For many, studying is a chore they’d rather put off till later. Which means the amount of work builds up, until it all has to be crammed into the last minute. Here’s a checklist of study tips to help avoid the rush, and study more effectively.
Follow a study system such as ASPIRE: A: Approach your studies with a positive attitude S: Survey the material to get an overview of the task P: Piece it together I: Inquire if you need more information R: Relay your understanding in an interesting way E: Evaluate your response If you feel nervous before an exam, you’re not alone. Most of us have anxious thoughts - ‘have I done enough revision?’, ‘will I be able to answer all the questions?’ In some ways, a little anxiety is a good thing - it helps to focus the mind and get the adrenaline going. Too much, though, is not so good. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple things you can do to control your exam anxiety, and reduce the stress. Before the exam A healthy body means a healthy mind. Although study may be taking up time you would otherwise use for relaxation, it’s important to eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Try some of the following tips:
During the exam Once you’re in the exam room:
After the exam First of all, it’s really important to stay positive. Don’t reflect back on where you had issues, think of where you didn't. And while it may be tempting to talk to other candidates about how they went, this can make you more anxious. You should also give yourself time to recover. An exam can take a lot of concentration, so allow yourself a ‘cooling off’ period to relax once more. Finally, remember that exams are not designed to make people fail. They are simply a standardized way of finding out what you do, and don’t, know. Good luck! There’s so much information to take in when you’re at College or university. How can you possibly remember it all? You need to take in as much as possible if you’re going to succeed. And there are some simple techniques for doing so. The brain is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it is. And just like exercise, there are some techniques and skills that you can teach yourself to help you remember things. Try these next time you’re in a lecture or class, as a way of making the information easier to learn: Write down The process of writing something down forces you to concentrate. When we concentrate, we are more open to taking things in. When writing notes, give as much contextual information as you can - such as the day, the weather, the location. Get healthy A healthy body means a healthy mind. Exercise, regular sleep patterns and good food will all ensure the brain is rested and fuelled, and better able to operate. Send it to yourself If you find yourself forgetting things, try emailing or texting yourself as a reminder later. It’ll jog your memory, and give you a written reference. Find your learning style People learn in different ways - some through images, some through sounds, some through having a go, some through touch. Work out your way of learning, and use it as a way to bring the teaching to life. In a lecture, for example, drawing a picture might help. One student found that peeling an orange during the lecture helped by association! Believe in yourself If you keep telling yourself you have a bad memory, then you probably will. Tell yourself you have a fantastic memory, and it may well improve. Repetition Actors learn their lines by repeating the script over and over again. As you hear information, repeat it to yourself. Repeat it straight after the lecture or class. Then again an hour later. Try it the morning after. |
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