Studying

Move Beyond Memorization Instructors expect you to have a deeper understanding of principles, and will ask you to apply the principle to problems you’ve never seen or talked about before. In a science class, instructors expect you to know how the parts of something are connected to one another, and how they interact. In a history class, you might be asked to discuss how an event impacted different aspects of society at the time.

Move Beyond Memorization (continued) Start with time management. Set a start date. Use your syllabus to establish your study schedule for all exams and tests. Plan to start studying three to five days beforehand. Determine time and location. Study at a time when you focus best. Choose a location that minimizes distractions and maximizes your concentration.

Move Beyond Memorization (continued) Create a study plan. Make a list of what you need to study. Determine which topics or material you don’t need to study. Prioritize your list so that you know where to start and how to keep yourself moving through the material.

Quick Tip Study Difficult Materials First If you are struggling with certain concepts, theories, or readings, study those first. Why? Your brain is usually at its best when you start studying, and it may take you more time to fully understand this type of material. And if you still have trouble understanding the material, you’ll have time to get extra help before the test.

Move Beyond Memorization (continued) Make connections with study notes. Study notes: Highlight important connections. Engage your brain more fully. Facilitate critical thinking. When developing study notes, remember to: Create meaningful chunks. Use visual representations. Connect material to your life.

Outline a Study Plan

Talk About Your Learning Study with others. Come prepared. Figure out beforehand what you want to cover during the study group meeting. Ask questions and debate. Answering questions will reveal how well you know the material you’re studying. Practice individually, then discuss. This technique can highlight what each member does and doesn’t know and can reveal different perspectives or approaches.

Quick Tip Collaborate Virtually A virtual study group that “meets” through a technology platform can be just as effective as talking in person. Keep this possibility in mind if it means you’ll make the time to engage with others on the material you’re studying.

Talk About Your Learning (continued) Talk to instructors and teaching assistants. Plan ahead to figure out whether you can visit during office hours or at another time. Try to do some individual studying before your meeting so you can ask clarifying questions and come prepared with topics that are specified and targeted. These discussions will build your confidence and will make you even more comfortable with the material.

Practice Tests Are Key Ask for old exams. Create your own practice tests. Time practice tests appropriately. Build in time for practice tests in your study plan. After taking a practice test, go back and check your answers, paying close attention to what you got wrong, what you struggled to answer, and what you couldn’t answer.

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Practice Tests 1.Take practice tests in a similar environment and in the same amount of time as the actual test. 2.Don’t look at any class materials while taking the practice test. 3.While you’re taking the practice test, notice when you struggle with the material, but push yourself to keep going. 4.Schedule practice tests early enough so that you have time to ask questions on material that gives you difficulty. 5.If you’re using an old exam, make sure the instructor will be using a similar format for the actual test.

Quick Tip Practice Makes Perfect As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” If possible, try to fit in more than one practice test in your study plan. The more you test your knowledge, the more likely you’ll be able to perform at your peak during the actual test.