August 30,2010
Morton H. Shaevitz, Ph.D. and Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz
Did you know that the first course in reading and studying strategies offered by a U.S. college was at Harvard University in the 1940’s? The Bureau of Study Counsel says that, “The Harvard Course in Reading and Study Strategies is the longest continuously running course at Harvard. Taught since the 1940s with constant updating, the Reading Course is designed for people who need to read more, and more critially…(and if they don’t’) find themselves overwhelmed or disengaged.”
Sound familiar? Unfortunately, too many students view going to a learning center as a sign of weakness. Particularly students who attend selective colleges and universities feel that attending such schools means they don’t or shouldn’t need any help. As a matter of fact, the more selective the college you attend, the higher the skill level of your fellow students and the more you need to have all of the skills you can to compete academically.
Informed, smart students make use of services and do every thing they can to perform at their highest potential. To make our point, in sports the best competitors and teams are the ones who receive the best coaching to help them maximize their talents. If you wanted to be an outstanding tennis player, golfer, or swimmer, wouldn’t you seek out some coaching? The same thing is true for academics.
As a freshman, find out if your college has a learning center. Usually, three types of programs are offered:
A. Reading
Reading programs are not simply the oft-heard-about “speed reading” classes, but rather programs to help you learn how to read more effectively and efficiently. What type of strategy or techniques are taught usually depend on your skill level and what you want to accomplish. For example, skimming the news online gives you a quick idea of what’s happening in the world and that is very different from reading a History or Sociology textbook. Reading programs teach you how to approach different types of comprehension challenges and take into consideration your study goals.
B. Test Taking Strategies
Test taking strategies are not gimmicks, in spite of what you hear. There are more or less effective ways to take true/false, multiple choice, short answer questions, and long essay exams. By understanding how to deal with these different types of tests, you’re much more likely to perform at a level commensurate with what you have actually learned. Most test-taking courses also spend time helping you manage anxiety and stress.
C. Study Skills
“I know how to study,” you say! “Doesn’t everybody?” Well, yes and no. Studying is different from reading; it is an active, engaging process. In fact, there are different study techniques for classes that require a lot of reading (Social Science and Humanities), a lot of memorization (Biological Sciences), or mastery of complex formulas (Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, etc.). By knowing how to approach the different types of content, you’re much more likely to be an efficient studier and learner. And don’t forget the payoff: you have more time to do other things, including play. Study skills programs also focus on time management issues and make study time a more positive experience.
Important fact: the best time to go to a college learning center is before you need help. That’s why we suggest you make it a priority to check out the learning center when you first arrive on campus. Find out what’s offered, when and by whom and get involved early. This action could make a big difference in your overall college experience.
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