Study Method 2009

My Study Process: each step is intended to: (1) breakdown complex and voluminous amount of info into manageable and digestible parts, (2) facilitate the steps to Comprehension - Repetition - Memorization - Recall, (3) having transferred your knowledge from short-term to long-term memory, must now be able to demonstrate your mastery of the chapter, either in writing, or in a simulated class lecture, and (4) design and develop a specific and consistent study routine for every college course.

1. Initial Preview (familiarity of the unknown): use the Question - Evidence - Conclusion format. Understand the chapter formatting (templates, highlights, coloring, examples, etc).
   
2. 1st Reading (comprehension & mind mapping): (1) Keep a steady, consistent speed, (2) set aside difficult topic ?, and review at a later time (don't interrupt reading flow/speed), (3) use the Morse Code Method to identify main and supporting ideas (dot, dash, triangles, etc), and mentally begin outlining cluster map.
   
3. Cluster Map: visual comprehension of the larger picture by clumping similar topics. See the big picture. Set Time Limits
   
4. Eureka moment (1 word) - (goal is to develop insight) - in your own words, unlock the meaning of each concept on the cluster map.
   
5. 2nd Reading (goal is to fill gaps in missing/difficult/quest areas, with one last re-visit) - clarify all open ended ? ques from 1st reading
   
6. Story Telling Sentences (limit 1-2) - verbalize, in your own words, your understanding of each concept on the cluster map. Give examples whenever possible. Relate your personal experiences. The more you personalize, the better you will relate and memorize.
   
7. Flash Cards (Q&A) - limit to "important" concepts, not so much 3rd-4th tier twigs/leaves (esp if not covered by Prof. & handouts). Focus on the main points and supporting ideas of the cluster map. Ok to capture 80% of chapter! (computerized system to manage memory recall more efficiently).
   
8. 5-10 min Flash Card Daily Review (practice/repetition makes perfect)
9. Must be able to visualize and verbalize Cluster Map from memory. And be able to summarize each story telling sentences into a coherent essay/class lecture (ie, be able to demonstrate your knowledge to others)
10. Note: 2 types of study method (1) Self-Study (cluster map), and (2) Cornell Lecture (in-class) note-taking system
11. Note: 3 types of subjects: (1) Non-technical, (2) Technical - Math, (3) Technical - Non-Math
    

5 Principals of an A+ Student

1. Syllabus - understand thoroughly the CONTRACT between you and your prof. No matter how good your study method, it is useless unless you precisely follow instructor's specific instructions.
   
2. A structured Study Program: understanding - practice - instant recall.
   
3. Time Mgt - daily and weekly study hours are limited. You must be able to use this finite amount of hours to get the most out of your study routine. Anything beyond 40 hours work week is overtime, overdrive, and the inevitable burn-out
4. Study Method Efficiency - the 8 steps process can be improved upon. Always look for ideas to make your study method more productive, and less time consuming ... opportunity costs other projects forgo!
   
5. Have Fun - realize that studying is no different than any other chore. No different than a 9-5 Job. It must get done. Your goal is to make it effortless, a matter-of-fact routine, and above all have fun with the entire college experience.

Math Study Skills (all major topics must have a blueprint problem, including each of its' intermediate steps)

1. The key here is to record as many sample problems as possible with as many intermediate steps as possible. (blue print problem)
   
2. To study from these notes: create a practice test that includes at least one sample problem from every major topic covered.
   
3. If you can solve a problem from scratch, replicating the intermediate steps, and truly understanding the insight behind these steps, then you’re done with that problem. Otherwise, review your notes, review your textbook, and, if needed, meet with the Prof. to bolster your understanding. Then return later and try to solve the problem from scratch again.
4. How To Solve Math Problems: http://web.archive.org/web/20030528193543/www.wwu.edu/depts/tutorialcenter/wordproblemstrategy.pdf
5. Translating Word Problems: http://www.purplemath.com/modules/translat.htm
   

Other Study Skills: http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/

1. How To Structure A Chem Lab Report: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/info/notebooks/sample.html
2. Chem 1 Page Summary: http://helpmewithchemistry.com/studyguide
3. Chem Note Taking: http://web.archive.org/web/20050212202054/http://userweb.esu16.org/~rboerner/study_skills.htm#Sample%20Note%20Page
   
4. Cornell Format Note taking: http://muskingum.edu/~cal/database/content/genscience4.html
5. General Problem Solving Method: http://web.archive.org/web/20050913091347/www.slc.qc.ca/~jmc/probSol.htm
6. Problem Solving In Physics: http://web.archive.org/web/20060617182845/http://wwwrel.ph.utexas.edu/~larry/how/how.html#examples
7. How To Make A Concept Map: http://web.archive.org/web/20020616165615/newmedia.avs.uakron.edu/geology/natscigeo/cmap.htm
8. How To Write A Science Essay: http://kitty-alana.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-write-essay.html
9. Chem Flowchart: http://muskingum.edu/~cal/images/flowchem.gif
10. Chem Matrics: http://muskingum.edu/~cal/images/tabchem1.gif
11. Science Reading Guide: http://muskingum.edu/~cal/database/content/genscience3.html
12. Critiquing A Research Article: http://muskingum.edu/~cal/images/listgsci.gif
13. Photo Flash Card: http://muskingum.edu/~cal/images/flashgs1.gif
14. Working In The Laboratory: http://kitty-alana.blogspot.com/2009/10/working-in-laboratory.html
15. Cornell note Taking Method: http://web.archive.org/web/20070406224929/www.csupomona.edu/~rosenkrantz/skills2.htm
16. Periodic Table - Visualization: http://www.visual-literacy.org/periodic_table/periodic_table.html
    

Cheat Sheets

1. College Algebra: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/
2. Others Subjects: http://studenthacks.org/2008/03/10/cheat-sheets/
3. 2008 Word: http://www.uwsp.edu/it/ApplicationSupport/appSuppDocsImages/referenceGuides/word-quick-reference-2008.pdf
   
4. 2008 PowerPoint: http://www.uwsp.edu/it/ApplicationSupport/appSuppDocsImages/referenceGuides/powerpoint-quick-reference-2008.pdf
5. 2008 Excel: http://www.uwsp.edu/it/ApplicationSupport/appSuppDocsImages/referenceGuides/excel-quick-reference-2008.pdf
   
6. Other Cptr: http://www.customguide.com/quick_references.htm