Studying for finals
How do you show off all you’ve learned during the semester? Here some step by step advice.
- Revisit the syllabus. Read the course objectives. This is what your professor wanted you to know by the end of the semester. That’s now. So ask yourself do you understand the course objectives? Can you explain the purpose of the class? This is the big picture. Write your thoughts down.
- Now look at the sources of information for your final. Old exams, old quizzes, professor’s comments on your writings, lecture notes, readings, study guides, power points. Make a final quick look at the course website. Sometimes your professor will post study tools. Make a paper copy of all the information that will be on the final exam. Place it all in a folder. One folder per final.
- Organize all your notes by categories: course objectives, chapters, lecture topics or main concepts. Do you see the connection between your notes and the course objectives?
- Now immerse yourself in the information. Read and ask yourself these questions:
What did I just read?
What does it mean?
Why is it important?
What do I know about this concept?
What do I wonder or not know about this concept?
Re-read and answer your questions.
Read slower to increase comprehension.
Be able to explain concepts in your own words.
Be able to support the concepts with facts and examples.
5. Don’t just read. Say the ideas aloud. Write the ideas in your own words.
6. Attach a visual to each concept.
Repeat.