HOW TO STUDY ENGLISH AT CATLIN GABEL
Every teacher employs different methods and strategies of teaching; successful
students carefully observe those methods and determine the best ways to learn
from that particular instructor. However, all successful students use the
same fundamental techniques to make the most efficient use of their limited
study time. Below are a series of suggestions specifically tailored to
English study at Catlin Gabel.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Study When You Are Alert: Start your homework early and work on
your most challenging subjects first. At the beginning of your study time, plan
your study session, emphasizing those assignments that are most pressing.
Use the 50/10 method to pace your study time (study in 50 minute blocks
and then give yourself a ten minute break in which to recoup your energies).
Work near a watch or clock to stay alert and keep track of your time.
Select An Efficient Study Site: The place where you study should
be quiet, well-lighted and free from distractions (music, conversation, the
Internet, etc.). Sit upright at a desk in a comfortable chair: if
you study horizontally you'll fall asleep. Make sure you have all your
materials to hand before you begin work. English students should study
with a good dictionary within reach.
Prepare Daily: The "Key to Success" in English is daily
preparation built around ACTIVE READING, EFFICIENT CLASS
NOTE TAKING, and CUMULATIVE REVIEW.
I. ACTIVE READING
ALWAYS Read With A Pen Or Pencil In Your Hand: If
you own the text that you are studying, write directly in its pages. If
you are using library materials, take notes on a separate sheet of paper.
Underline Important Words Or Passages In The Text And Write Their
Significance In The Margin Next To Them. Do not highlight:
you will end up with no idea why your highlighted passages are important.
Notate Selectively: Be on the lookout for, and underline:
*names of characters at their first
appearance in the text, or at important reappearances
*important details of plot, especially dramatic climaxes or turning points
*passages that characterize a work's setting
*passages that seem to carry important interpretive weight
*any obvious symbols
*any words you don't know: look these up in your dictionary and write the
definition in the margin next to the word
*any examples of literary terms that have been introduced in class (ex. Epic
simile, alliteration, anaphora, irony)
*any passage that mystifies (mark with a "?"), intrigues (mark with a
"!!"), or offends (mark with a "??!!") you: such passages
are often the best starting points for your contributions to class discussion
or for beginning to think about a paper topic
When You Are Finished, Review Your Reading: Skim back over the
assignment to make sure that you've got a solid overview. Summarize
what you've just read by formulating two or three ideas or questions to raise
in class discussion, and write these in your text. Coming to class with
something to share guarantees that you will be an active learner in the class,
instead of a passive receptacle for others’ ideas.
II. CLASS NOTE TAKING
Take Careful Notes In Class: Whether the class takes the form of a
lecture, a collaborative conversation, or even a video presentation, taking
notes is the best way for you to stay alert in class and to record those
details that the instructor thinks are most important. Keep a separate
notebook for English class, date and label your notes clearly, and write as
legibly as possible. If you are a slow writer you may want to consider
taking notes on a laptop computer or an Alpha Smart word processor (available
at the Learning Center). Don't tape record class sessions for later
transcription: the process simply takes too much time.
Be Selective In Your Note Taking: Don't try to record everything
your instructor or peers say in class. Instead, write down:
*anything the instructor writes on the board
*anything the instructor says more than once or utters emphatically
*any dates, literary terms, or vocabulary you don't recognize
*any ideas that seem especially intriguing, and which might lead to a paper
topic
*if your class discusses a particular passage from a work, write "CD"
in the margin of your book next to that passage
Participate Actively In Class
Discussion: If you actively
participate in class, you’ll not only stay alert and engaged: you’ll also learn better and study more
efficiently for exams. Don’t
forget to write down your own discussion insights (and class reactions to them)
in your notes.
Review Your Notes Daily: Skim back over your notes soon after
taking them. Clarify and elaborate any passages that seem cryptic or
fragmentary. Correct any instances of illegibility. Review the
general topics of class discussion for the day.
III. CUMULATIVE REVIEW AND TEST TAKING
Review Your Current Work In English Frequently: You cannot
successfully study for an English test the night before it is given. Go
over your reading and class notes at least once a week to keep important
ideas fresh in your mind.
Study Early And Actively For Exams: Begin studying for a test at
least five days in advance. Make sure you have all relevant texts, notes,
and handouts to hand. Make sure you know the format of the exam so that
you can study efficiently. Will you need to memorize names, dates and other
facts for a short answer test? If so, make flash cards, data maps, or
other mnemonic tools which complement your particular learning styles, and
drill yourself. Will you be asked to identify and explicate textual passages
or write interpretive essays? If so, use your class notes to anticipate
the questions you are likely to face, and compose sample responses to those
questions. Whatever strategy you
adopt, remember to study actively, finding ways to collate, restate, and
manipulate the information in question; passively rereading primary
texts or your class notes is a waste of your precious time.
Joining other students in a study group can be an efficient and enriching
experience, as long as each member of the group comes to the session
individually prepared, and ready to study rather than share the latest gossip.
Practice Smart Test Taking Skills During An Exam:
*sit where you will not be distracted, with plenty of space between you and
other test takers
*when you get the exam, skim over it, reading the instructions carefully:
determine how many points each section of the exam is worth and apportion your
time accordingly.
*if there are facts that you are afraid you may not recall during the exam,
"dump" that data on the exam paper before you begin work
*before answering an essay question, jot down all the relevant points you need
to cover, thereby creating a "mini-outline" that will ensure a
complete and organized response
*don't get hung up on a single question or section of the test; if you
feel stymied, move on to another section and try to come back to the
problematic area later
*use all the time that is given you and, if you have time, review and revise
your work carefully before turning in the test
When You Get The Test Back, Use It As A Learning Tool: Instead of throwing the test away, carefully review it to determine the successes and shortcomings of your preparation. What worked and what didn’t? What material did you successfully anticipate? Which questions threw you for a curve? Use the test to determine where you need to improve your skills, and as a guide to studying for future exams. If you don’t understand why you got something wrong, make sure to ask your instructor.
N. B. Performing well in Catlin’s English program is not (contrary to popular opinion), a matter of innate genius, the favor of the gods, or even good looksJ. While the suggestions above may initially appear formidable, they’re really based on common sense. By following these guidelines, with their emphasis on conscientious daily preparation and active, efficient exam preparation, you’ll find yourself becoming a more confident and competent student. And you’ll also find yourself learning about learning: becoming conscious of the best ways for you to absorb and retain information in high school---and beyond.
Note: Many of the strategies outlined above are adapted from Walter Pauk, How to Study in College. Houghtoun Mifflin, 2000, an excellent resource should you be looking for more study tips.