Studying Skills for Dummies

Are you stressed about the exams? Do you feel that you are not quiet ready to take BIG, LONG tests? Though I had exams throughout middle school and three years of high school, I still feel burden when I am preparing for the exams. But studying for the exam can be easier if you know the "right way" to study.

1. Make Flashcards.

Careless which subject you are studying for, there are lots of information that you are expected to know. Before using flashcards, I thought I could memorize events, dates, and definitions right off from the notes or textbooks; however, when I actually set down to take the test, I could not remember everything that I was suppose to know because I "thought'" I knew the materials instead of actually "knowing" the materials.

The one of the reasons that I did not make flashcards is because I believed it took up too much time just making them. But thanks to technology, you can easily make flashcards online at http://quizlet.com. By using flashcards, it helps you actually memorize and know the terms and materials that are required for test.

2. Seek for Help.

When I first entered high school, I believed asking for help only showed the teachers that I was not ready for the tests. But after actually getting help from my teacher, I realized that seeking help was nothing to be ashamed of since I learned exactly "how" and "what" to study and prepare for the test. So do not be AFRAID of asking questions!

Also I found asking peers, who already took the course, were also helpful since they might have different explanations that you can understand better. So do not be shy or be shamed to ask! Asking for help is beneficial to you and your grades.

3. Turn off Electronics.

Do you tend to listen to music while you are studying? Or do you check your phone to "check the time"? You really should not have anything around you when you are studying since it is distraction!

For example, I use to use my computer when I studied for my exams since I had to ask my friend on Facebook. The next thing I realized is that I was "chatting" and "playing" instead of actually studying for the exam.

The time intervals do not have to be long. Take breaks between to refresh yourself and your brain so that you can learn, understand, and remember better.

4. Make Study Group.

Personally, meeting with study group is time when I get to organize my thoughts and facts. By talking and debating with peers, I learned where I struggled as well as where I do not fully understand. Also drafting study guide as a group will be helpful to you and people in the group so that when you are studying alone. I also think the topics brought up in conversation are the things that people can remember the best during the exam. So make sure people in the group are also dedicated to study so that you can actually learn from the study group.

5. Use Resources.

Like flashcards, use other resources that would help you remember the materials. For instance, timeline is great source when you are studying for the history test because it gives you "big picture" of history so that you can have wide interpretations when studying for the test. You can quickly make you timeline either for free or for feed.

The another great source is making connection between materials to pictures, drawings, or music. I made a random song when I had to memorize both states and capital cities of United States of America. Though it does not have to be professional, the song or picture will stick to your mind easily and quickly than just looking through worksheets or books.

6. REST and RELAX.

Though I personally believe that studying and looking through the notes are helpful, I also believe that relaxing is part of preparing for the test. If you lack sleep, it gets hard for you to concentrate on the test because you are tired from lack of sleep. Even though it may be a short sleep, make sure you get some rest before taking the exam!

I wish you the best luck in you exams:)!