Top Ten Learning Skills from the University of Western Ontario's Student Development Centre
Coleen S Dalton – Learning Skills Services
There’s lots of information out there about how to have a successful university career. Here are ten of the top ideas that will help ensure you’re ready!
- Location, Location, Location...
Serious about getting work done? Find a good location that limits distractions.
- Make It a Habit: Do Coursework Every Day
Cramming is not conducive to understanding and retaining large amounts of information. Spending time on your courses each day is the best way to learn.
- Help Exists!
Whether you're an 'A' student or a 'D' student, you can strengthen your skills. Get to know your professors and tutorial assistants. Use study guides and help centres.
- Write It Down
Use a day planner or wall calendar. Plan time for coursework, assignments and exams.
- Get Energized - Eat, Exercise, Sleep
Fatigue and stress weaken memory and comprehension. Eat properly, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.
- Go to Class Prepared and Take Good Notes
Don't miss class. Someone else's notes can’t replace creating your own. If something doesn't make sense, ask a question!
- Lectures and Textbooks: What's the BIG Picture?
Use course outlines, tables of content, and headings and subheadings to organize information.
- Be active with your course material!
Generate examples, create mnemonics, identify key words, highlight textbooks, or add margin notes. Improve your memory by being creative and interested.
- Think You'll Remember Key Points? Prove It.
Before a test, recall information without looking at notes or textbooks and by doing practice questions.
- Be Test Smart
Don't lose marks because of test-writing errors. Use strategies to tackle different types of tests. Read instructions, budget time to marks, and do less difficult questions first to build confidence.
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