Homework Help

Lesson 2: Help for Teachers

Study Skills

Part of doing your homework is being able to apply good study skills. And don't forget the library - it is still a great resource! In this section we'll take a look at ways teachers can help students develop good study skills and how to encourage students to follow through at home as well.

Time Management

One of the most important things students need to be able to do to be effective learners is to manage their time efficiently. This is a skill that can be taught in school and reinforced at home. Here are a few things teachers can do to help students learn to manage their time efficiently.

1. First, be a role model. Involve students in your time management decisions. Let them help you set class schedules and work time schedules. Discuss what goes into deciding what amount of time is needed and what items are a priority as described below. If you show students how you mange time, and give them chances to practice that in school, they will learn this very valuable skill more easily.

2. Organization - teaching students to use their planner effectively, to understand assignments and ask questions, and to gather the needed materials are all organizational skills that will lead to success in getting homework done and studying completed. Make these a priority, especially early in the school year.

3. Prioritize - teach students to get into the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task. Getting that hard part out of the way first will make the rest of the work easy to complete. Teach them to prioritize what they study and how - and to ask questions when they don't understand a concept or idea - not wait till the night before a test to decide they need help.

4. Study along the way - teach students to study a some each night, to read and review class material, and to formulate questions as they arise, rather than cramming for a test.

5. SQ3R - The SQ3R reading and study method is a proven method for studying and increasing comprehension. Here's a brief overview of how it works:

Survey: begin by surveying the chapter or the material to be studied. Look at titles, headings, captions, review questions and a summary if there is one.

Question: Turn titles, headings and subheadings into questions. Use those questions to set a purpose for the subsequent reading or studying. Also read the questions at the end of the chapter and ask if this is something you already know. If not, it will be something you'll look for as you read.

Read: Now begin to read the chapter. As you do, look for the answers tot he questions above. Note vocabulary, captions, and pictures or graphics. Stop and reread what you don't understand, and read carefully for difficult passages. Read one section at a time and review before going on.

Recite: Ask questions about what you've just read. You can recite orally or write in your own words. Underline what you think are the important parts. Take notes.

Review: Reviewing is an ongoing process. When you first read a chapter, go back over your notes and the chapter questions. The next time you review - page through the chapter and refresh your mind on the main points. Review your questions and notes, memorize facts that need to be learned. Continue to review the chapter material daily. Focus on vocabulary, chapter summaries, questions. Finally, make your own list of important topics and a study sheet that you can use when the test is coming up.

Remember - learning is a process - not the result of one exposure to material. The more you have students review and refresh their memories, the better their retention will be. SQ3R is a powerful skill, but it must be taught!

See: http://www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/... for more details on SQ3R

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