I am partially thrilled that I have two of my finals this Friday, but mostly I’m entirely stressed that I’m not going to remember everything. My stress isn’t entirely unwarranted, however, I know that I am equipped with the know-how of my most effective studying techniques. If you’re also feeling the pressure of finals week creep up on you, continue reading for my tips on how to effectively study.
> Stay Off the Computer. I’ve learned that even if I take notes in class on my computer, come finals time, my computer possesses the biggest risk of distraction. I print off my notes before I begin reviewing them because this also gives me space (in the margins) to write down bits of information that I may have forgotten in my original notes. Which brings me to my next point…
> Read Your Own Words. Teachers have always told me that rereading the book before big exams is not an effective way to study – and I agree. After much trial and error, I realized that when studying I pay attention most to the words I’ve written myself because I understand how I think, obviously. Also, I find that rereading five, maybe ten chapters in a thick text book drains my energy and focus. That being said, I know that skimming the text book does work for some (Tucker included).
> Recall, Recall, Recall. How many times have you sat down to read something only to not remember a darn thing once you’ve finished? After each section (or for history classes, five-ten years of history), I summarize what I just read. Doing so ensures that you either understood what you just read or can help isolate topics that you need to review again. A trick I use to do this say the words in my head as I’m reading them. While I know this can make the reading process much slower depending on the subject, I’ve found that this technique helps me check instantaneously if I understood what I read.
More Finals Prep 101 posts:
What techniques help you study?
Yes, yes, yes to all of these! My computer is my biggest distraction! Great tips!
Thanks Dana! Happy holidays!
Yes to all of these!
If I have to use the computer, I’ll usually block the internet with an app so that I am not tempted to use it.
xoxo, Jenny
I’ve heard great things about those apps!
I remember studying in college and boy was my computer a big problem! I couldn’t stay off of it!
XoLindsay
Sugar & Something
I know! I learned the hard way that for me it’s safer to completely bypass the computer!
I’m so glad I don’t have FINALS anymore! I could never stay off the computer or stop organizing random things in my room!
Honestly, counting down the days until my last final.
I used to have my best friend change my passwords!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
Hahaha! That’s dedication!
I love that you’re sharing these pieces of advice that are so relevant for finals season! I agree that if you don’t need to study on the computer to just avoid it.
Jadoregrace
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Yes! My computer is my biggest distraction!
Lauren | The Arizona Prepster
I agree! It doesn’t seem to matter what my “main” task is either – always end up distracted somehow
These would have been useful for me when I was in school. I always hated that time of year. Best of luck with your finals!!
Thank you!!
I’m going to need these tips as I prepare for my biggest exam of the semester which is this coming Monday!! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
I’m glad I could help! Good luck on Monday! You’ll nail it!
I found that I retained more when I took notes while I read chapters. It helped for me to go back and connect what was in the book and what was in my lecture notes from class. Great tips! xx Merisa | Monogrammed Magnolias
I totally agree! I’ve gotten to the point where I rarely retain much information unless I take notes!
Taking notes and using those as my study guid was my biggest help during test prep! Great tips!
xo Ashley
Thank you!!
I don’t think I’ve ever reread the book (unless I was skimming for something I missed), rereading your own words is SO much more valuable. I think rewriting your notes is helpful too, and flashcards, I’ve always LOVED flashcards!
I couldn’t agree more! I have no idea how people can dedicate the time to actually reread a textbook…
These are all SO great! I can’t count how many times I’ve sat down to read something and not remembered one word I just read.
Thank you!! Happy holidays!
Staying off the computer is so important! I use a software called self control that blocks sites for me!
Shaguna
I’ve heard of that software! My roommate freshman year loved it!
Good luck on finals!!!! I love all these tips!
Nicole // Chronicling Home
Thank you so much! Happy Holidays!
I never thought of some of these tips! Thanks for sharing.