Time Required: 80 minutes
I. Extra Time for Late-Comers - 5 min
II. Introduction of Presenter - 3 min
III. Reflecting on Experience
A. Game: "The Worst Ways to Study" - 3 min
- Everyone writes on their own sheet of paper as many poor ways to study as they can in two minutes. Whoever has the most "wins." Prize: TBA.
B. Discussion of the worst ways - 5 min
- Each person shares one.
IV. Assimilating & Conceptualizing
A. Hand out and review The Seven-Day Study Plan - 10min
B. Hand out and review 17 Ways to Improve Your Studying - 30min
(use 17 Ways - Detailed Version for presenter's additional info.)
V. Experimenting and Practicing
A. Large Group Discussion - 5min
- Sharing of other or similar techniques students have used and found effective
B. A Key Question - 3 min
What's the "secret" behind these strategies that makes them work?
Ask students, then mention:
- When: Time management of studying (including study breaks)
- What: Making studying meaningful to help memorize concepts
- How: More senses activated when studying (writing, thinking, recalling; not just reading (SQ3R stuff))
- Where: Places to study
- Why: (not previously discussed) Ask self why studying? Does this studying in some way fit in with short or long-term goals
VI. Planning for Application
A. Meet in groups of three - Discuss which techniques you will use - 6 min
B. Distribute handouts for students to read at home - 1 min
VII. Questions and Comments - 3 min
VIII. Evaluation - 3 min
Bert H. Epstein, Psy.D. is a psychologist at Oregon State University's Counseling and Psychological Services