Category: Study strategies

5-STEP FINAL EXAM WEEK PREPARATION – Part II

by Suzette Staal on December 5, 2018

1. Divide up your time.

• Spend Time Studying for the Exams that Carry the Most Weight.

• Focus Your Time on Difficult Classes – spend the majority of your time on the classes where your grade is borderline.

2. Stay alert.

• Get a good night’s SLEEP! Your brain can’t function properly without 7-8 hours sleep a night.

• Run stairs or do some jumping-jacks. Exercise gets blood flowing and increases your alertness.

• It has been proven that the smell of cinnamon and peppermint can help you stay alert. So chew on some gum if you’re feeling worn out.

3. Remember what you study.

• Recite, recite, recite! Recitation will burn facts into your mind. Recite the material out loud until you’re sure that you will be able to recall it.

4. Study selectively.

• Decide which information is most important and concentrate on it. Resist the temptation to try and learn all of the important-looking material.

• As you go through your notes and textbook find important definitions, concepts and equations. Write them down on 3” X 5” note cards. This will help you identify what you need to know, and you’ll have a handy set of flash cards. The process of rewriting may also help you memorize the content.

5. Eat a good breakfast.

• Eat a good breakfast the morning of the exam. Nutritious foods will keep your nerves steady and your brain engaged.

Need help/encouragement? Stop by the Academic Success Center in VanZoeren 261 for your personalized study session and a free deck of ASC Final Exam Study Strategies cards.

5-STEP FINAL EXAM WEEK PREPARATION – Part I

by Suzette Staal on November 29, 2018

5-STEP FINAL EXAM WEEK PREPARATION – Part I

  1. Ask Questions!
  • Don’t be afraid to speak up in class. There’s a good chance that at least one other person doesn’t get it, either.
  • Use your prof’s office hours or schedule an appointment. Make a list of your questions and bring it with you. Record the answers on your list!
  1. Make a Study Guide
  • Put the information into your own words. This helps you retain it.
  • Create flashcards. Use the Quizlet app on your phone to create flashcards and quizzes.
  1. Arrange or Join a Study Group
  • It will help  you look at topics from different perspectives and you might even discover more effective study tips.
  1. Adjust Your Schedule
  • Form a study schedule, and stick to it. If your friend invites you on a Meijer run, remember to trade an equivalent amount of break time elsewhere in your schedule for study time.
  • You’ll be more productive if you include brief (10-15 minutes) study breaks every 1-2 hours. Do something entirely different during that time (e.g. going for a walk, run, or meeting a friend for a quick snack).
  1. Get Out of Your Dorm Room
  • The absolute worst place to study is on your bed. Even if you are at your desk, you can’t help but see your bed and be drawn in, or have a neighbor distract you.
  • Instead, take your headphones and study materials to the library or nearby café with free Wi-Fi and good coffee.
  • Don’t wait until the night before your exam to pack your brain with dates, statistics, and formulas. Pulling all-nighters can actually strain your brain.

Need help/encouragement? Stop by the Academic Success Center in VanZoeren 261 for your personalized study session and a free deck of ASC Final Exam Study Strategies cards.

ASC Study Tip- Persevere!

by Suzette Staal on November 19, 2018

Persevere. College can present challenges but facing them will prepare you for challenges in your future career and life.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” -Thomas Edison

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’ ” -Audrey Hepburn

One Week Left to get an ASC Tutor!

by Suzette Staal on November 12, 2018

The last date that the ASC will accept applications for a tutor is Monday, November 19. If you would like to be matched with a tutor (for most 100 & 200 level courses) please stop by the ASC (261 VanZoeren Hall) by 5:00pm Monday, November 19. A printable application and further information can be found on the ASC website.

ASC Study Tip (week of 10/22)

by Suzette Staal on October 22, 2018

Keep your study area clear of items that could distract you. Have necessary materials close at hand. Concentrate! If you suddenly think of something else you need to do, jot it down to put it out of your mind and return to it later. Turn off notifications and anything else that might disturb you.

We suggest trying the Pomodoro Technique. Check out another video about this technique and how to stop procrastinating.

The 10 Best Pomodoro Apps!

Try a Pomodoro session with the College Geek.

ASC Study Tip

by Suzette Staal on October 15, 2018

Most effective studying is active, testing and questioning yourself (not passive like just re-reading notes/ textbook) and spaced throughout the week.

Think about using even short intervals of time effectively (like between classes.)
In 15 minutes you could:

· Review lecture notes and highlight the key ideas.
· Quiz yourself on the key terms in a chapter.
· Write a summary of a few paragraphs from an article/textbook.
· Read a brief article.
· List all the things you have to do later/ tomorrow.

Need more ideas? Check out how the ASC can help!

ASC Study Tip

by Suzette Staal on October 1, 2018

Keep a calendar of class times, study times, tutoring sessions, and meetings with advisors or instructors and any other commitments you have. Use Google Calendar and sync it to your phone. Planning and managing your time will reduce stress and help you accomplish more. The ASC has printable calendars for your use. Stop by or visit our website!

Preparing for Final Exams

by Carrie Dattels on April 24, 2018

Overwhelmed by finals? College Info Geek has gathered resources that may be helpful as you prepare for the end of the semester. The Ultimate Guide for Studying for Final Exams includes links with useful tips and tricks on everything from breaking through a lack of motivation for studying to maintaining focus and concentration to test-taking strategies for the day of the exam. Check it out and good luck!