Homework Helpers - Resources

You study because there is something you want to know for a specific reason whether it is a road map to somewhere or shopping for something in the mall.

Start with positive thinking

Think of all the things you already know. You can do it if you want to and need to.

Know your goal.

If you know what your goal is when you start, you won’t waste time doing unnecessary work. Make a plan of tasks to accomplish.

Know yourself

Know when and how you learn the best.
Do you work best before or after meals?
Indoors or out?
In the morning or the afternoon?
Observe your own rhythm and plan your work schedule according to when you work successfully.
Where do you feel comfortable working? It shouldn’t be noisy with distractions.
Sometimes it helps to reserve a place to study only.
Have pens, pencils, paper, erasers, books or other equipment in your study area before you start so you don’t interrupt yourself while studying.

Lookout for distractions.

Watch out for radios, music as distractions. Some use them to focus, that’s all right but don’t let it get in the way of thinking to learn. You Decide.
Watch out for friends stopping by and the telephone ringing. If it’s your time to study, use it don’t waste it.

Make a schedule

Make a chart out for the full week including weekends. Weekends are good times for longer projects.

4 health essentials

Recreation
Exercise
Sleep
Food

Get an overview

You should get an overview of you subject, maybe it relates to some other subject you are studying.
Study your text and know where to find information. If you’re reading a text for example, browse the chapter quickly and read the bold back headings to keep in mind while you go back to thoroughly read for comprehension.
Find another book on the same topic. It may make more sense to you.

Underlining

Pick out key words:

Therefore
Because
In spite of
In addition
Later
Also
Along with
On the other hand

Use margins with arrows

Look for:

Questions
Numbers
Lists
Examples
Effects

Outline

Group ideas so that their relationships are clear. Make main categories and organize facts under them.

Taking notes

Not important information only, not every scrap of information.
Make notes in your own words, you’ll remember them better.
Condense information; write with the least amount of words possible for you to remember.
Always record where your notes came from. You may need it for the bibliography or just to look back in a book later! Always give credit where is due, don’t be accused of plagiarism.

Use index cards.

Use sticky notes in a book you can’t write in.

The big test & how to take it

THINK POSITIVE! No test in the classroom is a trap. It’s your opportunity to show someone else your knowledge and be proud of it.

Staying fit means:

Proper diet
Regular exercise
Plenty of sleep

Studying regularly means:

Keep an overview of your subject
Review regularly
Thinking about the subject

It all boils down to self-testing.

Think about you subject
Write down questions
Try to answer them
Check yourself

If a test is an essay test:

Read it all the way through first.

Notice how much it is worth.

Choose a question to write on.

Use the question you are most comfortable with and know the most about.

Follow directions.

Respond to the question that is asked. Don’t just write down everything you know.

If it is a short answer test:

Move along at a steady pace.

Skip any questions you’re not sure of and come back to them.

Know your scoring method.

If the number of right answers determines your score, guess at questions you’re not sure of. Don’t guess however, if wrong answers are to be subtracted from the right answers. The chances are it will hurt your final grade.

Published by Keyword CPI

1976 edition

Connecticut Printers, Bloomfield, CT 06002