Knowing what to study
- Get a copy of the course
outline or syllabus document. This will
give a formal description of the course aims, content, and outcomes. This
should serve as a very good indication of what the course designers expect
you to know by the end of the course.
- Anticipate
what the test
questions are going to be and study accordingly. You can
start to build a profile of what the test is going to be like by reviewing
past exam, listening for teacher's cues, doing
set assignment and revision questions, reviewing the syllabus, reading
prescribed textbooks, and so on.
- Refer to published study guides
for main themes, points, and concepts.
- Talk to students who have previously done the course (but remember there could have been changes since.
The study environment
- Set up a designated study area that's comfortable, quiet, and has ready access to your books and computer (if you need it).
- Enlist the support of family and housemates. Stress the importance of your need for quiet time without interruptions.
- Draw up a study plan (schedule/calendar/timetable) for the entire term or semester.
- Take frequent breaks (every 30 to 60 minutes or so) when studying. Go for a walk or do a fun activity in between study sessions to keep you motivated.
- Schedule study at times when you are awake and alert.
Study techniques
- Avoid wasting valuable study time on stuff you already know. While this can be good for reinforcement and confidence, quickly move on to the material you have
not yet mastered.
- Paraphrase (write in your own words) and summarise key points.
- Study during the course of the term or semester, don’t just cram at the end before an exam.
- Do any suggested review questions and exercises, as these prepare you for exams.
- Make up your own questions and try to answer them. As well as questions that make you recall facts, try answering some of the higher-order "Why", "How" and "What if" type questions.
- Try answering questions from past examination papers if they are available. Try actually doing the whole exam in the
allotted time
- Make a glossary of keywords and jargon.
- Note similarities and differences between new and previously learned material to avoid blurring of concepts.
- Review your class notes within 24 hours of taking the class and fill in any examples and points you missed in class while it is still fresh in your mind.
- Form acronyms to remember facts. For example, the term HOMES can be used to recall the five great lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. The acronym does not have to form an actual word, so long as it is memorable.
- Use mnemonics such as "Thirty days hath September.."
- Use synonyms (like words) and antonyms (unlike words) in your study notes to help describe terms you are having difficulties with.
- Use analogies to describe difficult or abstract concepts. For example, water flowing through a hose being like electric current, and the pressure at the tap being like the voltage.
- Seek outside help. Use reference texts, Internet searches and so on. Ask someone who's done the course before.
- Don't be afraid to contact your teacher/tutor/lecturer (through the normal channels) if you are stuck on a point or generally need assistance.
- Find out if your school/college/university runs extra tutorial
classes or a flexible learning centre where you can get additional help.
- Set yourself achievable study goals. For example, you cannot review an entire semester's course in one night!
- Set up a network of study friends (swap contact details) – but be careful not to do assignments together, as this could border on plagiarism!
- Use diagrams to summaries complex concepts.
- Prepare well to alleviate anxiety. You should start studying for an exam about two weeks before.
- Once you've learnt a concept, teach it to a family member or friend. This will really help reinforce it.
- Write down some key questions and ask a friend or relative to quiz you
verbally.
- Build up your own vocabulary so that you can better interpret and answer written questions.
- Be aware of your own thinking and learn to think more critically and creatively. Challenge what you read or hear. Ask yourself "why" and "how" questions about what you are learning.
- Avoid rote learning. Try to understand "why" things are as they are.
- Evaluate your own understanding of a topic. Do you really know it well? Is there more to
learn?
- If you’re really stuck on a point while studying, move on and come back to it later. Don’t let yourself get bogged down on one thing.
- Reading on its own is an ineffectual study technique. Make notes as you go. Highlight, underline, paraphrase, and identify key words and concepts.
In the classroom
- Review the previous lesson’s notes before going to the next class.
- Actively listen in class. Try not to be distracted by classmates or other thoughts.
- Be active in class and contribute to class discussions.
- Take short-form notes in class. Write little tips, points and hints as you go. Sketch diagrams in freehand. Don't waste time on artistry. Underline or highlight main points. Make headings and subheadings to structure content.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions, especially if you're really not understanding the material.
- Try to learn the material in the classroom. Don't rely on learning it later on.
Exam preparation
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Eat breakfast the morning of the exam. Have a light snack before
the exam if necessary.
- Leave home/work in good time so that you can
relax for a few moments before the exam starts.
- Avoid 'cognitive interference' on the day by trying to solve or clear your mind of other problems before test. Write them down or talk them through with someone. Tackle them after the test.
- Be sure to pack (or buy) all the materials you need, such as pens, pencils, erasers, ruler, calculator, etc.
In the exam room
- Be relaxed and get comfortable.
- Get an idea of how much time to spend on each question. Take 5-20 minutes off the total test time (for revision and going back over difficult questions) and divide the remaining time by the total marks available. This gives the amount of time to spend for every mark a question is worth, with a little spare time left over.
- Some students prefer to do the easy questions first to warm up and gain confidence. Others prefer to tackle the
bigger questions while the study material is still fresh in their minds, and while there is ample time left. Find a strategy that works for you.
- Read test questions and instructions carefully. Think about the question and plan the answer before rushing in (but manage your test time carefully).
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