Students employ different studying techniques to prepare for final exams
January 17, 2012 • By Josleen Omani, Staff Reporter
Filed under News, Top Stories
As the semester comes to an end and final exams take place, it is normal for students to feel anxious and stressed, especially when the pressure is on to do well.
Some students can manage to deal well with the tension by preparing for the tests in advance, scheduling their time and organizing themselves, whereas others can let the angst get the best of them by being overly concerned when faced with taking an exam.
Of course, preparation for such exams is a tedious process and a challenge because students must devote their time and energy.
Some students, however, may decide to review their information only on the night before the big day. This could be a grave mistake.
A good technique that can be used to prepare for final exams is making a plan that includes a timetable. Making practice tests and flashcards, and reviewing previous quizzes and tests, are strongly encouraged to help students overcome the anxiety of a test.
Sata Dennis, a junior here at Pencader Charter High School, shared her method of preparing for her exams.
“I usually try and schedule my time in order to get enough time to review my notes,” said Dennis. “I also love to use note cards because I can carry them with me and study on the go. I could be in the car or school bus, waiting on a long line, or even be at a friend’s house and I could ask them to quiz me.”
As much as Dennis’s technique is helpful, it may not be as advantageous to others. Lenny Williams, a senior, uses a different method.
“During the final exams, I have to make sure that I look back at what I don’t know,” said Williams. “I do this by simply just locking myself in the room for a couple of hours and blasting my music really loud. The loud background music puts me in a zone that usually keeps me focused. It may seem weird but hey, it works for me.”
Regardless of how one studies for final exams, what matters the most is how much effort the student puts in because it never fails to pay off at the end.
There are students who can study adequately when alone, but sometimes working with others can be a better option and can be very effective as well. In the classroom, many teachers prepare students for the final exam by playing educational games such as Jeopardy and Bingo.
“I think I process more information when working with a group of people,” said sophomore Emmbra Nkansah. “I like to have a study partner because it gives me the motivation to stay focused, because we’re all trying to earn a good grade.”
Working in pairs is common for middle school students, high school students, and even college students.
“I would not mind studying with eight other people,” added Nkansah, “but knowing myself, having one study partner keeps me on task and less distracted.”
Ever since elementary school, it was preached over and over again that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Sadly, this is what students tend to forget to do while faced with the final exams.
Rather than having a good night of sleep and a good meal in the morning, students spend every last minute memorizing information, and they forget to care for diet.
“I always make sure I have plenty of sleep the night before the exams and a proper meal in the morning,” said senior Kayla Davis. “I know the importance of having a good meal and getting enough sleep because I will stay refreshed and it will keep me alert throughout the test.”
Final exams are a big stepping stone for all students, no matter their grade level. It is important that students take into consideration the helpful tips mentioned by other students, but in the end they must do what works for them.
Though everyone may study differently, there is one fact that everyone can probably agree on: the more a student prepares for a final exam, the less stress there will be at test time.
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