You just heard you have a math test on Friday - the same day as
your big history test and weekly quiz on Spanish verbs. Are they
crazy? How will you get all your studying done?
Don't panic. There are some secrets to good studying. If you
follow them, you'll be able to take all three tests with
confidence.
Start Studying in School
Studying for tests and quizzes actually starts way
before you even know you'll have a test. Good study techniques
begin in the classroom as you
take notes
. Note-taking is a way of remembering what you were taught or what
you've read about.
Some keys to note-taking are to write down facts that a teacher
mentions or writes on the board during class. If you miss
something, ask your teacher to go over facts with you after class.
Other keys to good note-taking are keeping notes organized by
subject and making sure they're easy to read and review. (This
may mean that you need to recopy some notes at home or during a
free period while the class is still fresh in your mind.)
Unfortunately, most schools don't have classes that teach
you how to take note. When it comes to taking good notes, it can
take some experimenting to figure out what works, so don't give
up.
Time Management
When you sit down to study, think about how much time you want
to devote to each topic. This will keep you from getting
overwhelmed.
If it's Monday, and you've got those three tests on
Friday, figure out how much time you need for studying between now
and then. Then figure out how long each subject will take. For
example, a weekly Spanish verb test probably won't be as
intense as a big history test. So you won't need to set aside
as much study time for the Spanish test - and if you break it up
into a short amount every night, that's even better.
Another study technique is called "chunking" -
breaking large topics down into chunks. Let's say you have a
history test on World War II. Instead of thinking about studying
all of World War II (which could overwhelm even a historian), try
breaking your study sessions into 2-year chunks or studying the
material by specific battles.
When you've decided on a manageable amount of work, consider
how long you need to study it. Most people can really concentrate
for about 45 minutes - after that you'll probably want to take
a short break. If you find yourself getting distracted and thinking
about other things as you study, pull your attention back as soon
as possible. Remind yourself that when your 45 minutes of studying
are up, you can take a 15-minute break.
How to Study
As you study, review your notes and any special information from
your textbook. In the case of math or science problems or
equations, do some practice problems. Pay special attention to
anything the teacher seemed to stress in class. (This is where good
note-taking comes in handy!)
Many teachers tell students ahead of time what the format of an
exam will be. This can help you tailor how you study. For example,
if you know you're going to have multiple-choice questions on
World War II, you'll know to focus on studying facts and
details. On the other hand, if the exam will contain essay
questions, you'll want to think about which topics are most
likely to be covered. Then come up with several possible essay
topics and use your notes, books, and other reference sources to
figure out how you might answer questions on those topics.
When trying to memorize dates, names, or other factual
information, keep in mind that it usually takes a number of tries
to remember something correctly (that's one reason why it's
a good idea to start studying well in advance of a test). Use
special memory triggers that the teacher may have suggested or ones
that you invent yourself. Read things over several times if you
need to, and write down any phrases or thoughts that will help you
remember main ideas or concepts.
Some people find it helps to teach what they're studying
aloud to an imaginary student. Or work with a study partner and
take turns teaching aloud. Another study technique is making
flashcards that summarize some of the important facts or concepts.
You can then use these to review for a test.
I'll Study Tomorrow and Other Excuses
It's tempting to put off studying until the last minute
(also known as procrastination). Unfortunately, by the time
students get to high school there's so much going on that
there's usually no room for procrastination.
If you're a procrastinator (and who isn't sometimes?),
one of the best ways to overcome it is by staying organized. After
you've written test dates and project due dates on a calendar,
it's hard to ignore them. And sitting down to organize and plan
your work really highlights how much time things take. Organization
makes it harder to procrastinate.
Sometimes people put off studying because they feel overwhelmed
by the fact that they're behind on things or they just feel
really disorganized. Don't let this happen to you. Keep your
notes organized, stay on top of required readings, and follow the
other study tips mentioned above to stay focused and in control.
Your teachers will give you plenty of notice on important tests so
you have enough time to study for the type of exam you'll be
taking.
But what if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the stuff you
have to do? Are classes or extracurricular activities limiting your
time to study properly? Ask your teachers for help prioritizing.
You may need to involve the people in charge of your activities -
such as your coach or music or drama teacher - in working out a
solution.
Don't wait until the last minute to talk to your teachers,
though, or you'll just look like a procrastinator! And
don't be afraid to ask for help. Teachers respect students who
are thoughtful and interested in learning and doing well.
Studying in a Crowd
Sometimes it can be useful to go over things with people who are
studying for the same test: You can make sure that your notes are
correct and that you understand the subject. Study groups are also
helpful because you can work together to come up with ways to
remember concepts and then test one another.
For some people who are easily distracted, though, study groups
spell disaster because they get off the topic. When you're with
a bunch of friends or classmates, you may spend more time hanging
out than actually studying. One way to ensure quiet and focus when
studying with a group is to do it in the library. You'll be
forced to keep things more low-key than if you're at
someone's kitchen table.
In the end, it comes down to what works best for you. If you
like to study alone and feel most confident doing it that way,
that's great. If you think you'd like to work in a group,
try it out - just be aware of the drawbacks.
The Payoff
When you've finished studying, you should feel like you can
approach the test or quiz with confidence - not necessarily that
you will get 100% of the answers correct, but that you have a good
understanding of the information.
Most of all, don't panic if you can't remember some
facts the night before the test. Even if you've spent all
evening studying, the brain needs time to digest all that
information. You'll be surprised by what comes back to you
after sleeping.
Reviewed by:
Eric J. Gabor, JD
Date reviewed: November 2008
Reviewed by:
Chris Cortellessa, M.Ed, NCC
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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