Always be polite and don’t blame your teacher for your lack of understanding. Say something like “I don’t feel like I understand the topic, can you recommend some reading I can do to help?” Be sure to show that you are not looking for short-cuts, but that you genuinely want to study and learn. You could say, “I know we have the test coming up and I was hoping you could help me identify which areas I need to work more on?”
Mark down any areas that you have particular trouble with and try to rank them by difficulty. When you go through the notes and books make it an active exercise. Underline, highlight and annotate key passages to make sure you are actively engaging with your notes. Try using sticky notes to take notes and mark important passages in your textbooks. [3] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020. Doing this will help you avoid passively glossing over material. If you don’t take an active approach, there is a danger that what you are reading won’t sink in. [4] X Research source
For example, if you’re in history class and the test will cover “causes of the American Revolution,” ask a family member or friend if you can explain the causes to them. Give the other person your textbook or class notes. When you find a place that you have difficulty explaining, or “teaching,” ask them to make a note of it. Then you will know what you need to study for the test. Talking with someone else about issues you’re having studying can also be very helpful. A fresh perspective may be just what you need to clarify those last few points.
Seeing questions written down on a past test will help to get to grips with the sort of knowledge that the exam is testing. The questions will be different but the past test can help you determine what kind of questions you will be asked. You may be asked general questions which require a broader but less detailed understanding, more specific questions which require fuller understanding of a more limited topic, or both.
By being active you are using the information and material that you are learning more frequently. More frequent use of information will make it easier for you to access it in your memory when the test arrives. Try to spend ten minutes looking over your notes from each class within 24 hours of the class.
You may have to experiment a little to find the right schedule for you. Some people will find they can keep their concentration for longer than others. Try to study for between 40 and 90 minutes at a time before taking a short break of 10 or 15 minutes. Keep the break relatively short so you don’t get completely out of the studying mindset. Having a clear and visual schedule written up will help you keep track of your work and visualise your progress as you can tick off the parts as you do them.
Find the right level of quietness for you. Some people work well with some light background noise, others prefer total silence. Find what works for you. You need good lighting to avoid eye-strain and fatigue. Try to avoid working somewhere with potentially distracting sights and lights. You have to find a place and way to work that is comfortable, but not so comfortable that you lose focus and relax completely. For example, choose a desk chair rather than a recliner. Although it may not come to mind immediately, smells can be distracting so try to steer clear of areas that have strong smells, good or bad. Many people believe they’re good at multitasking, but it’s a myth that you can successfully study and do something else. Find a study space that isn’t blaring a TV or loud music, and stay off of IM and Facebook. Trying to “multitask” will only end up damaging your concentration and making it even harder to understand the material.
It can be helpful to ask your teacher or your classmates for their perspectives on the material. This may help you make links to things you already know. Try searching online. You may find a better example or explanation that “clicks” with you than the one in the textbook. Look at the context of information. If you’re finding it challenging to understand what you’re reading, try looking for contextual clues. Sometimes, this can help you decipher what the text is really getting at. For example, if you’re baffled by a chapter that keeps mentioning “semiotics,” look at the examples given. You might notice a lot of references to signs, symbols, or meanings, which will give you a clue that semiotics is the study of relationships between signs/symbols (such as language) and what they communicate. [11] X Research source
It can be difficult to stick to your schedule so consider asking someone to help you if you find it hard. A gentle reminder that you ought to be studying from parents or siblings can do the job. Having a clear schedule and putting it up in kitchen is one way to make it clear to everyone in the house when you are supposed to be studying.
Don’t forget to have fun with friends and do physical activities to get your blood flowing again after studying. Consider taking a short walk after a revision session, or alternatively relaxing with a nice bath or by watching a good DVD. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
You should bring your own study materials to show that you have been trying and aren’t looking for a quick fix. Showing that you are committed and hard working will encourage the teacher to put in extra time with you to help. Be honest with your teacher when you talk to her. If you are really stressed and anxious, tell her that and she will try to help. [17] X Research source If you struggle to focus in class, see if your teacher would be okay with you recording their classes. That way, you can review the recordings to help you study for your tests. [18] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
Remember that your friend may be very confident, but she is not necessarily right. Be sure to keep referring to course texts and materials in your study sessions. If you find that you just end up chatting with your friends you should rethink whether or not the study group is helping you learn and prepare for the test.
Flash cards are a very effective way to study, and you can ask your parents or sibling to use these to test you on what you have worked on. Sometimes trying to explain something to someone else will help you get it clearer in your own mind, or highlight areas where you are still uncertain.
