Everyone hates sitting for an examination, let alone studying for it. Having said that though, it is mandatory for anyone studying to sit for an exam at some point of study, be it PSLE, JC, BGCSE or tertiary study. Here are some tips that can help you cope during this stressful time, and furthermore make you ace your exams.
1. Test Yourself
Test yourself to see if you understand the material you are studying. If you think you know something, but can’t put it into you own words, you probably don’t know it well enough.Being able to explain something in your own words is the only way to be sure that you really understand it and know it well. It’s also one of the best ways of preventing exam stress.
2. Reciting Aloud
When you are studying read each section three or four times and listen carefully. Pay attention to what you’re saying. You can do so by hiding the page from view, and then recite the main points from memory, then check to see if your recall was accurate.
3. Write Model Answers
First find out what sort of questions to expect in the exam. You may find information about this in the course material and/or on the course page. Once you know what sort of questions to expect, try to predict possible questions.
4. Summarize, Using Key Words
Summarizing reduces the amount of material you have to remember while helping you to learn. Once you’ve studied a section, reduce the main ideas to key words that can be memorised. Rewrite the main idea in your own words; then reduce it so you’re left with a short sentence.
5. Post-its
Use Post-its to help you review and remember important facts or key words. Stick the Post-its up in places where you won’t miss them: next to the bathroom mirror, on the fridge door, next to the coffee mugs, etc. Each time you see a Post-it, briefly review the information.
6. Flashcards
Studying with flashcards is a form of active learning. Using flashcards to revise forces you to think about the material and do something with it rather than just reading it. And this definitely helps you remember what you are studying.
7. Use Your ‘Spare Time’
Carry your cards and study material with you everywhere you go so that you can take advantage of any spare time you may have. Test yourself while you’re waiting in a queue, on the bus or train, getting dressed in the morning, or any odd moment you can think of. You’ll be amazed at how much ‘extra’ study time you have and how much more you remember!
8. Study With A Friend
Teaming up with a friend, fellow student or study group has many advantages. You are able to help one another with difficult concepts and motivate each other. Study buddies can also quiz one another by each one drawing up a list of questions to ask their study buddy
9. Distillation And Re-creation
First ‘distil’ the material by reducing it to manageable chunks, then you identify the key words. Underline or highlight them. Then re-create the information by re-telling it in a different way (paraphrasing it) and summarizing it, using your own words.
10. Have Time For Recreation
Have time for fun, because you do not want to make studying monotonous. Give yourself breaks to relax your mind.
