Study Tips
Strategies to Improve Memory & Retention (Gulp)
GULP is an acronym for an effective four-step process short-term and long-term memory.
Step 1: G – GET IT
- “The true art of memory is the art of attention”-Samuel Johnson.
- Be present and conscious during the initial learning.
- Pay attention and listen.
- Experience the initial learning with as many senses as possible
Step 2: U – USE IT
- Review material immediately, and then review again within a week.
- Repeat it, recite it.
- Write it down.
- Sing or chant it.
- Recreate the experience of learning.
Step 3: L – LINK IT
- Associate new learning with something already known.
- Link it to something it sounds like (acoustical link).
- Link it to a location.
- Make an acronym link.
- Mind map it.
- Rhyme it.
- Group it.
- Categorize it.
- Alphabetize it.
Step 4: P – PICTURE IT
- Create a visual image of the association.
- Make it move.
- Make it vivid.
- Make it bizarre.
- Exaggerate it.
- Use color.
- Use all senses – seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and feeling.
Queens Learning Strategies. 2007
How To Cram
Make Choices
- pick out a few important aspects and memorize them. Spend 75% memorizing, 20% learning new material
Form a Plan – don’t panic and dive in!!
- Decide – what you want to study
- Determine – how much time you have
- Set goals and deadlines
Flash Cards and Webs
- Put chosen material into visual format (webs)
- Transfer material to flash cars and drill self
Recite, Recite, Recite
- Cramming = Repetition
- Repeat and recite carves information into your brain
- Tape self, play tape as fall asleep and wake up
- Say out loud
Relax, Relax, Relax
- Don’t learn material as well when you cram, relax to reduce stress
Never “Should” Yourself
- Leads to depression and stress, ‘Lighten up!
- Our brains function better when we’re not so negative
The 10% Solution
Studies show that students who DO the following things, average 10% higher marks than those who do not!
- Go to class!
- Read over your notes once a week.
- Study with a group 25% of the time.
- Make up exam questions as you study.
- Don’t just read and highlight, RECITE!
- Compare notes with a classmate.
- Write exams with an erasable pen- neatness DOES matter.
- Exercise/ Eat right/ Sleep enough.
- Balance Work and Play.
- Study during daylight hours.
Queens Learning Strategies. 2007
Using ‘Researching for Projects’ skills
Step 1
Choose a topic of interest to you (it must be approved)
Step 2
Create a rough outline of the project (a Plan)
- Use a web (Inspiration/Smart Ideas)
- Point form
Step 3
Collate and organise the information you have found. Use one of the following formats;
- A web
- Blank pages (paper or word document)
- Chart
- Any other method which works for you
Cut and paste relevant information.
Highlight/make additional notes
Include the website or source of information
Beating Exam Anxiety
General Preparation
- Make a study schedule
- Study each subject every day
- Little and often = most effective
- Before the exam a. Eat properly, sleep enough, exercise regularly
- Review only the major concepts the night before, no new material
On the Day of the Exam
- Focus on what you know, NOT what you don’t know
- Don’t study on the way to exam, leave notes at home
- Do what you need to do to Relax, e.g. talk to friends, be alone
During the Exam
- READ over the whole exam. Read instructions and directions
- Read each question carefully. Underline KEY WORDS.
- Make NOTES in the margin as you remember material to answer questions as you read them.
- CHECK your work; be sure you have answered all the question.
- ORGANISE your time. How many questions? How much is each question worth? How long is the exam? How much time do you need for each question?
- After the exam, avoid the post-mortem. It’s too late to change anything; you gave it your best shot. Do something fun to clear your mind!
Strategies & Accommodations
| Disability Type | Time Management | Reading | Memory |
| Visual Disability |
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| Auditory Disability |
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| Attention |
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