M.E. LaZerte High School Library

	Each link on this page leads you to specific strategies to help you study effectively.
	For diploma exam links by subject, click here.

WHY DO HOMEWORK? WHERE SHOULD YOU DO IT?	WHEN? WHAT DO YOU NEED?	HOW SHOULD YOU DO HOMEWORK? Major Assignment Planning Sheet	HOW SHOULD YOU STUDY? SQR Checklist	HOW SHOULD YOU DO A TEST?
NO HOMEWORK?	Complete this Study Skills Checklist to show what you are doing right and where you may need improvement!	Need more intensive help? Look at these excellent STUDY SKILLS SITES	For lots of homework help, visit Senior High Source @ 2Learn.ca	Tips on finding the best information on the Internet.

WHY DO HOMEWORK?

	Studies show that students who consistently complete their homework achieve higher marks that those who don't.
	Your teachers assign homework to help you review and practice the skills and concepts you learned in class. Make homework a habit if you want to succeed at school.
	Studying is a skill you can learn. Study SMARTER, not HARDER by planning your time and using it well.

WHERE SHOULD YOU DO HOMEWORK?

Use a space that works for you, and that is

	efficient (everything you need is at hand)
	quiet; away from distractions such as television and phone
	well lit
	the same place you post a copy of your daily timetable and a calendar for noting due dates and tests.

WHEN?

	Use your student planner each block to note assignments and due dates
	Schedule a daily study time - the best time for you; ideally the same time each day
	Study in 15-30 minute blocks
	Take breaks (about 5-10 minutes)
	Plan to spend 1-1/2 hours per school night on average (more for tests or major assignments)

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

	A good dictionary and thesaurus
	A calculator
	Student planner
	Supplies - texts, notes, paper, pens, pencils, markers
	Optional but very helpful: encyclopaedia and computer

HOW SHOULD YOU DO HOMEWORK?

	Keep notes organized and binders or notebooks clearly labelled.
	Post your timetable in your locker as well as in your study area.
	Keep your locker and study area at home neat and organized so you don't have to waste time looking for things.

For long-term assignments:

	Carefully note the instructions your teacher gives you.
	Post a copy of the assignment in your study area at home.
	Use an assignment planning sheet to organize your time.
	Break down the assignment into manageable steps, and set a due date for completion of each step.
	Note due dates on your monthly calendar.
	You may wish to use the Major Assignment Planning Sheet.

HOW SHOULD YOU STUDY?

	Know exactly what material the test will cover: chapters in the textbook, class notes, homework assignments, etc. Have all these organized for your study time.
	Review text, notes, past quizzes and tests.
	Make a list of sample test questions and answers for these. At least some of them will likely be on the test.
	Trade sample questions and answers with a study buddy.

When reviewing notes or textbooks, don't just "read it over". The SQR method works well for reviewing texts and notes:

	Survey - the chapter headings and sub-headings, illustrations, notes
	Question - ask yourself questions about the material
	Read - a section at a time, picking out main ideas AND
	Record - write down the main points in your own words
	Recite - cover up your writing and say main points back to yourself
	Review - your notes frequently; NOT just before a test. If each day or two you review what you studied in class, you are more likely to remember it. Underlining and highlighting notes help ensure you are reviewing, not just rereading.

You may wish to use the SQR Checklist at the bottom of this page.

HOW SHOULD YOU DO A TEST?

Remember to

	review consistently; don't just cram the night before.
	get enough sleep (at least 7-8 hours per night).
	eat breakfast.
	be prepared - pen, pencil, eraser, calculator, etc.
	read or listen to instructions carefully.
	budget your time.
	answer the questions you know first.
	try to answer all questions.
	erase completely answers you change on machine-scored tests.
	check your paper before you hand it in.

NO HOMEWORK?

	Read for pleasure and/or information (newspapers, magazines, books). Studies show that those who read regularly achieve higher than those who don't.
	Review your notes from today's classes.
	Watch the news on television, or read a newspaper or news magazine.
	Drill concepts, or definitions, or vocabulary.
	Begin your next major assignment.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT PLANNING SHEET

SUBJECT ___________________________________

ASSIGNMENT_________________________________________________

DATE ASSIGNED ______________________________

DUE DATE_______________________________________________________

MATERIALS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENT (e.g., assignment handout, book to be read, computer, printer paper, poster board, felts, scissors, glue, magazines, etc.)

___________________________________________________________________

STEPS/ DUE DATES TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENT

(e.g., read book and answer questions in handout, research on the Web to get extra material, design poster and make rough draft, cut out magazine pictures, type good copy of answers, etc.)

STEP 1: _____________________________________________________________________________________