Memory and Study Aids

Mack Gipson, Jr.

Tutorial and Enrichment Center

Gayla S. Keesee Education Specialist

Build Good Habits Positive Thinking

Build confidence; set goals

Self-Management
Be aware of how you learn

Hierarchical Thinking
Prioritizing & organizing

Creative & Critical Thinking

Problem-solving & synthesizing

Asking Questions
Focus, Motivation, Active learning

Complete the Learning Cycle Memorize new information, rules and concepts
Assimilate and organize new information Use information to analyze, synthesize and problem-solve

Incorporate information into evaluations, judgments and predictions

Memory and Study Aids

Memory and Study Aids

Visual aids/word associations

Drawings, Pictures, Models Graphic Organizers Diagrams and Charts Tables/Grids

Flashcards

Visual Aids

Drawings, pictures, models

Physically create visual elements Drawings or pictures of definitions Pictures of situations where the word would be used Draw crazy visual associations

Word Associations

Faadefalse,

superficial, or artificial appearance

FACEfalse

face

Word Associations

Benignkindly, gentle

Be

+9
+9

Visual Aids

Create a graphic organizer in which you answer the following questions

What is it? (Category) Other forms (Change part of speech) What is it like? (Properties) What are some examples? (Illustrations)

Learning Styles: Writing (tactile) and reading (visual)

Cynic
What is it? noun, kind of person Other forms: adj.cynical adv.cynically nouncynicism What is it like? pessimistic, scornful, sneering, contemptuous, distrustful, sarcastic Examples: Someone who doesnt think democracy can be honest and efficient Someone who believes that human conduct is motivated solely by self-interest

Diagrams Charts

Table or gridpossible headings

Word Meaning Part of speech Word Structure
Roots, prefixes, suffixes Number of syllables

Common Usage
Describes people Describes places Describes things

Categorization Grid
Words to describe people
Pompous Obtuse Malicious Pessimistic Arrogant Morose Uncouth Cynical Diligent Garrulous Flippant Timid

Flashcards

Create flashcards to help you study

Dont make too small 4x6 are best Carry them with you Review them often Break into small groups for easier learning Shuffle frequently so you dont learn a pattern

Flashcards Advantages Chunks information into smaller categories to aid memory

Nounspersons, places, things Verbsplural/singular or tenses Phrasescommon usage

Use of color signals categories

different colored cards highlighters

Flashcards Advantages
Use either written or visual information Easily rearranged and sorted
Do not learn the words in a fixed order. Learn only words need to remember.

Can be used for different purposes

Lists of items Grammar rules Quiz prepquestions/answers

Flashcards Advantages

Size and portability

easy to carry use for short, frequent reviews review in spare time that is often wastedlike waiting in line or between classes.

Physically moving and manipulating the cards incorporates tactile learning

Flashcards Advantages

Writing down the material on cards aids your memory in itself. 76 repetitions of information to go into long term memory

One Way to Study

At least once a day, go through your pack of index cardsspend 10-15 minutes each time. 2. Sort the cards into two stacks those you know and those you do not know. 3. Periodically review the entire set of words to keep them fresh in your mind.
1.

When to Use Flashcards

Study your vocabulary for 10-15 minutes a day

Riding the bus Riding in a car Before bed When you get up in the morning Waiting in line Doing your laundry

Vocabulary Word
(Part of Speech) Separate Card for each part of speech
Break Word into root, prefixes, suffixes
What to Include:

At least 3 Synonyms

At least 3 Antonyms (some words do not have an opposite)

Context Clue Sentence Must be original Must have at least 7 words

Flashcards

Conglomerate con-glom-er-it
Def: an organization comprising two or more companies that produce unrelated products. EX: Nichols company owns a shoe factory, vineyards in France, soft drink factories, and Sara Jane pastry.

Front

Back

Flashcards

DefinitionPicture
Two-sided Word and picture on front side Context sentence on back side

The diligent student worked hard on his homework. Diligent

Study Tips

Do your studying in relatively small chunks

45-60 minutes at a time

Study vocabulary several times a day

5-10 minutes at a time

Study Tips

When studying, use as many senses as possible

Speakingsay the word Listeninghear you or someone else Writingphysically practice writing the words Readingwords in context Act-out the definitions

Study Tips

Be an interactive learner
Study with a friend Start a study group

Make up sentences together Quiz each other Create crossword puzzles and exchange them

Study Tips

Be an active learner
Say the words out loud Write the words Record words/definitions on a cassette and play over & over Practice saying new words out loud

Study Tips

Use new vocabulary

Conversations Essays, reports Letters

Notice when others use your vocabulary words

radio, TV magazines, newspapers

Study Tips

Dont refer to your vocabulary list as you do your homework

Review material before starting homework Work from memory Complete the entire exercise, then check your work

Study Tips

Practice seeing the new word in context

Create simple sentences about a specific context Describe what is happening in that setting
home, school, work, Augusta Mall, movie theater

Dont

Dont panic
Normal not to master new vocabulary on the first try Constant practice and review are essential

Dont study for long periods without a break

Memory overload

Have Fun!

Learning is a lifelong process. Develop good habits now, and they will last forever.