Last Minute Study
What do you do if you have left your study until the last minute?
In
an ideal world, it would be great if all students paid attention,
focused and participated in all classes, completed all homework and
assessments thoroughly, asked for help throughout the year on anything
they didn’t understand, made regular summaries of the work covered in
class (preferably at the end of each topic or section) and did their
best to learn as they go throughout the year.
But in reality, this doesn’t always happen for every student and every subject.
So what can you do if you have left your study for tests and exams to the last minute?
5 TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE STUDY
CLARIFY YOUR FOCUS:
Before you dive into your study materials, take a moment to identify
what topics and concepts will be tested. Reach out to your teachers or
classmates if you're unsure about any specifics. Understanding the exam
format and question style will guide your study strategy. Create a
checklist of subjects and topics you need to cover, ensuring you're not
leaving anything out.
GATHER MATERIALS:
Do you have notes, materials, and textbooks on everything you need to
learn? If not, is there a friend who can forward you the resources you
have misplaced? Is there an online portal where material from classes is
stored? Can you borrow from the library additional books or textbooks
on the topics you need to learn? Are past examination papers available?
DRAFT A STUDY PLAN:
You only have limited time left so you need to make the most of it.
Draw up a grid that shows how much time you have left before your exams
to study. Decide if you will spend equal time on each subject or if
certain subjects need more time. Allocate subjects to the timeslots you
have then decide exactly what you will do to prepare for each subject.
For each subject make a list of what sort of study you should do to
prepare for that subject. Brainstorm your ideas on how to prepare, ask
your parents and teachers for feedback, and share ideas with your
friends.
CREATE STUDY NOTES:
Target your notes to what will be tested. It is best for learning and
memory to make your study notes yourself, but if you have run out of
time there are options. See if any of your class materials or textbooks
have summarised the sections you need, see if there are study guides
available in the library on the topics to learn, or make targeted notes
yourself on the key areas you have to memorise. You could also see if
there is a friend where you could split the topics between yourself and
share the notes you make. Don’t spend too long on this stage, it needs
to be completed as quickly as possible.
STUDY!
What does study actually mean? It means memorising the material you
need to know so you can recall it in the exams, and practising the
skills of the subject so you know how to do the types of questions you
will have in the exam. To memorise your notes you need to test yourself
over and over on them. You could read a section, see what you can write
down without looking then check. Then review the things you didn’t know
again. Or you could do the same approach reading things out loud and
then seeing what you can repeat out loud. Doing questions, practise
essays, past exam questions will also help you understand what you know,
and what you need to spend more time on.
Remember,
the key is to get started. Procrastination won't serve you well at this
point. Embrace the challenge, and you'll be surprised at how much you
can accomplish when you're focused and determined. Your ability to
absorb and apply information quickly is stronger than you think.
Parents and students can learn more about study and examination techniques at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.