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The Q:
I was always a really really good student in high school, but
all of a sudden at college I am always confused and no longer get
good grades. I don't know what has gone wrong. I study so hard,
and get my work done. Sometimes when I'm reading I feel like everything
is going in my head and coming right back out. How can I learn to
read better and understand the content?
The A: Study
skills change, as you've noticed, and it's good that you've realized
you need to develop some new ones. But how to do it?
There are several
basic approaches:
- Listen carefully
to what the professor says at the end of class. In my classes
I often mention things that connect to the next reading, which
can serve as hints to what I think is important in it. I'm pretty
sure other faculty do this, too, though perhaps not everyone.
- Look at the
way your reading materials are constructed. Often the books themselves
will tell you what's important to know, possibly by italicizing
or bolding words, dividing chapters into sections or by providing
discussion questions. Don't overlook such blatant tips.
- Look at the
quizzes or tests and talk to previous students. Try to get a sense
of what *kinds* of questions each of your professors asks. I'm
notorious for asking big conceptual questions, whereas others
of my colleagues ask for names and dates. If you know which one
you're studying for, it makes the work a lot easier.
- Test out
several different note-taking methods to find out which suits
you best. Try using a highlighter, note cards, taking notes in
a notebook. You'll probably find that one of them works better
with how you read and think than others.
- Study in
groups. I've said this in previous columns, and I really believe
study groups are important. They help you get a more rounded perspective
on the questions and issues.
- Talk to your
professors or TAs. Ask if they have any suggestions or recommendations.
Some faculty know fairly precisely how students should study for
their classes in order to be successful, so don't shy away from
tapping that resource.
I hope one
or two (or more) of these suggestions help - let me know!
—Anahid
Kassabian, Chief Advisor
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