We "assume" students know how to study.
Yet, as I watched (and listened) as my grad students (a heartbeat from being certified teachers) review for a big test, I noticed similar study styles and techniques. I asked them how they found their own "way" of studying. They really didn't know. I thought about my own studying.....like for those tricky, even though they are "open book" Google Educator tests I am taking. It got me thinking about studying....and study skills...and how we teach them!
Why not a Breakfast Study Club? http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev064.shtml
Some resources from Michigan State http://fod.msu.edu/oir/teaching-students-study-skillshow-learn
For creative ideas, go to Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/explore/teaching-study-skills/
Some great models from Teachnology http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/lang_arts/studyskills/
Back to my grad students. They asked if they could use a page of notes for the final which included some formula and lots of details about assessment in Special Education. I agreed thinking that at least they were reviewing and the time spent creating such a document would be valuable study time.
They results were impressive and TINY fonts each student's page. While I haven't published a scientific study to "prove" this hypothesis, my action research (based on students' grades on their final) suggests that the act of creating a study guide is a good way to master content and facts.
As for me and my own studying for that pending Google Test, I've got the study guides ready this time. I know (from experinece) that in spite of the open Google world format, no amount of internet searching will get me a passing grade without some preparation. .
4 comments:
This is so interesting! I'm intrigued about the HOW of learning and studying. My 6th graders and I often discuss HOW we study for tests and prepare for different experiences. I agree, the act of making that study sheet was probably an amazing help. I was in college over 20 years ago, so I think I'd have to WRITE things out (not type) for me to remember. I wonder if there's a difference between students who used paper & pen vs. computer notes. Hope you write more about this!
Students don't do much testing at my school, Anita, except in math, & those teachers do suggest creating study notes, although they cannot use them in the test. They think the act of thinking, then writing, seeing the words is a help. I am pretty visual, so when I did take tests (so long ago) I wrote too, but others might do better with audio recordings. Love hearing your queries.
I like that even though the summer is close, the teachers keep still thinking of essential ideas. I just read a slice about hw, and now yours about study skills. Sometimes it may take time to learn to know oneself, and some students might not even think about the question of study skills and habits unless prompted. It was interesting to read about your students.
I think that your comment that we make a lot of assumptions about students and studying is spot-on. I liked how you explored how both you and your students approach the task of studying and I hope that you continue to investigate this area.
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