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Study Techniques
Dr. Weiselberg
Main point: in order to learn (which is defined as a relatively permanent modification of behavior), you need to make studying active. The emphasis is on doing. The human brain learns by doing, by seeking meaning, finding patterns, and organizing.
What won't work: skim, read, look over, review, study.
Suggestions, in no particular order:
Index card / Flash card. Take SIDES for each term on each card.
Cause and Effect Diagram.
Opposites. List ideas and/or people who have opposing ideas, histories, etc.
Time lines. Try to group events, or “periodize” them .
Problems/Solutions/Outcomes diagram.
Concept Map. Use a computer program like Inspiration, or draw it yourself.
Venn Diagram.
Knowledge Forms (Fact, Concept, Principle).
Quotes List. Make a list of famous quotes. Ex - “Workers of the world unite!” -Marx
Key Phrases and Vocab.
Make your own essay questions.
Hypothesize - make a thesis and defend it.
Pro/Con chart - List reasons for and against an action, or evaluating a policy, etc.
Practice the Take SIDES method, especially Identify and Evaluate (POV)
Consider historical interpretations by famous historians (Turner, Palmer&Colton).
Practice making Generalizations. Small examples of a bigger thing.
Hypothetical/Counterfactual scenarios. What if Kennedy had invaded Cuba?
Visuals - photos, pictures, art. Re-draw, describe, put into categories, etc.
Maps - re-draw, cut out shapes, practice filling in on a blank map, etc.
Repeated list -Write the same word/phrase again and again (and again).
Sample test - take a sample test, under similar conditions to those of the real test.
Predictions - Make a prediction about likely essay topics for this year's test.
Buzzwords and associations - Make a chain of words and see how far you can go.
Take on-line quizzes and tests.
Identify types of questions on a sample test - recall, analysis, comparison, generalization…
Conflicts - identify major conflicts between people or between groups.
Ten Best List - 10 most important inventions, 10 most important politicians, etc.
Trend/Event Timeline - timeline that identifies trends between events.
People and “isms” - make a list of people associated with an “ism.” Hitler - Nazism.
Comparing nation-states. Make a chart and compare pol, soc, econ, etc.
Zoom In and Out. Go from big concept to little example, and back.
Associational Memory. Think about what we did in class, and it might help with content.
Grade an essay. Use the Regens or AP scoring keys on-line to grade sample essays.
Rubric. Study and re-create the essay rubric so you know it well.
Progressive Notes. Go from text/notes to one new sheet of notes to index cards.
The Least You Need to Know. Make a list of “the Least” for every unit.
Acronyms - use ones given in class or make your own: NPR, DIME, SMEE
Groupings - put similar items together, like: treaties, leaders, policies, artists
Links:
Virginia Tech
How to Be a Student
How to Study.com
Columbia University Augustine Club
How to Study, Ronald C. Blue
Instant Study Skills
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