Study Space & Time Management
What location is specifically NOT recommended for studying?
Your bed (because it's not "serious" enough for work)
True or False: When taking notes, you should write down everything word-for-word.
False (you should focus on main ideas and supporting details instead)
Name three warning signs that you're overwhelmed with studying.
Any three of: reading the same line over without absorbing it, feeling irritable or like crying, getting distracted every few seconds, feeling hopeless or defeated, or physical exhaustion/tension
What should you do first when you receive a test?
Read all directions carefully before starting
In the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, how many things should you name that you can see?
5 things
Within how many hours should you review and organize your notes after class?
Within 24 hours
What unusual "student" do I suggest you could teach material to?
Your pet
How long should a power nap be to avoid waking up groggy?
15-20 minutes
If you finish a test early, what should you do?
Review your answers
In box breathing, how many counts do you breathe in, hold, breathe out, and hold?
4 counts for each step
What's my maximum recommended time for a single study chunk?
40 minutes
What should you use in your notes to save time and space?
Abbreviations and symbols that make sense to you
What are two physical needs that might be causing "I can't focus"?
Hunger or dehydration
In multiple choice questions, what types of extreme words often indicate a wrong answer?
Words like "always," "never," "all," or "none"
Name three physical symptoms of test anxiety.
Any three of: racing thoughts, mind going blank, sweaty palms, upset stomach, headaches, or difficulty concentrating
In my suggested study schedule, what follows a 40-minute study session?
A 10-minute break
How far in advance should you set reminders for big projects?
At least a week in advance
How many jumping jacks do I suggest for a quick movement break?
20 jumping jacks
How many days before a major test should you start studying?
At least 3-5 days before
What's one element you could include in a pre-test ritual to help calm yourself?
Any one of: listen to calming music, wear something that makes you feel confident, eat the same breakfast, do breathing exercises, or arrive a few minutes early
How long should you study total on a school night, not counting daily homework?
No more than 2 hours
Name two active learning techniques mentioned that are better than just reading and highlighting.
Any two of: teaching the material to someone else, creating practice questions, making diagrams/mind maps/flowcharts, rewriting notes in your own words, or forming a study group
Name two "quick reset techniques" that take 5-10 minutes.
Any two of: get moving (jumping jacks, walking, dancing, stretches), change your environment, power nap, hydrate and snack, or connect with someone
For essay questions, what should you do if you're running out of time?
Outline what you would have written (you might get partial credit)
Replace this negative thought with positive self-talk: "I can't do this."
Any of these work: "I've prepared for this, and I can handle it," "It's okay not to know everything—I'll do my best," "One question at a time," "This is just one test—it doesn't define me," or "I can feel nervous and still do well"