Scheduling Study Time

      Study skills experts agree that a majority of students experience the following problems:

1.   Students do not know how to study.   They lack the knowledge of the study skills that is necessary to promote   successful learning.
   
   
2.   Students do not create the proper environment for productive study.
   
   
3.   Students have no organized study plan.   They generally complete their homework but do so in a haphazard,   disorganized manner.
   
   
4.   Students rely on their parents to monitor academic progress.
   
   
5.   Students don't study unless they have homework or a test scheduled for the next day.
   
   
6.   Students depend on "cramming" sessions which are scheduled the night before an exam.

      Conscientious students who do follow a weekly study plan may not be making the most efficient and/or productive use of their time.   For example, to study or read for long periods of time without scheduled breaks is unwise.   By planning "marathon" study sessions, well-intentioned students limit their ability to learn.   They, too, lack a knowledge of study skills!   This section provides the information necessary for each study to design a practical, effective, and individualized study schedule.

1.   Make a written schedule.   Include study times, breaks, meals, etc.     You can use this printable schedule to help you.
   
   
2.   Keep an assignment/activity calendar in your Master Notebook and/or study area.   Refer to it when you write your   schedule.
   
   
3.   List "fixed" activities (art class, soccer practice, meetings, etc.) on the schedule.
   
   
4.   Schedule study time:
   
       a. study in twenty minute time blocks.
   
       b. Focus as you study!
   
       c. After twenty minutes, take a ten minute break.   Move!   Do something you enjoy!   Don't sleep, don't watch TV,     there are no ten minute programs!
   
       d. Before you begin a new study block, review what you studied before the break.
   
       e. Say what you learned aloud.   Don't look at your book or notes.   If you can't say it, you don't know it!
   
   NOTE: It isn't easy to study math aloud.   Instead, check work for careless errors.
   
       f. Start a new study block only if you learned the previous material well.   You may not finish the study of a subject in     one study block.
   
   
5.   Study major subjects every night (Monday-Thursday and Sunday) whether you have homework or not!  Why? you   ask or scream.   Daily study promotes learning!   Daily study prepares you for tests!   If you don't have homework,   use  the time to... review old tests...study notes...review reading assignments...study vocabulary.
   
   
6.   Place each subject in a specific time slot (example: math at five o'clock).
   
   
7.   Keep each subject in the same time slot.   Example: Study math every night at five o'clock.
   
   
8.   Put your hardest subject in your best time slot!
   
   This is when you feel and think the best!
   
   NOTE:  Your best time slot may not be the first one.   You may want to "warm up" with your favorite subject.   Don't ever study your hardest subject last!   You will be too tired to think clearly.
   
   
9.   Alternate the study of harder subjects with   easier ones.   If math is hard for you, follow it with a subject you like or is   easy for you.   You won't get as tired.
   
   
10.   Alternate the study of subjects that require different types of thinking.   Example: After math (which takes detailed   thought), read your history.
    
    
11.   If you must change your study time, reschedule it.   Don't shorten study time!   Get back on schedule as soon as you   can.
    
          The responsibility for study should be with your child!   Parents can help provide the structure, environment, support, and encouragement that children need to become successful students.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
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