The primary purpose of a study guide is to consolidate lecture notes and textbook content into a digestible format, boosting both comprehension and long-term memory of extensive information. Creating visually appealing study guides is even more impactful. This visual organization helps you identify relationships between concepts and form meaningful connections with the material. This, in turn, facilitates the higher-level learning that many professors expect.
Study Guides and Higher-Level Thinking
Test preparation often demands more than just recalling isolated facts, figures, formulas, and definitions. Many professors expect you to demonstrate critical thinking skills, going beyond simple rote memorization. Therefore, you must organize and analyze course materials to increase your understanding and ability to think critically.
Understanding Learning Levels Through Examples
Consider these examples of test questions from a sociology class. The first question assesses your ability to recall a definition, achievable through rote memorization techniques like flashcards. However, the remaining questions challenge you to make connections and draw conclusions that may not have been explicitly stated by your professor or in your textbook.
- Question 1: A group of relatives by marriage constitutes a) a conjugal family b) an extended family c) a nuclear family d) none of the above
- Question 2: Describe the similarities and differences of these societal forms: matriarchal, neolocal, and patriarchal societies…
- Question 3: Illustrate the economic flow and functions of a neolocal society.
To effectively answer test questions like the ones above, you need to create study guides that will help you:
- Condense course material into manageable chunks of information for easier recall.
- Visualize, understand, and demonstrate the relationships between concepts and ideas.
- Develop examples and apply information to practical, real-world scenarios.
Common Types of Study Guides and Visual Organizers
This section explores common types of study guides, also known as visual organizers, to assist with learning and information retention.
These study guide formats can be tailored to your individual learning style and the specific information you need to organize. Experiment with these and other effective study guide formats. Remember, the fundamental purpose of study guides is to organize information in a way that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and critical thinking skills to the level your professor expects.
Concept Maps and Branching Diagrams
Many learners benefit from visual representations of information. Concept maps and branching diagrams allow you to organize information spatially, rather than in a linear outline. This method still allows for organizing information from general concepts to specific details. You can then add details and examples to apply the information effectively. Concept maps and branching diagrams are useful in any subject area.
Comparison Charts
A comparison chart allows you to visually organize information to see relationships between categories or characteristics. It’s an effective format when you need to understand the differences and similarities between facts, theories, theorists, processes, etc.
How to Create a Comparison Chart
| Information you are comparing | Characteristics you are comparing |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Vaccine |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | |
| Hepatitis C |
Example (from Psychology class)
| Type of memory | Information stored | Capacity | Duration of info. | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sensory | temporary; senses | high | <1 sec. (vision) few seconds (hearing) | literal |
| short-term | brief; info, currently being used | limited | <20 seconds | auditory & verbal |
| long-term | relatively permanent | unlimited (?) | long or perm. (?) | semantic |
Example (from a Chemistry class)
| Name of organic compound | Functional group | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Alkane | ||
Concept Cards
Concept cards are an advanced form of flashcards, created using index cards (3×5 or larger). On the front of the card, include:
- The key idea or concept you want to learn
- An organizing term or phrase (upper right-hand corner). This is the category or term that helps you see how your key ideas or concepts are organized.
- The source of the information (textbook page, date of lecture, etc.)
On the back of the card, write what is most important to know and learn about the concept, in your own words. To move beyond memorization, include examples, summaries, and a synthesis of main points, as well as definitions. Incorporate diagrams, timelines, or other visuals that will help you understand the information at the level your professor expects.
Example 1: Back of Card
Example 2: Back of Card
Example 3: Front
Example 3: Back
Diagrams
Diagrams allow you to visually represent dynamic information such as a process, procedure, stages, and steps. For example, in a geology class, you could create a diagram to describe how rock layers are formed. In a political science class, a diagram can help you understand and learn the process for how a bill is passed into law.
Example 1: physical geography class
Example 2: note-taking cycle
Timelines
A timeline enables you to organize information chronologically. It’s useful for reviewing information that must be understood and remembered in sequence. Timelines are effective for classes where you encounter:
- Historical developments: history, anthropology, political science, music, art
- Biological developments: biology, anatomy, physiology
- Human or other developments: psychology, biology, natural resources
Example 1: Development of an embryo
Example 2: Major Civil War Battles 1861-1863
