“Papers, projects, studying and stress: finals. They are here and budgeting study time is crucial to surviving this hectic time. One of the first things to do to prepare for an exam is know as much about the test as possible, according to Shawn Bixler, the coordinator of reading and study skills.”
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Papers, projects, studying and stress: finals. They are here and budgeting study time is crucial to surviving this hectic time.
One of the first things to do to prepare for an exam is know as much about the test as possible, according to Shawn Bixler, the coordinator of reading and study skills. Find out if the exam is comprehensive or not. If you know what the test is over you won’t waste time studying things that won’t be on the test.
Find out the format of the test. Knowing what types of questions will be on the test can help you study effectively because different kinds of test questions require different kinds of memory. Multiple choice questions use recognition memory, and might not require as much studying as fill in the blank or essay questions that require recall memory.
Also know your personal goal for the test. Figure out what you want to get on a test or what you need to get a certain grade in the class, and be realistic.
Make a study plan and make it early. According to collegeunviversity.suite101.com, sticking to the plan as much as possible, and creating it early makes it easier to work in unexpected events, like an extra shift at work. Include in your study plan where and when you will study. Figure out your optimum time for studying. Find the most peaceful place for you to study, whether it is a library, your bedroom, or a park, as long as it works for you.
Use it or lose it, Bixler said, referring to how quickly information can be forgotten. Bixler stresses the importance of reviewing class material. In the first 24 hours 50 percent of the information can be lost if the material is not reviewed.
She encourages students to do something that will help them retain the information. Whether it is making an outline, making notes or using flashcards, whatever works for a person’s own learning style.
When making your study plan think realistically and prioritize. Split up the class material and set goals for the material you want to cover during a certain study time. Quiz yourself at the end of a study session so you can know what is clear and what you’ll have to go over again.
For students who feel overwhelmed by the task of studying for finals, Dan Buttermore, a tutor at the Study Skills Center on campus, has some advice. When budgeting study time look at a calendar and make out a schedule. Count backwards and see what you can do. Visualize it; it might not be that bad, he said
Use time wisely. Don’t cram Leah Pirozzi said, another tutor at the center.
Don’t forget to factor in time for breaks in your study plan. Breaks are important. Our minds can’t concentrate that long, Bixler said. She encourages students to follow the 50-10 rule. For every hour of studying, 50 minutes should be devoted to studying and 10 minutes should be set aside for a break.
You can do a number of things during your break, as long as it rests you’re brain. It’s really, really important to take breaks. Walk around the block, watch TV, call your mom, just so you can come back refreshed, Pirozzi said.
Budgeting your time should not stop the day of the test. Make time for a final review. Make sure you have enough time to have a good meal that doesn’t include caffeine. Get to the test so you can get settled and look over the material one last time.
Pirozzi had one final piece of advice. Don’t panic, she said.
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