Studying for a test begins on the very first day of class, regardless of when the test will come. Your participation in class, your attitude when listening, your thoroughness in reading and completing assignments, and your effort in the class in general will all be reflected in your grades on tests. The more effort you put into class on an ongoing basis, the easier it will be to prepare for tests.
Look at the following test preparation time-line and think about what steps in test preparation you need to begin to incorporate in your study time.
First day of class: It may sound extreme, but you are preparing for all tests from the very first day. Many students say they cannot review for the final until they get the teacher produced review sheet the week beforehand. That review sheet should be treated as a checklist of what you know, not a guideline for what to cram in one week or, worse yet, one night. Take good notes and keep your papers organized starting the first day.
Ongoing: Studying for tests is part of the ongoing process of going to class and doing the work. To really learn the material as you go, try these ideas.
The week before the test: You should be in final review mode. You want to make sure that you know what you know and don't know! This is your last chance to fill in those gaps.
The night before the test: Quickly recite and review practice questions. Go to bed on time and dream of the wonderful grade you will earn on the test!
The morning of the test: Eat a good breakfast (no, it is not your last meal . . .) and remind yourself that you are ready for the test! If you have followed the plan, you will be!
Keep in mind that this study time is not in place of your regular homework. This schedule is in addition to whatever else your teacher assigns for class. Complete your homework, then take time to review other materials on a daily basis.
Now you know that you should begin studying for a test long before the big day. So, how should you study? Remember that depends on one very important thing: you! Everyone has preferences, from having a favorite color to choosing chocolate over vanilla ice cream. How you study depends on your preferences as well. Do you learn best by seeing, hearing or doing something? Or a combination of all three? There are a few different ways to study, depending on what works best for you. For some people a combination of strategies works best. These strategies are sometimes referred to as visual, tactile, or auditory. Take a look at the strategies listed below. Visual: These are strategies that involve learning by seeing information.
Auditory: These strategies involve learning by listening to information.
Tactile: These strategies involve learning by doing or by touching.
Did you highlight the following ideas? If so, great!
When is the best time to begin preparing for a test?
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