1	Study Skills The key to academic success! Panola College offers materials that can help you develop the skills you need to make the most of your investment of time and money!
2	Panola College Services Academic Advisers Meet with an academic adviser to develop a degree plan and consider your options on transferring to a four-year university or other program. Academic advisers can also help in your search for scholarships.
3	Panola College Services Counselors and Mentors Panola College counselors and faculty mentors are here to help students adjust to the college environment, and to provide academic and career counseling. At times, students may need referral to other sources for personal counseling. Just remember, we are here to help! We want you to succeed!
4	Panola College Services Instructors Get to know your instructors. They are available after class and during their posted office hours. Don’t hesitate to call or make an appointment to visit the instructor during the semester. If you start to fall behind, go to the instructor first for guidance on how you can bring yourself back up to speed in the course.
5	Panola College Services Tutoring Panola College offers free tutoring four days a week. While the service is free, you do need to make an appointment through the Financial Aid office.
6	Panola College Services Study Skills Materials Information to help you develop improved study skills is available from the Student Services office. The M.P. Baker Library also carries a wealth of resource material on study skills.
7	Panola College Services Self-Paced Computer Software Self-paced computer software is available in the developmental lab inside the Q.M. Martin Auditorium building, and on the computers in the Health Science Center. Weaver Instructional Learning System software can help with reading, writing and study skills. Skills Bank software covers reading, writing and mathematics.
8	Panola College Services Audio and Video Tapes Some textbooks offer companion audio or video tapes to reinforce and supplement the information presented in the book. These resources and others are available for check-out from the M.P. Baker Library.
9	What is your learning style? Auditory or Visual Social or Independent Creative or Pragmatic Not everyone learns in the same way. We have tools to help you analyze your individual style, and develop an action plan to learn what you read.
10	Study Skills Evaluation Textbook Reading Lecture Notes Memory
11	The Cornell Note Taking System Recall Column Record Column
12	Attitude? Make it work for you! Be prepared Read entire chapter before class Be an active listener Pay attention Take notes Always attend class Ask questions
13	Attitude with Instructors Arrive on time Be polite and respectful Dress appropriately Participate in class discussions Take pride in the work you hand in “Turn on” to the learning process Visit instructor during office hours
14	Attitude with Instructors Accepting constructive criticism When the instructor makes critical comments about your presentation, paper or test, remember that constructive criticism is important to the learning process. The comments are not meant as a personal attack. Guidance and constructive criticism help students improve their performance.
15	Attitude with Classmates Remember the Golden Rule Don’t be a distraction Be on time Have all materials with you In team exercises, carry your own weight
16	A Negative Attitude Creates Problems Absenteeism No energy No enthusiasm Poor health Blaming others Focusing on the worst Feeling angry
17	A Positive Attitude Pays Off! Higher productivity Satisfaction Creativity Confidence Enthusiasm Increased energy Sense of purpose High self-esteem
18	Managing Your Time Class Schedule College vs. High School 2 for 1 Rule Don’t be fooled by your class schedule – you may be in class just a few hours each day, but in college, most work required to succeed is done outside of class. The 2 for 1 Rule states that for every hour in class, you should spend 2 hours studying.
19	Procrastination – why? Being afraid Feeling overwhelmed Being a perfectionist Inability to concentrate
20	Left Brain On time Orderly Organized Clean desk Use schedule Juggle projects Not comfortable with deadlines Enjoy interruptions Messy desk
21	Learning to avoid procrastination Understand your pattern Set deadlines Stick to a timeline Set priorities Make a list Use a planner Reward yourself
22	Study with a Buddy Create a study group Commit to a time Meet on a regular schedule Tell the instructor about the group Set goals and limits
23	Math & Science Strategies Use note cards for for formulas, definitions, rules and theories Work general to specific – read to understand the big picture As soon as you get the test, write formulas and theories in the margins as notes Survey the test before you start Work easy to hard – spend more time on questions that are worth the most points Write the problem in longhand
24	Math & Science Strategies Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills Make an estimate Illustrate the problem – draw a picture or diagram Ask yourself questions to help understand the problem Show your work Do a similar problem using different numbers Be logical – break down the problem step-by-step Check your work to verify that your answers make sense Review the test when it’s returned so you can learn from your mistakes
25	Test Taking Strategies Arrive early Organize yourself Read and listen to all instructions Pace yourself
26	A Road Map for Success Homework – team with a study partner Network – make contacts through professionals in your life Work – get a summer job or internship Take advanced courses Volunteer – it’s a great learning opportunity and a good way to network
27	A Road Map for Success Learn from others Pace yourself Prioritize Have fun Focus on your goals
28	Study Skills Your key to unlocking a successful college experience!