“Please excuse my dear aunt Sally.”
Tips and tricks for studying have been a part of the students’ modus operandi since entering school. At the college level, things do not need to change.
“Once you learn to read, you can’t not read something,” said Anthony Gabrielli, Pierce professor of political science.
Reading is a passive function, according to Gabrielli. “The problem is recollection,” said Gabrielli.
Gabrielli believes that text is absorbed into the brain without the reader needing to vocalize the words in their mind. He suggests that students clear their minds and develop keys for remembering the information. Gabrielli said that scent is a key he has had success with.
“When reading political science, use coconut. When reading for Psychology, use Lavender,” said Gabrielli.
Gabrielli picks up a 100-page political science book, flips through it quickly, and states that he could read it in about 20 minutes.
Gabrielli said that this form of speed reading can greatly assist students in getting through all they need to assimilate for classes.
“They don’t trust their eyes,” said Gabrielli.
Students have many different problems when it comes to studying.
“Memorizing all the information is tough,” said Pierce student Sasha Mazor, 17, as she sat reading outside of the campus library. She said that writing down important information is the best way for her to remember course material.
However, today’s academic structure often offers more resources than the classic textbook. Many classes and textbooks come with accompanying online material. Kinesiology major Tylea Powell, 18, is thankful for this.
“It gives a specific format of what they’re talking about,” said Powell of websites used for studying.
Pierce students also have access to The Learning Center on campus. The Learning Center is located in room 1604, north of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Botanical Garden. It offers a range of services, from free subject-area tutoring to computer-assisted learning programs.
“There are no tricks. There is only conscientious effort.” said Kathleen Boddicker, Learning Center director.
“Your brain is like any other muscle in your body. If you train it, it will do what you want it to,” said Gabrielli.