Tips On Studying (from yours truly, Thomas "Tom" Frank)
Build a study schedule directly into the calendar where you’re organizing everything else
Figure out exact dates and times of exams (and add them to your calendar)
When sitting down and studying, try to replicate the test conditions
Memory is Context-Based*: If you review the materials under conditions that are similar to the test conditions, you will be able to recall it much easier*
Get as much information about the test as possible
Ask your teacher
Look at the syllabus
What/How much it covers?
How many questions will there be?
What is your time limit?
What types of questions? (Multiple choice, True/False, Short Answer, Essay)
What materials are allowed? (scratch paper, index caard, study sheet, open-notebook)
Get hands-on practice tests & Review previous tests
Most of the studying should be done in an Established Study Space
Try for study sessions in the actual classroom you’ll be tested in (or a similar one)
Study under similar constraints/conditions to the actual test
Set a timer (like the test’s time limit)
Quiz yourself with the same access of materials you’ll have during the test (NO textbook, notes, study guide)
Focus on Recall*: When quizing yourself, force youself to actually pull facts and answers from your memory.*
Create your own quiz from a Study Guide provided or Lecture Notes
Take every concept listed and convert it into a question
Create questions out of main concepts and events
When forming your questions, try to emulate the test as much as possible
Facts and Vocabulary Terms are good for Flash Cards
For test involving calculations: Spend majority of your time performing operations yourself. Practice doing the calculations much more than learning concepts and formulas.
Create an Index Card for your exam, even if you can’t use it
Forces you to think about the most important information for your exam
When making it, you are actively engaged in the information, further helping you to memorize it
Remember to give your brain breaks: To make your brain focus intensely, you need to give it time off.
Build a study schedule directly into the calendar where you’re organizing everything else
Figure out exact dates and times of exams (and add them to your calendar)
When sitting down and studying, try to replicate the test conditions
Memory is Context-Based*: If you review the materials under conditions that are similar to the test conditions, you will be able to recall it much easier*
Get as much information about the test as possible
Ask your teacher
Look at the syllabus
What/How much it covers?
How many questions will there be?
What is your time limit?
What types of questions? (Multiple choice, True/False, Short Answer, Essay)
What materials are allowed? (scratch paper, index caard, study sheet, open-notebook)
Get hands-on practice tests & Review previous tests
Most of the studying should be done in an Established Study Space
Try for study sessions in the actual classroom you’ll be tested in (or a similar one)
Study under similar constraints/conditions to the actual test
Set a timer (like the test’s time limit)
Quiz yourself with the same access of materials you’ll have during the test (NO textbook, notes, study guide)
Focus on Recall*: When quizing yourself, force youself to actually pull facts and answers from your memory.*
Create your own quiz from a Study Guide provided or Lecture Notes
Take every concept listed and convert it into a question
Create questions out of main concepts and events
When forming your questions, try to emulate the test as much as possible
Facts and Vocabulary Terms are good for Flash Cards
For test involving calculations: Spend majority of your time performing operations yourself. Practice doing the calculations much more than learning concepts and formulas.
Create an Index Card for your exam, even if you can’t use it
Forces you to think about the most important information for your exam
When making it, you are actively engaged in the information, further helping you to memorize it
Remember to give your brain breaks: To make your brain focus intensely, you need to give it time off.
