Study Guide Optimization
- Date: 2007-01-03 - Word Count: 523
Share This!
There are many different options out there for students who seek a shortcut in their studies. In order to make the most out of Internet study guide services, there are several important things to keep in mind. First, study guides-commonly referred to as cliff notes-should never replace actual research-you must always remember that effort equals results. If you scramble for a study guide at the last minute, your writing will reflect it. Second, not all study guides are equal. There are sites out there that simply collect information from the web. If a sixth grader in Des Moines writes a book report on Huck Finn, it may not be as accurate, beneficial, or analytical as the analysis of a graduate student or professional. Third, if the study guide uses references, you can check to see how accurate they are. If the guide does not use any, what can you do?
Once you have learned the purpose of study guides and realized that they are meant to supplement studying and not to replace it, there are a few steps you need to take to find what study guide service you will use.
The first step is to find the book note, summary, or study guide that is best for you. For each level of education, there are generally specific and unique expectations. For the sixth grader in Des Moines, a minimal amount of information on a subject with very little analysis is perfect-there are study guides for such a student. But for the graduate student, much more is required-and there are study guides for that individual as well. Additionally, all of the study guide services out there have literature guides, but not all of them have taken on other subjects. Don't try to find tips on the Antiquities Act of 1906 from a service that specializes in Moby Dick.
The second step is to search the site you select for articles related to the topic of the study guide. If it is a quality service, you will be able to find plenty of additional information by researching the sources cited in each article. Again, book notes and summaries are not meant to replace actual studying.
Something to watch out for, beyond low-quality content, is value. Some sites require a membership, while others do not. If it is appropriate for you to become a member, go ahead and join. But be smart, there is no sense in paying $30, $50, or $100 for just one summary. If you are not going to use the membership to its fullest, it may not be a wise investment. There are other services out there that will allow you to register for free, or simply make a one-time purchase.
A final note regarding the optimization of study guide services (once again depends on you doing something): use the "contact us" link on the homepage of the service you use. Let them know what they may be missing. They won't think to fix or improve anything if they don't know what to fix or how to improve it. This is particularly beneficial if you plan on using their service again.
Once you have learned the purpose of study guides and realized that they are meant to supplement studying and not to replace it, there are a few steps you need to take to find what study guide service you will use.
The first step is to find the book note, summary, or study guide that is best for you. For each level of education, there are generally specific and unique expectations. For the sixth grader in Des Moines, a minimal amount of information on a subject with very little analysis is perfect-there are study guides for such a student. But for the graduate student, much more is required-and there are study guides for that individual as well. Additionally, all of the study guide services out there have literature guides, but not all of them have taken on other subjects. Don't try to find tips on the Antiquities Act of 1906 from a service that specializes in Moby Dick.
The second step is to search the site you select for articles related to the topic of the study guide. If it is a quality service, you will be able to find plenty of additional information by researching the sources cited in each article. Again, book notes and summaries are not meant to replace actual studying.
Something to watch out for, beyond low-quality content, is value. Some sites require a membership, while others do not. If it is appropriate for you to become a member, go ahead and join. But be smart, there is no sense in paying $30, $50, or $100 for just one summary. If you are not going to use the membership to its fullest, it may not be a wise investment. There are other services out there that will allow you to register for free, or simply make a one-time purchase.
A final note regarding the optimization of study guide services (once again depends on you doing something): use the "contact us" link on the homepage of the service you use. Let them know what they may be missing. They won't think to fix or improve anything if they don't know what to fix or how to improve it. This is particularly beneficial if you plan on using their service again.
Related Tags: study, smart, homework, graduate student, cliff notes
References
Wiley Publishing, Inc. (2000). CliffsNotes::About CliffsNotes . Retrieved December 28, 2006, from http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-106247.html
Academic Internet Publishers, Inc. (n.d.). CRAM101 Textbook outlines, notes, tests, terms, concepts, events, persons, places, and organizations. Fastest, Easiest Way To Study. Retrieved December 14, 2006, from http://www.cram101.com/
Recent articles in this category:
- How Hypnotherapy Can be Used on Children
Today Hypnosis can be termed as a branch of medicine which is quite unique, whereas in the past this - Confidence Workshops For Children
Every parent wants their children to be confident, happy, highly motivated and enthusiastic in order - Inspiring Children Using NLP
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is one of the most successful therapies in psychology today. Init - Writing Term Papers
Students often tend to put off a written assignment, considering it to be a chore too formidable to - Naming In Term Paper
Give a descriptive name to each of your concept in the paper. Adhere using terms like "our approach" - Introduction Section of a Research Paper
Your introductions should not exceed more than two pages (typed, double spaced). See again the examp - Getting a Feedback of Your Term Paper is Important!
Get the feedback of your work! Finish your paper, having written it well in advance, so that you hav - The 1950's - Was Life Better?
Iconic TV shows like I Love Lucy, Dennis the Menace and My Three Sons seem to indicate that the 1950 - Online Classroom Systems Makes Home Schooling Even More Attractive
In the past it went without saying that you would send your kids to public schools. With public scho - 8 Helpful Tips For Surviving Military Basic Training
Getting through military basic training takes a lot perseverance. During this training it is best to
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Culinary Cooking Schools and What They Teach
Culinary cooking schools prepare you for a job in the culinary industry by providing you with the kn - How To Learn Spanish Quickly Without Moving To Spain
Learning Spanish is a popular pastime, as well as a serious goal for many individuals. Whether it's - How To Improve Your Life With An Accredited Online College Degree
With the information super highway raring full steam ahead, quality accredited online college degree - Online Bachelor Degree Programs Go Mainstream
The Internet has seen an explosion in online bachelor degree programs in the last five to ten years - Online Degree Program Just A Click Away
You want to go shopping, but your car is low on gas. You want to know your account balance, but do n - Online Paralegal Degree Will Open Doors
An online paralegal degree may offer the possibility of improving your chances in the legal professi - What West Point Military School Looks For In A Candidate
West Point is looking for well rounded young men and women who are good students, good athletes, and - The Importance of Effective Accounting Programs
In the past, small businesses like mom and pop stores were not required to maintain any sort of acco - California Schools Educators Retirement System And Lionstone Group Create Investment Fund
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CSTRS) is the second largest public pension fund i - A Taste of China - Seattle Schools New Guest Teacher Shares Language and Culture of Her Native Hom
The Seattle schools have a new "guest" teacher. Zhu Dan arrived in the Seattle schools in January