Education Strategies

Reading Strategies

Reading strategies that are helpful in education courses include SQ3R and margin notes (C. German, J. Ihlenfeld, CAL).

SQ3R

Reading strategies such as SQ3R are very important in most introductory education courses. Survey the chapter by reading the introduction, conclusion, summary, and section headings. Turn the section headings into questions. Read one section at a time, stopping to recite the main points. The final review may involve answering and recording the review questions at the end of the chapter.

Margin Notes

As each section of the chapter is read, record notes in the margins of the text, identifying the main points, key terms, supporting details, and examples.

Test Preparation

Study guides and practice questions are effective ways to prepare for education exams (C. German, J. Ihlenfeld, CAL).

Study Guides

Study guides should summarize in simple phrases the information to be learned for an exam. What are the main topics and supporting details, important people and their contributions, landmark court cases, terms and definitions, and dates? Use lecture notes, assigned readings, and handouts provided by the instructor to develop a study guide. Even if the instructor provides his/her own study guide, students are encouraged to develop their own.

Practice Questions

Make up and answer sample questions in the same format (e.g. essay, true-false, multiple choice, etc.) to be used on the test. Work individually or with other students. Examples of practice questions are:

Sample True-False Questions

Plessey v. Ferguson established that separate but equal is unconstitutional.

School administrators have the authority to make male students cut their hair.

Sample Essay Questions

Under what circumstances are teachers legally liable for student injuries?

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the voucher system.