When it comes time to take an exam, many students experience a range of emotions, from fear of a bad grade to panic from procrastinating on study time and test preparation. Experienced teacher Paulette Chaffee says that exams are supposed to challenge students, and the only way to conquer the challenge of an exam is to take advantage of study habits proven to increase test grades. In this article, she breaks down nine effective ways students can prepare for an exam to boost their next test grade:
1. Schedule Study Time in Chunks
Most students will likely retain information better if exam material is studied in chunks rather than crammed the night before a test. As soon as a student receives information on when an exam will be, whether during a class or from a syllabus at the beginning of the year, a student should schedule five to nine one-hour study sessions multiple days before test day.
2. Review Notes
Good note-taking in class can lead to productive study sessions when reviewing notes. Having detailed notes on topics sets students up for success in working through concepts. In addition, reviewing notes ahead of time can help students feel more at ease the night before a test. Rather than trying to read through all notes the night before a test, a student will know what sections and topics were harder to grasp during study preparation and focus on just reviewing those concepts.
3. Actively Learn Material
Passive learning strategies can cause students to lose focus and struggle to retain information. However, active learning, which involves actively engaging with the material and making decisions, is a key component of effective studying. By embracing active learning techniques, students can significantly improve their ability to absorb, understand, and retain information.
4. Eliminate Distractions
A cell phone can be a major distraction when trying to study, making it difficult to focus and make the most of your study time. To combat this, it’s important to eliminate distractions by turning off your phone or putting it in a different room. These simple steps can help you stay focused and make the most of your study time.
5. Create Accountability
Study buddies can make all the difference for students who might not have the self-discipline to sit down and study alone. In addition, a reliable and focused study partner or group can keep students accountable to a schedule.
6. Designate a Study Space
Creating a comfortable and distraction-free study space is essential to maximizing productivity while studying. It is important to find what works best for you, whether it be classical music or a designated desk. Having an environment that fosters productivity can make all the difference in achieving your study goals.
7. Explain Answers Out Loud
While some students thrive using flow charts and diagrams to understand information, many find it beneficial to explain concepts and answers out loud to another individual. In addition, explaining exam topics to someone else allows a student to actively engage with the material they are studying, ultimately helping the brain to clear up any misunderstandings.
8. Fuel the Brain
Giving the brain the right fuel is just as important as scheduling study time to retain information. Brain food, such as yogurt, seeds, berries, nuts, and fish, can impact energy and focus levels as well as memory and concentration.
9. Hydrate
The brain works best when the body is hydrated, so students should drink plenty of water to prepare for studying and exam day.
About Paulette Chaffee
Paulette Chaffee is a teacher, speech therapist, and attorney deeply involved in the Fullerton community. As an educator and member of various non-profit boards, her focus has always been on providing children with the highest quality education. Ms. Chaffee holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Redlands, a California Lifetime Teaching Credential, and is admitted to the California Bar.
