Tips On Studying (from yours truly, Thomas "Tom" Frank)

Learning Takes Time

Study Schedule

  • Build a study schedule directly into the calendar where you’re organizing everything else
  1. Figure out exact dates and times of exams (and add them to your calendar)
  2. When sitting down and studying, try to replicate the test conditions

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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*

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Preparation
  1. Get as much information about the test as possible

       1. Ask your teacher    2. Look at the syllabus    3. What/How much it covers?    4. How many questions will there be?

             1. What is your time limit?    5. What types of questions? (Multiple choice, True/False, Short Answer, Essay)    6. What materials are allowed? (scratch paper, index caard, study sheet, open-notebook)

  1. Get hands-on practice tests & Review previous tests

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How to Study

  • 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.*

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Quizing Yourself
  • 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.

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Cheat Card Exercise - solidify your information fast

  • 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.

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