We are getting to that point in the semester when the first round of exams are rolling in. After a few weeks of lectures and homework, it’s time to put your mind to the test and see if you can apply the concepts you have learned. Here are a few tips to help improve your study sessions.
1. Make a studying goal each day – Timer and Times
I switch between two types of studying goals. The first one I call a “timer” goal. This is where I focus on the chapter, or class notes for a single class until the timer goes off. I usually set my timer for 15 minutes where I avoid my phone, talking to friends, and all other distractions until the timer goes off. After I am familiar with what I need to know for my exam, I switch to a “Times” goal. This is where I set a number of times I want to get through my study set for a particular class. For example, I will write in my calendar, “Accounting notes x3”. After each set is complete, I will write a check mark next to my written goal. Once all three sets are complete, I scratch the entire goal off my planner.
2. REPETITION
Practice, practice, practice! Trust me! If your test is vocabulary based, write out note cards or make a Quizlet set. Go through your sets until you have mastered each definition. If your test is more of a mathematical or written response, use the cover and quiz method. Print out the page with the questions you need to know along with the correct answers. Then, take a blank sheet of paper and cover the answers. Do your best to correctly answer the question on the blank sheet. If you get stuck, you can slide down the page to remind yourself of the next step in completing the answer. Do this over and over until you get all answers correct without looking at your “cheat sheet.”
3. Change up your space
I don’t know about you all, but this whole school from home thing is starting to get to me. Some days I am quite literally in my desk chair from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. One thing that helps keep my mind fresh and my motivation up is changing my study space! Recently I have been forcing myself to break away from my desk to study outside, go to the library, or even just move into my living room. Additionally, remember it is okay to take breaks! Go for a walk, call a friend, or get in your car and go for a drive! Give your brain some time to relax so you are ready to absorb as much information as you can!
Good luck with your exams!