Examinations are significant in a student's life. Admit it or not an exam's result will make us either happy or sad. Others also think that these are their worst nightmares as they feel anxious that they will be failing. I, myself, have never been confident to enter the room, sit on my chair, and take answer the test. Like anyone else, I have always been afraid that things I have studied will not appear on the test or there will be question that even in my wildest dreams I did not imagine. For the past years I have been working on to improve my study habits. So far, I think, I discovered what works well with me.
That is definitely my motto as a student. Cramming is something I avoid at all cost. It used to be my lifestyle until I realized how stressful it is to do things the day before the submission. I found out that procrastination makes things more difficult than doing things earlier. I also somehow regret why I studied too late for exams in the past. In result, most of the things I reviewed before are all now forgotten, it is all because I only studied for the test and not to retain it for the rest of my life, which is not advisable.
To not repeat that mistake in my life, I tried to make my study habit different. I tried to be more responsible in managing my time, although there are times that I am lazy. Working for a couple of hours a day for a month is better than studying the whole night for few days before the exams.It works better for me as I am consolidating the information in my brain by repeatedly recalling the lessons. Human brains cannot retain memory that has only been forced to be programmed. Remember we are no robots. We learn by studying and no through programming. We cannot input data in our brains just by simply encoding, it takes effort and time.
So here is what I am doing when exams are approaching. By the way, in our school the major exams in a semester are midterms and finals. They are done every two months.
DURING ORDINARY DAYS A.K.A DAYS AWAY FROM EXAMS
Discussion gives you preview about the lesson. If you listened well there is a big possibility that information will remain. The teacher will explain the topic so be sure to stay focused and remember the questions he/she is asking, those might pop out in the test. Discussions also help you see different aspects and views of the lesson. You will know what your teacher thinks about it and also your classmates will also have different views which you will be able to hear. So never attempt to skip a lecture just to have fun with your friends or just because your lazy. This is the number one tip on my list and it is very important.
It is not only important to listen to the lecture but you also have to have a great and reliable notes. So while you are in a class, make sure to take down notes about the topic being tackled. This will serve as your reference when studying. You will also have a guide when you're already studying for the actual exam. It is not important to write everything just make sure to write the important details. As much as possible, write in bullets and not in paragraph forms. It will not just be faster but also easier to be understood. My own handwritten notes are easier for me to study as I am familiar on how I made it and I know where I have written a certain topic. It will not be beneficial to just borrow someone else's notes. Another thing, as much as possible make your class notes legible enough so that you don't have to re-write it.
I recommend highlighting only important details in your book to maintain its purpose. I usually use three colors of highlighters. The first one is for terms, second is for definitions, and the third is for important details that are neither terms nor definitions. Having highlighted your notes make it easier to study it as you only have to read those important points diminishing the unnecessary information that just may confuse you. While you are highlighting, make sure you comprehend what you are reading. It is not good that you do not remember what you highlighted that makes highlighting studying passively. Do not also use super bright highlighters as they are quite distracting and painful in the eyes. I also advise you annotate your books. If there are words you are not familiar with, write its meaning beside it. If you want to put the paragraph in common parlance, write it on your book. I prefer writing with a pencil so it my books will not look very messy. Sticky notes are also great help as it can be removed or replaced.
Example of how I highlight my book
WEEKENDS
Every weekend, I try to prepare my study notes/materials that I'll need for exams. Making study materials during the exams can be very time-consuming. Starting to make them every week helps to decrease the stress level during exams and it also helps you to consolidate the lessons in your brain faster and easier. It will be harder to study if you already have forgotten everything and will start to re-learn everything. Having weekly summaries is also a great preparation for minor tests such as quizzes or seat works.
I make a summary of the lessons in my notebook by writing notes, making mind maps, charts, tables, etc. I only write notes to condense the information especially if there are lots of topics to be covered in a test. I don't usually revise notes as I think it is too time-consuming. Mind maps are also great if you are studying concepts. You can link the information to different categories. Charts, tables, or any visual guides help to see things in a bigger picture but in a more concise way. It is also easier to remember images than reading pages that are full of words.
Making flash cards make it easier to study as they are concise and you may test yourself. I tried using traditional flashcards very shortly until I realized that it takes too much resources. Terms and definitions are easier to study using flashcards as you are not just repeatedly reading but you are testing yourself . Quizlet is the app that I am currently using for making flash cards. It has great features like the learn mode wherein you progress by answering the questions right. There are also fun games you may use while studying and tests you may answer with different test types such as multiple choices, true or false, terms, etc.
A WEEK BEFORE THE TEST
I typically study a week before the test. Exams in our school are only about 60-100 items which is not really a lot. Also, my weekly summaries play a significant role why I don't have to study for a long time before the test. During this time, I try my best to focus and really alot my days to studying. Of course, I would not like to fail and a week of studying does not seem bad, though.
Gather all your notes, books, list of pointers to review, flash cards, and everything you'll need in studying. In this way, you will not waste or procrastinate during review sessions. It will be a nuisance if all your needed materials are not on your desk or in the place where you are studying. That thing may cause your momentum to lower. Preparation is a must before getting into the battle, right?
If you have a schedule of the subjects you'll have exams in, take this into consideration when making a study plan. Make a list of the days you have before the exams with the corresponding tasks you have to do. Follow that plan religiously so you won't lack in time. When making a study plan, make sure it is attainable. It would be a big problem if you will not be able to cover all the topics. Although you are preparing for a big exams, make sure that you have time to enjoy and sleep for at around 6-8 hours a night.
As your study materials are prepared at hand, you may now begin reading, reviewing, and recalling the lessons that is included in your exams. Try reading different subjects in a day so you will not get bored and too focused on a certain subject. This step will not be so hard as you already know most of these as you have studied weekly. Make sure that you are reading actively and don't forget to process what you are reading. A reminder for you, do not just memorize things but analyze it. Teachers usually rephrase terms or give situations about a concept, it will be helpful if you understood it well by heart.
WEEKENDS BEFORE EXAMS
ON THE NIGHT BEFORE THE EXAMS
It is very important that you all have the materials you'll need for the exams. You would not like to embarrass yourself to borrow a pen during exams just because you forgot yours. I usually bring at least two black pens (what we use in answering), a pencil, eraser, and ruler (in case we are asked to draw), correction tape (for erasures), scratch paper (for solutions), and a calculator (for solving). Have all your essentials in your bag before you got to sleep as it will just be a grab away when you leave the house the nest day.
You're now well prepared so have a good night sleep for at least for 8 hours. Sleep will make you focused on the test and not groggy nor sleepy. Stop worrying about it; you have done enough. You may also pray to ask for wisdom for your exams. Meditation will also be great to boost your confidence. Don't think for the exams before sleeping it might make you anxious and give you hard time to sleep.
ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMS
Have a healthy breakfast so you can stay on track and not feel hungry during exams but do not also overeat as you might get constipated. It is also advisable to eat brain food such as nuts and food that are rich in omega- 3. Do not also forget to drink water to be hydrated. Dehydration also causes headaches, beware.
2. Be confident
You know what law or attraction is, right? That's it, it is mind over matter. Believe in yourself and it will come true. Remember that you studied enough and you can pass the exams. Confidence always starts in one self. Pray also so you will be blessed with knowledge and wisdom. Fighting!
AFTER THE EXAMS
Give yourself a pat on your shoulders, you've done your best. Be happy regardless of the results. Take a break and reward yourself. It will be nice if you can rest from studying for a couple of days, unwind, and chill
Exams might be frightening if you do not prepare for it. Remember that there is no early time to prepare for something; the earlier the better. It always take effort to have good outcomes. Do not always rely on luck or on someone else. You are the only one who has the ability to improve yourself. One thing I also want to remind you is, yes your are studying for an exam but grades should not be the most important thing for you. I would rather have learned the lesson thoroughly than get a perfect score and have not understood a single things. High grades will not matter if you are not learning.
This has been a very long post. From the bottom of my medulla oblongata, I hope this post has helped you. This may not work for everybody but you may give it a try and see the results. You may as well incorporate it to your study habits. If you have suggestions on how I can also improve my study habits, I will be glad to hear it from you.
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