Outline
Studying for an Exam
Exams are crucial aspect in education since they do not only test what you have learnt but test level of honesty, integrity and your moral growth (Robinson, 2006). They trigger the mind of the candidate forcing them to think. Exams are dreadful considering they can determine your final mark thus being able to plan and prepare for them in advance is crucial. For one to succeed in exams the essential features of successful people have to come into play. According to Costa and Kallick (2008) for one to be successful one has to explore and discover the habits of the mind to build a thoughtful environment assess and report progress of habits of the mind. All these principles apply for one to pass in exams. Studying for exams begin long prior the exams and starts by taking notes so as to remember what you were taught and what you have been reading. Write facts as stated, if you don not understand ask, keep your notes organized ensuring they are legible and easy to review and then take time to understand them. Factors affecting the study for exams can emotional depend on reader’s motivation, environmental depending on lighting and physical arrangement, biological depending on brain capacity, sociological and physiological.
For better performance in exams time has to be managed properly to complete assignments on time and balance between your reading and extracurricular activities while still making exam preparations a priority. Often our success in exam is determined by what we do out of the books degree of motivation, avoiding postponing, improvement of our dietary and sleeping habits as observed by Costa and Kallick (2008). Time management aims at giving benefit and great focus on our work. The basics of time management can be summarized as deciding when, where and what to study which entails a lot of planning and realization of personal strengths and weaknesses. Minimizing impending distracts during your study, sticking to your schedule and stopping once you can not understand. Time management allows you to prepare in advance for exams, avoid cramming and panicking (Jamon, 2008). Make your own timetable since time is limited but if properly managed can bring success.
Studying resources may vary depending on what you are studying and gathering of resources to use to study should be done after realizing what needs to be covered. Resources can be the notes you take in class, use of text books which are in the library or those you have invested in, possible discussions with teachers or classmates. Use of past papers and old assignments which can be exam sources should be revised. Emphasis have been put in the use of current technology such as online journals, articles and text books, information from the media can also be a source to gather knowledge. Free online tests and study guides are available.
People are different in opinions, viewpoint and even taste and so are their learning methods. Some methods will work for others but not for others and so is important to know your individual reading style. Depending on the four distinct learning styles one should know his reading method. In the Visual verbal style the individual benefits from items one can point out and understands via reading notes and textbooks. Such an individual should study in a quiet room to visualize using the mind and the eyes. In the case of the Visual- nonverbal style the individual only learns when information is presented in the visual style. These students benefit a lot via the use of diagrams, maps, videos and charts. Such persons should study quietly via visual aids. The third case is the tactile-kinesthetic individuals are individuals who understands a concept if they take part in it. Such persons are better off reading aloud or using flash cards in their study. The last group is that of auditory group that better understands on hearing. Such individuals should listen to audio tapes, participate in group discussions and then recite the information for them to understand. Playing of music while studying depend on the individual, age and cultural differences since some can do it while to others it is distracting (Kotsopoulou & Hallam, 2010)
Studying in groups can be helpful in understanding concepts and remember them. They help one to get motivated to read and give room for one to ask questions for clarity. It is a strong auditory dimension since you listen to concepts (Bruno and Munoz, 2010). On the other had some group mates may understand better and bring in concepts and clarification you could not figure out on your own. It can help you compare notes for clarity and further reinforces your mastery skills in an enjoyable manner. Groups can be beneficial but can distract your agenda inconveniencing you. Group members can attend unprepared compromising your time and can become a forum for gossip.
Developing good study habits ensures preparedness and success once the exam is tabled as observed by Norris and Hudson (2010) Studies for exams should be given the due seriousness they deserve. Quiet places without distractions such as TV, noise and loud music are preferable. Emphases have to be put on prior preparation to prevent anxiety and give the examinee enough rest. Eating of fatty foods should be discouraged during study since it enhances sleep. Read in well lighted rooms. Avoiding being pessimistic and comparing yourself with others, rewrite your notes while revising and use mnemonics to memorize concepts, keep healthy and always know your expectations. Finally the decision to do well will come from you so it is mandatory to belief in yourself.
References
Bruno, S., & Munoz, G. (2010). Education and Interactivism: Levels of interaction influencing learning processes. New Ideas in Psychology, 28(3), 365-379. doi:10.1016/j.newideapsych.2009.09.011.
Costa, A. & Kallick, B. (2008). Learning and leading with habits of mind [electronic resource]: 16 essential characteristics for success. Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum.
Jarmon, A. (2008). Start your exam studying early for greater success. Student Lawyer, 36(5), 14,16. Retrieved August 23, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID:1413447281).
Kotsopoulou, A., & Hallam, S. (2010). The perceived impact of playing music while studying: age and cultural differences. Educational Studies (03055698), 36(4), 431-440. doi:10.1080/03055690903424774.
Nonis, S., & Hudson, G. (2010). Performance of College Students: Impact of Study Time and Study Habits. Journal of Education for Business, 85(4), 229-238. Retrieved August 23, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 2114777111).
Robson, S. (2006). Developing thinking and understanding in young children [electronic resource] : an introduction for students. London ; New York : Routledge.