Contents
- Best Method to Study for Exams
- Go through previously done exam papers
- Take short notes
- Do away with cramming
- Get into group discussions
- Be attentive in class
- Analyze and review class notes the same day you write them
- Have enough sleep and time to relax
- Have a revision schedule/time table
- Efficient time management
- Seek for assistance early enough
Best Method to Study for Exams: As the academic year progresses, many students are gearing up for one of the biggest challenges they’ll face: exams. And let’s be honest, simply flipping throu gh your textbooks for hours on end isn’t going to cut it. To truly succeed, you need to absorb and retain the information you’re studying and then put it down on paper during the exam. Unfortunately, many students fall short in this area, leading to disappointing scores. But don’t worry, if you’re determined to excel, we’ve got some top-notch tips to help you prepare for success!
Best Method to Study for Exams
Go through previously done exam papers
The best way to understand how examiners phrase the question is to go through the previous exam’s paper. Past papers will give you a glimpse of what to expect when doing the exams. So often exams have a simple twist that if you do not properly understand you may end up failing, not because you did not know but because you did not understand the question.
Having a good look at past papers will also enable you see the major topics that are more likely to be tested. You will also be able to know how to answer questions phrased in different ways such as state, explain, differentiate, discuss etc.
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Take short notes
Our minds tend to remember notes that are short and simple. Every time you read your textbook and class notes try making short notes that your mind can easily remember without diluting the message.
Short notes are of great help when you approach the exams, you can easily pass through the notes and recall what you had previously read. This saves time compared to going through the whole notes few days before the exams.
Do away with cramming
There is no way you will party all night and spend most of your daytime relaxing and at the end of it expect to have enough time to prepare for exams. Students especially those in universities and colleges are the ones who become culprits of getting into cramming few days before the exam. If you want to pass your exams do away with cramming.
What is cramming? Cramming is a way of studying for exams where students try to memorize facts at the last minute or few days before exams. They try to retain facts in the mind without fully understanding them. The best ways to prepare for exam is to plan well knowing that time is precious and limited. Plan your days well, in a way that will help you revise for all the subjects. Break down your schedules so that at end you will have revised well to avoid cramming
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Get into group discussions
All students have one clear thing in their mind; exams are on the way. With this in mind then it’s up you to know how best to prepare. Group discussion is one of the best ways to prepare for exams. Get into a group that has one focus; helping each member to attain the best. A good group discussion should have manageable members, a group of 4-6 members is good but more than that it may become unmanageable. Every member should be willing to contribute in the subject that they are strong in. It is not possible to be poor in all subjects, so at the end of it you will gain more from someone in the subject that you are weak in. Every time you share and listen to fellow students explain something it is likely that you will remember.
Be attentive in class
One thing that students should know is that exams preparation starts from the moment you are in class. Every time the teacher is explaining a concept please be attentive. This will ensure that you will easily understand the concept once you review it later. Students who day dream or lacks focus in class may find it difficult understanding the same concept taught in class compared to one who was attentive. An explanation by the teacher is likely to be stated in simpler terms based on several examples, something that you are not likely to find in textbook.
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Analyze and review class notes the same day you write them
As a good exams preparation habit always, review your class notes on a daily basis. Go ahead and analyze them, you can create graphs, experiment, draw charts, draft questions and finally write short notes depending on the subject.
In a situation where you unavoidably miss a lecture ensure you update you note and seek any clarification from your colleagues or from the lecturer.
For subjects that require extra practice look for question at the end of every topic in the text book. Try answering them when the newly learnt concept is still fresh in the mind. This will be very helpful in retaining that idea in the mind and during exam you are likely to remember.
Have enough sleep and time to relax
If you want to pass your exam avoid studying throughout the night. Many students revise all night for their exams, but this is not a prudent thing. Enough sleep is very important even more when you are waiting for your exams. Everyday sleep between 6-8 hours a day, it is the best sleeping hours for a fully grown up person. It improves your concentration during the day.
In a situation you spend your night revising it means that your body will try to compensate for the lost sleep during the day. Recent research studies have established that all night study has a undesirable influence on the memory and sense of thinking. Eventually this may lower your grades. However one the most effective revision style is to study one topic before you sleep.
During the day as you revise for the exams take short breaks in between. The concentration spans for every student vary depending on individuals and age. Understand your concentration span and maximize it before taking a break.
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Have a revision schedule/time table
Every good student should have a revision time table. This will guide you on what subject to tackle when. Allocate more time to the subjects that you are weak in not overlooking the ones you are good at.
Efficient time management
If you want to pass your exams then you must do away with all the time wasters. It could mean letting go of bad habits, friends, too much time on television or movies. This does not mean you fully let go of your social life but plan well so that you have more time for revision especially when the exams are approaching.
Seek for assistance early enough
One the final ways on how to prepare for exams in looking for assistance in subject and concepts you cannot comprehend even after reviewing them severally. You can seek for extra minutes from your teacher to explain something that you have not found answers either in group discussions or in other relevant reading material.
Timing is of great essence when looking for assistance from your teachers. Do not wait until the last minutes when every students is seeking for the teachers attention. You can simply ask the question in the following lesson after the concept was introduced to you by the teacher. In fact this is the best time as the teacher will be able to review the topic well before continuing with the progressive topics. This will also improve your concentration in class.
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Conclusion: Best Method to Study for Exams
In conclusion, studying for exams is a crucial aspect of academic success, and finding the best methods for doing so can make all the difference. There are a variety of techniques that can be utilized, such as Taking short notes, creating a revision schedule/time table , utilizing study groups, taking breaks, and practicing active recall. Ultimately, the key to effective studying lies in finding a strategy that works best for you and sticking with it. By incorporating these methods into your study routine, you’ll be better equipped to retain and recall information during exams, leading to greater academic achievements and success.
Betty is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In addition, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant. She has been teaching and offering part-time accounting services for the last 10 years. She is passionate about education, accounting, writing, and traveling.