work & study
Pencils down Gearing up and cooling down for the first test of the semester. BY JACQUELINE LENART
Butterflies flutter in your stomach each time you think about taking your first exam of the semester. But before your anxiety gets out of control, consider these tips from an upperclassman. Take the reins and ace your exam.
CLASS
Although it probably doesn't have to be said, go to class. Exceptions to the rule exist where not going can still earn you an A, but they aren't the norm. Attending class helps you retain the information and get a better idea of what you'll be tested on. Just because attendance isn't taken doesn't mean you're off the hook. If you
Classes can have their dry moments but make sure that when you leave, you at least understand the purpose of the lecture. "I often suggest to students that right after class they take five minutes to go over their notes and write down main points of the lecture and to fit that into the overall class content," says Johan Feddema, geography associate professor.
naps says Tony Clark, American studies assistant professor. "Take advantage of the opportunity you have to be in school," he says. "You won't be here forever." Listening during class, as surprising as it may seem, can actually help you retain more information.
used in class so that you don't just know their meaning through context clues. Learn the vocabulary of the course, Clark says. "When words are used with which you are not familiar, by all means, write them down."
By Example
Don't just go home with your notes and little or no direction. Ask your professor for a sample test question and an idea of the test's format. Will you have a scantron or will you write essays? Different studying techniques will be most helpful once you know how you'll have to answer the test questions. See if your professor is even willing to provide a study guide or past exams. Why not ask away for all you can get. After all, how can it hurt?
STUDY
Take Note
How well you'll do on your test starts with how well you study. You have your notes, your book, and your most valuable resource - your brain. So put on your thinking cap and pay attention because here are some tips from University of Kansas faculty members.
While it sounds obvious, pay attention to your notes. Many times a test will cover much more from class notes than information from the book. Test yourself before your professor does by writing
down as much as you can about individual topics. Pay attention to the details without overlooking main ideas; it's a careful balance. "Learn specifics and be prepared to use them," says John Hoopes, anthropology associate professor. "Know enough of the detail of your subject matter that you can draw upon specific exam
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jayplay
thursday, september 18, 2003