Now let’s take a look at study space. . .

Here are several things to consider when you are ready to start studying: find a place where you will be comfortable that is just for you; be sure the area is free of “stuff” that may be distracting so you can think clearly; have a clock nearby so you can keep track of how much time you are spending on assignments – this way you can avoid spending too much time on one subject.

Now that  you are aware of what a study space should be like, you can assess your study space.

It can be helpful to make a checklist so you can see areas that are working and areas that are not working too well:

Do I get too comfortable and relaxed? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!

Do I get interrupted in my study area?

Is it noisy where I study?

Is my work area cluttered?

Do I IM and text friends while I study?

Do I have the tv on?

Do I stop working to make phone calls?

Are all my materials handy or do I have to go looking for some of my supplies?

Are you papers organized?

Once you have assessed your study area, if you feel you need to make changes, don’t hesitate to ask someone for assistance. Parents and siblings are a great resource!

Coming soon – two strategies to help you use and maintain your study space.

« Ask yourself the questions about learning portraits and write your answers. . .

Ask yourself the questions about learning portraits and write your answers. . .

on a sheet of paper to help you decide what kind of learner you are and what works best for you. If you also write down the things you are good at and where you are successful in school, you can use these things to do even better in school. It is also helpful to make a list of things you need to improve. Keep your list short so you don’t get overwhelmed!!

Coming next: Your Study Space

Now let’s take a look at study space. . . »« How do you think you learn best?

How do you think you learn best?

It is important to consider the different ways you can learn. There are many different ways to learn and it is helpful to answer these questions to see how you feel you learn best. . .

1. Listening to information being presented orally.
2. Seeing it written on the board.

3. Reading it.

4. Making a diagram or picture.

5. Writing it down.

6. Learning in a group.

7. Creating something original.

8. Learning something on your own.

9. Doing something yourself.

Ask yourself the questions about learning portraits and write your answers. . . »« Doing homework is an important part of your learning. . .

Doing homework is an important part of your learning. . .

How, when and where you do your homework has an impact on your learning.

1. Do you start your homework early or wait until the last minute?

2. Are your materials and supplies organized?

3. Do you read the instructions first and follow them carefully?

4. Are you distracted or are you able to focus and stay on task?

5. Do you hand in your assignments on time?

6. Do you enjoy learning?

How do you think you learn best? »« Taking a look at your writing will also help you find out more about yourself as a learner. . .

Taking a look at your writing will also help you find out more about yourself as a learner. . .

Think about your writing and consider the following:

1. Are you clear about what you are supposed to be writing about?

2. Do you have trouble writing essays?

3. Do you know how to get started on a writing assignment?

4. Is it clear to you how you should write a paragraph?

5. Are you able to organize your ideas easily?

6. Is sentence writing easy for you?

Doing homework is an important part of your learning. . . »« As you continue to find your personal learning portrait, it is important to consider how you remember information . . .

As you continue to find your personal learning portrait, it is important to consider how you remember information . . .

1. Do you have any tricks that help you memorize information?

2. Is remembering vocabulary difficult for you?

3. Are math rules hard to remember?

4. Does it help you to “picture” where you got the information?

Taking a look at your writing will also help you find out more about yourself as a learner. . . »« Let’s take a look at how you feel about taking tests . . . .

Let’s take a look at how you feel about taking tests . . . .

1. Do you look over the test and make sure you have enough time to complete the test?

2. Do you do well at multiple choice tests?

3. Are you relaxed when you take your tests?

4. Do you do well at tests involving writing?

5. Is math a strong subject for you?

6. Do you have difficulty understanding questions correctly?

As you continue to find your personal learning portrait, it is important to consider how you remember information . . . »« Here are a few questions to ask yourself about studying for tests . . .

Here are a few questions to ask yourself about studying for tests . . .

1. When studying for a test do you have a routine you follow?

2. Do you allow yourself enough time to prepare?

3. Do you have everything you need with you?

4. Do you look over what you know first to give yourself a positive feeling?

5. Do you make practice tests or have someone else ask you questions?

6. Before you are finished studying do you review your notes to be sure you haven’t missed anything?

Let’s take a look at how you feel about taking tests . . . . »« Ask yourself these questions . . .

Ask yourself these questions . . .

Here are more questions to ask yourself in order to discover your learning portrait:

1. When you have reading assignments do you find it easy or difficult to find main ideas in a textbook?

2. Is it easy for you to follow a handout that goes along with a reading assignment?

3. Do you have trouble concentrating when reading an assignment?

4. Can you remember important details or events in a story?

5. Do you enjoy reading?

6. Do you know literary terms like symbolism?

More to follow . . . . .

Here are a few questions to ask yourself about studying for tests . . . »« What are you like as a learner?

What are you like as a learner?

This is the beginning of a series of learning strategies for good study skills. Weekly, a new strategy or strategies will be added for you to review. I hope these will be helpful!

Ask yourself these questions . . . »« Personal Learning Portrait