HOW WE REMEMBER
1. Memory itself probably cannot be developed; however, improvement in remembering comes from correcting certain habits or thoughts so that we use our memory to its’ fullest potential. Remembering is like seeing; improvement in either function does not depend upon how much we use it but, rather, how we use it.
2. The first and most important rule for remembering is: cultivate the habit of close attention to the thing you wish to remember. Be sure you have a clear, sharp impression of the face, name, date, or facts, which you will need to know at a future time. If you wish to remember a fact, make it meaningful to you.
3. When we are learning, we should try not only to get a strong impression but also to obtain as many different kinds of impressions as possible. Some people can remember colors distinctly, but have a poor memory for shapes. But anyone, by putting together and using all of the impressions our sense organs bring us about one thing, allows us to remember it much more clearly than if we were to rely on sight or sound alone. For example, try reading your lesson aloud. In doing this, your eye takes in the appearance of the printed word, your ear passes the sound of the words to your brain, and even the tension of the muscles of your throat add their bit to the total impression which your mind is expected to store away.
4. Try to visualize it. Either remember a diagram or a picture of the material to be remembered, or take short notes about it, which help you to visualize.
5. Intend to remember. The mere intention to remember puts the mind in a condition to remember, and if you will make use of this fact in studying you will be able to recall between 20 and 60 percent more of what you read and hear than you would if you were not actively trying to remember.
6. Think about it. A fact doesn't belong to you until you have used it. In making use of this principle, plan to spend not more than one-half of your study period in reading your lesson. Use the other half in doing something with what you learn. Think about what you have studied, write down notes on it, and explain it to somebody else.
7. Logical memory. One of the most important of all aids to the remembering process is the habit of associating a new idea immediately with facts or ideas that are already firmly lodged in your mind. This association revives and strengthens the old memories and prevents the new one form slipping away by anchoring it to the well-established framework of your mental world.
8. Remembering by brute force. We will forget more, on the average, during the first hour after learning than during the next 24 hours; and we will forget more, on the average, during the first day than we will during the next thirty days. Whatever is left after thirty days time, we will probably be able to hold on to without much further loss for years to come.
9. Reviewing is much more effective if carried out before memories have entirely escaped than it is after considerable time has elapsed. Repetitions should be strung out over as long a time as is available. We remember better if we pause a little between periods of study.
10. How much to study? You should study more than just enough to learn your assignment. Experiments have proven that 50% more study resulted in 50% better retention. After a week had passed, it was found that extra work had salvaged six times as much of the material as in the case when it was barely learned.
Academic Skills Center
California Polytechnic State University
http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html
used by permission
PERSONAL READING IMPROVEMENT
1. The Basic Program 1. Two or three times a day, read something you enjoy for 15 to 20 minutes without stopping. See how much you can read within 30 seconds. 2. Record your reading rate and chart your progress. Recording and charting are essential if you wish to make real progress.
2. Speed – Push yourself gently as you read. If your mind wanders, get it back on track.
3. Vocabulary – Wait until you’ve finished reading to look up unfamiliar words. (If you
stop, you’ll reduce your level of comprehension.)
4. Comprehension – To improve comprehension, recite the chapter after closing the book. See how many specific details you can recall. The more you interact with your text, the more you’ll recall. Recollection and comprehension require a vigorous approach.
5. Practice – Twice a week for an hour, use speed Reader II at the Academic Skills Center. This excellent computer reading program will boost your rate, eventually resulting in skill transfer. Phone us to reserve a time slot.
6. Rate Goals – Set reading rate goals for yourself. A 10% increase in your reading rate over the previous record in a good rule of thumb.
7. Skimming & Scanning – Find an interesting newspaper column or magazine article. Rapidly read the article, sampling just the first sentence or two of each paragraph and a few key words. Jot down all the facts you can remember. Then reread the article slowly, giving yourself a point for every item you can recall.
Calculating Words Per Minute (WPM)
Example Problem
Using the information below, determine your reading speed (WPM) if you read 14 pages and 15 lines in 10 minutes from Sample Book.
Sample Book’s Characteristics
Average number of Words per Page: 237
Total number of Pages: 339
Average number of Lines per Page: 27
Total (approximate) number of Words: 80, 343
237 x 339 = 80, 343
Total (approximate) number of Words per Line: 8.8
Solution
1. Multiply the number of pages by the number of words per page:
14 x 237 = 3,318 words
2. Multiply the number of lines by the number of words per line:
15x8.8=132words
3. Add the products of steps 1 and 2:
3,318 = 132 = 3,450 words
4. Divide the total number of words by the reading time:
3, 450 / 10 = 345 WPM Your reading speed = 345 WPM
The overall VPM value is affected by round-off error. However, the previous method (above) provides a good approximation of one’s reading speed (Words Per Minute).
Academic Skills Center
California Polytechnic State University
http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html
used by permission
Bibliography
ASC Study Skills Library Kennedy Library 112 ~ 805-756-1256 http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html
Sydnor, William E. Personal Reading Improvement. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1983.
1. Don't waste time feeling guilty about what you didn't do. It's gone now; move ahead.
2. Try to find a new technique each day that you can use to help gain time.
3. Eat a light lunch so that you don't get sleepy in the afternoon.
4. Examine old habits for possible elimination or streamlining.
5. Carry blank 3 x 5 index cards in your pocket to jot down notes and ideas.
6. Plan activities first thing in the morning and set priorities for the day.
7. Keep a list of specific items to be done each day, arrange them in priority order, and
then do your best to get the important ones done as soon as possible.
8. Give yourself time off and special rewards when you complete the important tasks.
9. Once on campus, stay on campus. Avoid useless trips back to your apartment or room
unless you have a definite purpose to accomplish.
10. Give yourself enough time to concentrate on high priority items.
11. Concentrate on one task at a time.
12. Keep pushing and be persistent when you sense you can be a winner.
13. Train yourself to go down your "To Do List" without skipping over the difficult items.
14. Set deadlines for yourself and others.
15. Find a place for everything (so you waste as little time as possible looking for things).
16. Try not to think of work on weekends.
17. Frequently ask yourself: "What is the best use of my time right now?"
18. It ain't over till it's over. Your paper isn't finished until the last word is typed; the Quarter isn't over until the last exam is done. Do 100%. See your work through to completion.
Academic Skills Center
California Polytechnic State University
http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html
used by permission
Tips for Setting Up a Study Schedule
1. Find a good place to study and organize it.
2. Have all of the necessary study equipment (textbooks, pencils, notes, etc.)
3. Make your study periods fit the length of time you can concentrate effectively. Plan for definite periods of study, rest and relaxation. A short, active break (taking a 10-minute walk, for example) every hour or so will keep you alert and relaxed.
4. Use a schedule to achieve your goals. Revise your schedule when your goals change.
5. Eliminate dead hours - odd bits of time in which little is accomplished.
6. List academic tasks according to priorities.
7. Avoid making extremely detailed schedules. It usually just wastes more time.
8. Go to sleep each night and get up every morning about the same time. You'll be more alert.
Academic Skills Center
California Polytechnic State University
http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html
used by permission
I am looking forward to the first day of school. Completed the following things before the first day of school. These should not take more than 15-20 minutes.
1. Subscribe to class blog. Use the feature on the left called “follow by email” Submit your email address to receive an automated email when new assignments and articles are posted on the class blog. You will need to confirm your subscription to each blog. If you need help with this just let me know. You may prefer using an RSS reader to follow the blog.
2. Go to quizlet.com and create a user name and password. Go to the link at the bottom of the class blog called quizlet.com or use the link www.quizlet.com. We will be using this website for class review and the studying. This is a free and simple process.
3. Set up your student notebook. Directions are on the blog including divider sections.
Looking forward to a great year!
p.s. I’m super excited to have worked out an agreement with a California University to use and share with you their study skills program throughout the year through the blog. You won’t want to miss out on their great tips, tricks and techniques to make your study time count.
