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Everyone is different.
Different methods work
for different people; the
following are only
suggestions on improving
upon your current
studying techniques.
It is best to review the
material right after class
when it's still fresh in your
memory.
Don't try to do all your
studying the night before
the test. Instead space out
your studying, review
class materials at least
several times a week,
focusing on one topic at a
time.
Have all of your study
material in front of you:
lecture notes, course
textbooks, study guides
and any other relevant
material.
Find a comfortable and
quiet place to study with
good lighting and little
distractions (try avoiding
your own bed; it is very
tempting to just lie down
and take a nap).
Start out by studying the
most important
information.
Learn the general concepts
first, don't worry about
learning the details until
you have learned the main
ideas.
Take notes and write
down a summary of the
important ideas as you
read through your study
material.
Take short breaks
frequently. Your memory
retains the information
that you study at the
beginning and the end
better than what you
study in the middle.
Space out your studying,
you'll learn more by
studying a little every day
instead of waiting to cram
at the last minute. By
studying every day, the
material will stay in your
long-term memory but if
you try to study at the last
moment, the material will
only reside in your short-
term memory that you'll
easily forget.
Make sure that you
understand the material
well, don't just read
through the material and
try to memorize
everything.
If you choose to study in a
group, only study with
others who are serious
about the test.
Test yourself or have
someone test you on the
material to find out what
your weak and strong
areas are. You can use the
review questions at the
end of each chapter,
practice tests that the
teacher may give out or
other pertinent materials.
Listening to relaxing music
such as classical or jazz on
a low volume can relieve
some of the boredom of
studying.
Don't study later than the
time you usually go to
sleep, you may fall asleep
or be tempted to go to
sleep, instead try studying
in the afternoon or early
evening. If you are a
morning person try
studying in the morning.
