be just that. It should not be a place where you routinely do other things. It should have a comfortable desk and chair as well as good lighting. It should be as free from distractions as possible.

  6. Learn about campus study resources and use them. Before the semester even begins, walk the campus. Ask questions of staff members and faculty. Find out where computer and language labs are located. Find out the procedure used to sign up for tutoring if the need arises. Get to know your adviser and counselor. Visit with potential instructors. Obtain a copy of their syllabus. Some are located online. Talk to other students about instructors they recommend and why.

  7. Start the semester with a positive attitude. Work hard to maintain that positive attitude. Be aware that attitude can inhibit learning. If it is, take responsibility for it and correct it.

NEXT, GO TO THE STUDY SKILLS SURVEY - REALITY QUOTIENT
follow the directions for completion,
and return here.

Use the results of the Study Skills Survey - Reality Quotient to begin your own program of improving your study skills. The college offers Study Skills sessions during the semester. At SAC, the Methodist Student Center offers these sessions in the early part of the fall and spring Semester.

 

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Please send any questions, or comments to Nora E. McMillan, email, nmcmilla@alamo.edu, 
or Carol A. Keller, email, ckeller@alamo.edu

Last Update, October 2009