Examinations and tests are required to check how well a person has learned a particular thing. And like so many, I have taken a whole lot of those and still am.
Everyone has methods peculiar to them when it comes to revision and exam/test preparation. Some study, some read, some belong with the la-cram-la-pour team and/or a host of other techniques they adopt. Whatever method a person uses, their aim is that they're able to ace the examination. I hadn't exactly given too much thought to what my method is until this selection. Not like I figured any pathways but then, some are always recurrent and I'll share.
Start early
In preparing for an examination, the first and most important thing to me is that I start early. Early in the sense that, whatever I learn, I study at the end of the day. Having to prepare when a date has only recently been fixed could be quite taxing on me. So, the first step is that I study everyday. I may not understand everything entirely but as I progress, I'll realize that I have picked on a few things.
Next is my study space.
I dislike noise and any form of human presence while studying so I stay in a noiseless and empty environ.
Coming to the realization of what works for me, I'd rather study from the late hours of the night to the early hours of the morning than during the day as the whole place will be very calm. Also, I make sure my worktable is not a mess. Disorganization gets me fidgety.
Eliminate distractions
Distraction could take the form of human presence, my gadgets, or whatever. Rarely do I even have a reason to be distracted but then, it is imperative that i do not take chances.
Revision schedule/timetable
I always do this. I make a list of to-reads for a particular day and beside each one, I put a time frame.
As concerning the study goals, let's assume I have made a schedule/timetable to study physics and English, first, I bring together all of the books and materials I'll be needing only(I don't want to have to move about). I try not to go overboard with the books so I don't get dizzy.
Then, in my timetable, I could go;
Physics textbook 1 : chapter 3
Physics textbook 2 : chapter 3
Physics past question : year 1- year 4.
Use of English: chapter 1 -3
...and so on.
Revise using past questions.
This for me is done in between reading different subjects or textbooks. Past questions are there to help us study better, have a feel of what questions are to come and also to test our preparedness. So, I use them. This is the only study material I can manage to handle in a not-so-quiet environment as the mental task is not too taxing. I can do a few past-years on each subject, mark them myself, and make/take corrections.
Note taking
This is an important part of my study. An old habit. While a friend of mine argued that this makes him concentrate on specific things rather than the larger picture, I disagreed. It depends on what he pens down and anyways,that's what works for him. From all of my previous studies, I have a notebook that contains comprehensive and every essential detail. Did that with physics and biology back in the day. Couldn't go through with chemistry. But then, jotting makes assimilation easier. Other than the fact that I could go through it quickly, writing makes understanding easier for me.
Balance study materials.
I try to not study too almost complex subjects in one day. Let's say I have to deal with Chemistry and Physics, I could choose to work on physics problems during the day and then read theory part of chemistry. Maybe, do the reverse the next day.
Take a break
I take less study breaks at night than during the day. When assimilation becomes difficult, I pick up a novel to read or pace about or just do anything that comes to mind. I do not force study at such times as it is unhealthy.
Also and finally, I do not read a day before the exam. If I've had to prepare for so long, why fret? Although this is a recent habit for me yet, I can tell that it works well. I just chill and take my mind off the examination to come.
I would have given a lot more and maybe delved into the area of my never-dos but that not the question.
That being said, there,you have it.
Thanks for gracing this post.
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