Studying For Success: A Mini-Unit On How to Study, Teaching Study Skills

Students are often told to study for upcoming tests and assessments, and then, after grades are revealed, they are asked, "How hard did you study?" But what does "studying hard" mean? Studying is a habit that teachers foster, but few students really do well. And teachers don't always take the time to actually teach it. Students must be taught how to study for studying to be effective.

This mini-unit takes studying and breaks it down for students into three main parts: specific study techniques used, time spent, and attitude. An analogous introductory story, lessons, vocabulary list, specific study technique cards, and handouts are included. Students are taught how to make an action plan and how to critique themselves honestly, analyzing mistakes and successes. Once the students go through the initial lesson, the analysis handouts can be used with every new assessment during the years.

Especially appropriate for grades 3 - 8th, but can be modified for all grades that require some study skills. This mini-unit is written to be subject generic so can be used in any classroom, and works best at the start of a new unit.

Objective: Students will be able to effectively choose an appropriate study technique and analyze how effectively they prepared for an assessment. They will understand how the techniques, time spent, and their attitude work together to help them achieve success.

Created by Kateri J. Davis, Birdhouse Publications 2013.