Taking notes and studying for tests is a big part of college life. Use the following tips to learn about different study techniques so that you can retain more information and ace every exam.
Read Assignments Before Going to Class
Reading assignments before class builds your background for the information that will be presented in class. It helps you be familiar with the vocabulary and the concepts that will be discussed. This is particularly important if you have little or no prior experience with the subject being studied. As you read, look for important points and use a pen to underline them. This helps you be an active reader. If you don't have time to read the whole assignment, then at least try to read the introductory paragraph, the first sentence of each paragraph, and the closing paragraph. This will give you a good overview of the chapter.
Go to Class and Take Notes
Most professors lecture during class periods, emphasizing the points they want you to remember from your reading. When you enter class, get out your notebook, date the page, and prepare to write. Don't stop taking notes until the person quits talking. Pay particular attention to the end of the lecture, as often, the lecturer will cram quite a bit into this part in order to finish up for the day. Remember to use abbreviations, get the details and main ideas, and make those main ideas stand out in some way.
Review Your Notes as Soon as Possible After Class
While the notes are still "fresh" and you are able to decipher them, look over them and make any additions or corrections before the next class. Be sure to make note of any parts you didn't understand or that you didn't get. Then either ask the professor at the beginning of the next class period or get the missing information from a friend in the class.
Strive to Pass Your First Test in Each Class to Help Build Your Self-Confidence
It is very easy to get discouraged when you fail a test, so be sure and strive to pass your first test in each class. The worst way to study for a test is to simply reread the material, because there is no way for you to check yourself to see if you have retained the information. Instead, make up a list of study questions and definitions and practice reciting this information aloud, either to yourself or someone else. Don't wait until the last minute to study - research shows that you retain material better if you distribute the practice - that is, study for short periods over several days rather than for a long period the night before. Of course, you always want to review the night before a test.
There are Strategies to Follow While Taking a Test
Read the directions carefully before you begin. Take a few minutes to look over the test, then answer all the questions you know first. This builds confidence, and helps you to get sure points. Don't leave any blanks; it is better to guess if you don't know. Watch your time - if you are taking an essay test with four questions in a 50 minute class period - you have little over ten minutes to answer each question. Take white-out with you to class to correct mistakes; professors don't like to grade messy work. Take a few minutes at the end of the class to read over your test to be sure you have answered all questions and that your answers make sense.
Online Resources
For more study tips and hints, feel free to follow the following links:
Please note that these links are off-site and are not the responsibility of UALR. UALR does not endorse any of the following organizations and any content they may contain. They have been linked simply because they provide useful information.
About Homework and Study Tips: About.com's handy guide to all kinds of homework and study tips.
Academictips.org Study Skills: This web site contains tips and tricks to help you manage your time, take better notes, study more effectively, improve memory, take tests, and handle the stresses of college life.
How-to-Study.com: Clear information on study skills - preparing to study, developing better reading and listening skills, guidelines for creating flash cards, suggestions for further reading.
Math.com Study Tips: Suggestions and study tips for math courses.
Why the Web?: Provides helpful guidelines for Internet research.