While some students thrive on last-minute cramming for exams, for most this it is not the best way. Information that may be stored in short-term memory will not usually transfer to long-term with this approach. And it is in long-term memory where information is easier to retrieve.
Here are some tips on how to effectively prepare for exams:
1. Don't leave revision until the last minute. Study early and often
2. Give yourself time to prepare. Click on the link for tips on time management:
https://community.holmesglen.edu.au/learningskillscentre/topic/tips-man…
3. Make space in your study area. Is there enough light? Do you have a comfy chair?
4. What to study? Write down the major topics from your course outline. Check old exams.
5. Read through your notes. They are your friends. Be an ‘active’ note-taker (it helps you remember) by reconstructing your notes in a different format such as:
- Creating written summaries for each topic
- Numbering each point to help with recall in the exam.
6. Try using visual aids.
- Use Diagrams.
- Use Colours. They stimulate the memory
- Try using mind-maps. For an example of mind-mapping go to the link below:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative/Mindmap/
7. Are you more of an auditory learner? Then:
- Describe your answers to others – friends, family, study buddies...
- Do you enjoy podcasts? Try making your own by recording your summaries or prepared answers to practice questions. Comprehension improves if you listen and read at the same time. Or you can listen while doing something else like walking, ironing (who irons?) or travelling to college.
8. Create rhymes and mnemonics to assist recall. For example the order of planets: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nuts (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.)
9. Don't forget to take breaks and eat healthy snacks.
10. Contact the Learning Skills Centre for more ideas and support with your studies!
Go to: https://holmesglen.edu.au/Students/Learning-Skills-Centre/