Page 223 - Keys to College Success

Use audio strategies
Although all students can benefit from these strategies, they are especially useful if you
learn best through hearing.
■ Create audio flash cards. Record short-answer study questions by leaving 10 to 15
seconds between questions blank, so you can answer out loud. Record the correct
answer after the pause to give yourself immediate feedback. For example, part of a
recording for a writing class might say: “Three elements that require analysis before
writing are . . . [pause] topic, audience, and purpose.”
■ Use podcasts. An increasing amount of information is presented in podcasts—knowl-
edge segments that are downloadable to your computer or smartphone. Ask your
instructors if they intend to make any of their lectures available in podcast format.
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CHAPTER CHAPTER Use learning preference strategies

Thinking about any learning preference self-assessments you have completed in this
course, identify your strongest areas and locate study techniques applicable for each.
For example, if you scored highly in bodily-kinesthetic learning, try reciting material
aloud while standing or listening to it on an MP3 player while walking. Be open to try-
ing something new—even if it sounds a little odd to begin with. Effective studying is
about finding what works, often by any means necessary.
Use the information
In the days after you learn something new, try to use the information in every way you
can. Apply it to new situations and link it to problems. Explain the material to a class-
mate. Test your knowledge to make sure the material is in long-term memory. “Don’t
confuse recognizing information with being able to recall it,” says learning expert Adam
Robinson. “Be sure you can recall the information without looking at your notes for
clues. And don’t move on until you have created some sort of sense-memory hook for
calling it back up when you need it.” 8
Use strategies for math and science
Recalling what you learn in math and science courses can demand particular attention
and some specific techniques.

■ Review processes and procedures. Much of math and sci-
ence involves knowing how to work through each step of a
proof, a problem-solving process, or a lab experiment.
■ Do problems, problems, and more problems. Working
through problems provides examples that will help you
understand concepts and formulas.
■ Work with others. Working with one or more classmates
can be particularly helpful. When the work is really tough,
try to meet daily.
■ Focus on learning preferences. Use strategies that activate
your strengths. A visual learner might draw pictures to
illustrate problems, and musical learners might create songs
describing math concepts.

Summarize and Create Master
Note Sets
Especially in the later stages of review, strategies that help you
combine and condense materials provide significant reward for
the extra time they require. They help you connect information in

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