Studying for Mid Term Exams

We are nearing the midpoint of the semester and exam dates are starting to pile up.  So what is the best way to study for an exam?

Start with the idea that you have been learning all along.   When you reviewed your notes after each class (you have been doing this, right?) you started the learning process.  Then, when you reviewed all of the notes for the class once or twice a week you kept that information fresh in your memory.  Now it is time to look at the big picture and review for the exam.  Here are some ideas:

Start one week before the exam.  List all of the topics to be covered.  Then do more than one or all of the following:

On day one, study the first topic.

On day two, study the second topic and review the first.

On day three, study the third topic and review the first and second.

Repeat until all topics have been studied and reviewed several times.  Continue to review until the day of the exam.

Make a large review chart with all of the topics and fill in the details.  Then use recitation to learn and review until the exam.

Make a practice exam, wait a few days and then take the exam.

If it is an essay exam, predict questions and write out the answers.

Get together with some friends and quiz each other.

Use recitation when studying so that you are practicing recalling the information as you will on the exam.

Get a good night’s sleep!

But what if you have not been studying and learning all along?   You are in trouble, but here are some ideas:

Identify the main ideas and make a review chart as above.   Then use recitation to practice recalling the information.

Go over all of the notes using recitation.

There is no time to reread the book, but look at the headings, any learning objectives and practice questions.

Think about previous exams and predict questions for this exam.  Then answer the questions.

Get a good night’s sleep!!

AND – after the exam, evaluate your preparation and make any necessary changes!