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Module 5

In module 5, we looked at a few specific subjects (science, social studies, and more), as well as other tools, strategies, and techniques to help students with homework strategies, study skills, and assistive technology. The module also covers appropriate differentiation techniques for many different subjects. 

Study skills and techniques

We were tasked to find a resource that talks about how to improve ones study skills in order to improve their overall understanding of the subject. I found a research that speaks on 11 study habits that are beneficial when developed. The first thing I would like to cover in this aspect of my portfolio is what those particular study habits are and how students can use them in the classroom. 

To start, here are the 11 Good Study Habits to Develop :

https://www.coursera.org/artic... 

1) Find a good place to study 

  • Look for a quiet location 
  • Remove distractions that are loud or overstimulating 

2) Minimize distractions 

  • Turn off your wifi if you do not need it
  • Be mindful of your phone 
  • Study with a friend 

3) Take breaks 

  • Take mind or body breaks 
  • Have a conversation with a friend 
  • Find ways to ease your mind
  • Have a snack 
  • Clean your workspace 

4) Space out your studying 

  • Do not try and cram for a test 
  • Create a studying schedule for yourself 
  • Review material once a week 

5) Set study goals for each session 

  • Create time or content based study goals 
  • Do not be too hard on yourself 
  • Plan for breaks 

6) Reward yourself 

  • Create meaningful "bribes" for yourself 
  • Utilize small rewards (candy, buying a coffee, etc.) as a means of motivation 

7) Study with a group 

  • Collaborate with questions, answers, and problems 
  • Have an open mind about other perspectives 
  • Hold each other accountable 

8) Take practice tests 

  • Create flashcards 
  • Search online for practice questions 
  • Create your own 

9) Use your own words 

  • Express your ideas in your own words to better your understanding 
  • Paraphrase where possible 

10) Ask for help 

  • Ask your peers 
  • Ask your educational assistant or support teacher (if you have one)
  • Ask your teacher 

11) Take care of yourself 

  • Take care of your body, brain, and mental health 
  • Get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night 
  • Eat foods that are linked to better cognitive performance 


Now what?

With these study strategies, students can work on creating better habits for themselves that will benefit them in in the long run. The second portion of this aspect of my portfolio is strategies educators can use to incorporate positive study strategies into their classroom. What I wanted to do was take the recommended techniques, and find ways in which educators can adapt them to fit their activities, lessons, and overall classroom environment. 

Here are my educator adapted study habits : 

1) Find a good place to study

  • Create a space in your classroom that can be used as a study corner
  • Pre-arrange a study location near the classroom for students to use (ie: support room, library, etc.) 

2) Minimize distractions

  • Be particular with the posters and art on the walls to avoid overstimulation 
  • Foster an environment where phones are not used unless they are being used with specific tools or resources to help with the studying process

3) Take breaks

  • Facilitate body and mind breaks in the classroom midway through work periods 
  • Provide a snack bin for students who may need it 
  • Facilitate time to clean one's workspace 

4) Space out your studying

  • Provide 15 minutes each class for a study session, these sessions may be guided (ie: on Monday you will study your present tense verb conjugations, etc.) 
  • Provide a study schedule for students who do not create their own 

5) Set study goals for each session

  • Facilitate a goal planning session for each unit or assessment 
  • Provide examples of goals for those who may need assistance 

6) Reward yourself

  • Have small rewards for individual formative work and for certain "deadlines" or goals created during study sessions 
  • Have full class rewards for quiet work periods (ie: walk outside, extra study time, a Kahoot/game, etc.) 

7) Study with a group

  • Utilize activities that allow for collaboration or group work 
  • Help students find their strengths within the course so they are ready and willing to bring those strengths into their group work 

8) Take practice tests

  • Facilitate the creation of practice tests between partners and groups 
  • Provide activities that mimic the test 
  • Provide practice tests for students 

9) Use your own words

  • Model paraphrasing for students for better understanding 

10) Ask for help

  • Create a system for asking questions in class 
  • Utilize the zone of proximal questions to be readily available for questions 

11) Take care of yourself

  • Practice SEL techniques within your class 
  • Provide healthy snacks for students in need 
  • Facilitate body and mind breaks 
  • Stress the importance of our mental well-being 

References: 

11 good study habits to develop. Coursera. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://www.coursera.org/artic...