Study
Tips
With the
summer exams drawing near here are a few study tips that are found useful when
preparing for your exams!
Choosing your study space
Study in
an area with no distractions and less likely to have traffic passing through.
For example studying in your bedroom or a room that isn’t regularly used would
be better that using a kitchen or sitting room for your study space.
Organize your study area
Make sure
the area you have chosen has enough space for you to spread out your notes,
past exam papers and textbooks. Ensure that there is sufficient lighting but
not over powering and that you have a comfortable chair as you could be sitting
in it for long periods of time!
From
experience it is best to have your notes written out or printed and turn your
computer or laptop off. Some
people find it easier to study with a neat and tidy study space or some are
more comfortable in a cluttered space, figure out what suits you best to help
you achieve the most from your time studying.
Create a schedule
When
studying it is recommended to create a schedule and try your best to stick to
it. To start look at what dates your exams on and then figure out what order
you would like to study your exam subjects in and how much time you would like
to allocate to each subject. You could also allocate time to study for each
subject based on your confidence of current knowledge of the subject or if an
exam is worth a higher grade than another.
Creating notes/flow-charts/diagrams/mind
maps
Looking
over full subject notes can be overwhelming! Write out what you know and then
see where you have gaps in your information and begin gathering and structuring
that information. Take your subject notes, identified gaps of information and
break then write them down in whatever way you think is best suited to your
information retention – you could use:
- Notes – points
and information written in short hand as a memory aid.
- Flow-charts
– a diagram that shows a sequence of information involved in a topic.
- Diagrams –
a simple drawing showing information in a schematic representation.
- Mind maps –
is a diagram which is used to present information visually, around a topic.
Analyze past exam papers
An
effective way of preparing for your exams is using past exam papers. Analyze
what questions or topics repeatedly come up and how the questions are asked, as
well as breaking down the marking scheme for each question so you can allocate
the appropriate amount of time for the marks awarded.
Analyzing past exam
papers allows you to see the wording that lecturers use for their questions so
you don’t waste time analyzing them in your exams.
*Ensure
that you check with your lecturer if the same structure is being used for your
exams as previous years and that it isn’t a different lecturer writing the
paper.
T/Preach others
Use family
members, friends or other halves as study aids! Give them sample questions to
ask you and your notes to ensure you are giving them the right information
back! By explain an answer to them it allows you to produce the information in
the right order and in a way that makes sense to others. This method also shows
areas that may need more attention and focus during your study time.
Saying
information out loud means you’re absorbing it in two ways – by seeing it and
hearing it!
Take breaks
Taking breaks
during study sessions aids your brain in retaining information more effectively
and can also help improve your concentration and motivation during study.
Follow these simple steps during your study sessions to make them more
effective:
- Take a
break every 35-40 minutes
- Allocate
the amount of time for your break (10 minutes is ideal)
- Change
your scenery when on your break
- Use
physical activity in your break – stretch, walk etc.
- Know your
procrastination habits – for example avoid social media till you are finished
studying as you could let time slip by.
Nourish & hydrate your brain and
body
Though it
is best to nourish your brain and body with food this doesn’t mean any food.
Avoid foods that have a high sugar content as your body and brain will crash an
hour later! In take foods that have been proven to aid concentration and memory
when studying, foods that are high in omegas such as oily fish, nuts and seeds.
Eggs, vegetables and fruit are also good foods to intake during study and exam
time.
On exam
day make sure to have a good meal before your exam of foods that slowly release
energy, in the morning you could have porridge or the afternoon you could have
pasta or rice, once again make sure to avoid sugar!
It is
vital during your study time and that during your exams that you stay well
hydrated by drinking plenty of water so that the brain functions to the best of
its ability. Some people drink coffee as a way of hydration and to keep more
alert, however this affect varies between individuals and the amount of
caffeine they intake.
Exam day
Ensure you
are prepared for your exam by of course studying, but also ensuring you have the
day planned out, by:
- Planning your route and travel time
- Checking all the rules
and requirements of the exam
- Location of your exam
- Having all your pens and stationery
prepared for the exam
Relax
You’ve
done all that you can so during your exam there is no need to stress yourself
out, so to stay calm and relaxed you could:
- Practice
positive self-talk - tell yourself
you are prepared and you can do this, banish negative thoughts.
- Don’t worry
about others - don’t look
around and worry what other people are doing, if needed close your eyes for a
few seconds and take some deep breaths.
- Comfortable
clothes - remember your
exam isn’t a fashion show, make sure you wear comfortable clothes on the day.
- Posture - keep your
feet grounded to avoid fidgeting, and ensure your arms and hands are relaxed
and don’t clench your pen. Sit back in your chair and have your shoulders open
to avoid a tense back from hunching over.
Good luck
in all your exams and remember the library is open during exam time
Mon to
Thurs 8:30AM to 8:00PM and Fri 8:30AM to 5:00PM.
