Learning Skills and Strategies

Did you know that you can train your brain to concentrate better and retain more information?

Read these documents for strategies and tips to improve your brain power!

If you typically read a chapter in your textbook and then, 10 minutes later, have trouble recalling what you read, you are not alone. Many students benefit from learning different strategies to help them retain and process the information in their texts.

This document explains the SQ4R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Record, Review) reading technique, which helps you retain and process the information in your texts. If you require additional assistance, please book an appointment today with the Learning Skills Strategist.

Why participate in a study group? 

• Share materials and resources and clarify understanding. 
• Opportunity to test yourself and your peers. 
• See material presented in alternative ways to those used in class. 
• Material put into a student's own words can aid in remembering it. 
• Teaching others is a very effective way to master information.

It can be exciting to form groups to complete a project, especially when you have a group full of friends. However, sometimes gaining support and cooperation from all of the group members can prove to be challenging!  Some group members may be unwilling to accept responsibility, while others may be dominant or pushy. This kind of dynamic within a group can have adverse effects on your performance in the project. Unfortunately, this is so common that you are likely to find yourself facing similar situations in your future career.

These resources will help you work effectively in groups.

This document offers some helpful study strategies for science classes. 

Having strong skills, such as reading, document use, writing, and thinking, can help you succeed in your apprenticeship training. By having these skills, you will be able to:

• prepare for in-class training;
• take effective notes; and
• understand and remember what you have learned.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada created a document that provides tips and strategies to learn these skills. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please book an appointment with the Learning Skills Strategist.

There are a variety of tools and apps that can assist you with studying. We have tried and used some of them and others have come to our attention from faculty and students who have found them helpful. 

Disclaimer: Red Deer College does not officially endorse the apps and sites listed here, and may not be held responsible for any technological problems that arise from their use. Please use at your own discretion.