Sara's Little Formula is highlighting 3 study structures in today's post that will improve your learning by 100% if you utilize them together. If you choose to only use 1 of these structures, you will still improve your learning significantly. Try them and let me know what your results are. A study structure is simply a tool that helps you learn.
The first study structure that I recommend to all my students and clients is index cards. I prefer the use of spiral-bound index cards, but any index cards in any color or size will provide a structure for study and for improved learning.
How you use the index cards is really up to you and your specific and particular learning needs and/or subject; however, I promote using one side of the card for a vocabulary word and the other side of the card for the definition or example. This study structure can be used with any topic, any subject area, as well as any grade-level. Lots of college students utilize this structure with great success. I used this structure with students in algebra, geometry, trig, pre-calculus, and AP Statistics. It really does work. And if you prefer a digital version of this study structure, you can use Quizlet .
The second study structure that I recommend to all students and clients is My Textbook Page. This study structure can be used for any subject area. When I utilize this with my students and clients it becomes My Math Textbook Page. This tool can be used for every topic in math class. The way I organize the page is to list the topic or concept at the top of the page and then to divide the page into 6 blocks - 3 on each side of the page. The blocks should have the following labels: Summary of the Concept; Examples or Step-by-Step instructions; Hints and Tips; The most important things to understand about this concept; How this concept/topic relates to other topics/concepts we've studied; websites and links to find out more or to practice. Again, with any study structure it must relate and be meaningful to you and your specific learning style. So make My Textbook Page work for you. And if you want this to be digital, take a few minutes to create a template on your device for your use. When test time comes around, you will have your very own textbook written by you as your own study structure. If you have questions or want to see a copy of one I've used, contact me.
The third study structure that I recommend to my students and clients is a daily exit ticket from class. You can use an index card for this or have a separate section in your notebook for these. Also, you can do this digitally by using certain apps - Whiteboard is one. Often times your teacher will ask you to complete an exit ticket and turn it in prior to leaving class. The study structure exit ticket is a little different. This one is an exit ticket you keep for yourself and your own learning. The exit ticket that I recommend most often is a 3-2-1 that is comprised of 3 things you learned in class today, 2 things you already knew from previous learning, and 1 question you need to answer about the topic. If you cannot answer the question before the next class, please ask the teacher. In this way, you will have a strong study structure that will improve your learning - and your grades!
These are simple study structures that can be applied to students from elementary school through graduate school. They are tried and true - and work when utilized on a regular basis. If you have questions, please contact me and I'll help you out.
Sara L Fitts is owner and operator of SLF Consulting in Manassas, VA specializing in academic and instructional coaching and consulting, math tutoring and test prep, and college readiness and transition. For more information visit our website , follow us on Twitter ,and like us on Facebook .
