Studying Strategies

Studying is very important in any level of learning. There is no way that you can get away with not studying in IB. Trust me! you dont want to have to learn that the hard way. Remember, there are many effective ways of retaining information; You just have to find out which way works best for you.

• Repetition: The key to learning something is Repetition; The more times you go over the material the better chance you have of storing it permanently.

SQ3R Study method

• Step 1. "S"= Survey: Before you actually read a chapter, or go over a particular section of notes, take five minutes to survey the mateial. Glance over the text, pay attention to the Headings and subheadings in order to have an understanding of the orginizational pattern of the ideas to be reviewed. Scan all the pictures and visual material. Read introductoy and summary paragraphs. This will allow you to have an idea of what youare going to read.
• Step 2. "Q" = Question: Create interest in the material by asking: What are the main points of this chapter? As you read keep the question in mind and figure out the most important points (write the questions on post-its if necessary).  It gives you a clearly defined purpose for reading and helps you maintain interest in the material. 
• Step 3. "R"=Read: Read the chapter activley for meaning. Underline or highlight main points. Summarize main concepts in your own words in the margins or on post-its. The more active you are in the reding process, the more you will retain.
• Step 4. "R"= Recite: After every few pages, close your book and recite the main points to the questions you posted in step 2. Try to recall basic details as to the authors intent by putting them inot your own words. Verify your answer by chekcing the text. If you cant remember the text, read it again (it wont kill you; It actually will help you).If you dont get it now you wont remember it on the test! Take as much time as you need to answer your questions. Dont be frustrated! This takes more time but the information will be clearer in your mind.
• Step 5. "R"= Review: Finally, review the chapter every so often to fix the material in your mind. Keep reading your margin notes and underlines.