With the end of the winter term classes and the start of exams next week, we approached for a few tips to help you manage your studying.
1. Survey 鈥� Know what you鈥檙e looking for!
Before you crack open your book, take a few minutes to read the preface and introduction, and browse through the table of contents and the index. This initial scan will tell you the main topics of the text, the author鈥檚 particular approach to the subject (i.e., why he/she wrote a text on the subject when there are probably 20 others on the market), and what the basic organizational structure will be.
Repeat a similar process before each chapter. Read all the titles and subtitles, and study any pictures, charts, or graphs. If there are any, read the summary at the beginning or end of the chapter and study any questions. This gives you the 鈥渂ig picture鈥� 鈥� a framework of the main ideas that will help to hold the details together later. It鈥檚 almost like warming up a car.
2. Ask questions
Before beginning to read, take the subtitle of the section and turn it into a question. For example, if you鈥檙e reading part of a chapter called, 鈥淔unctions of the Spinal Cord,鈥� ask yourself, 鈥淲hat are the functions of the spinal cord?鈥�
3. Read actively
You then read. Not passively sliding your eyes over the words, but actively engaging in the text and trying to find the answers to your questions. But be careful you don鈥檛 end up skimming for the answer and missing other important information.
4. Respond to your own questions
Once you鈥檝e read the section, close the textbook and answer your question, either orally or on paper, in your own words.
5. Record key concepts
Once you understand the material and can summarize it in your own words, you need to record the information in some way. Colour code, highlight, make markings in the text or take notes. Find the method that works best for you and stick to it. It鈥檚 critical to read and understand the material first, and then go back and record.聽 聽
And remember to review: where there鈥檚 a lot of factual material to remember, a regular review period (usually once a week) can be an incredibly effective strategy for retaining information.
Learn more about Student Academic Success Services 鈥� including its free workshops 鈥� at .
Word on the street
The 麻豆传媒 Student Life Street Team recently stopped students on campus to find out what kinds of unique rituals they do when they're prepping for exams.