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Managing study: Exams

Tips on how to study smarter, not harder, based on research and experience

How to revise and prepare confidently for different types of exams and tests...

How to revise

Why is revision important?

Revision helps you remember what you are learning in your course. The secret to effective revision is doing a little revision often. On the Ebbinghaus (1964) Forgetting Curve below the white line shows how easily the brain forgets information. Just one day after a lesson most people will have forgotten more than 50% of what was covered and a month later will remember less than 5%. 

                                         

Note. The forgetting curve (Mindtools, n.d., What is the forgetting curve? section)

However, regular revision throughout the term will help you prepare confidently for exams and assignments. It will improve your grades and make exam preparation easier. The graph below shows how you can remember more if you revise for short periods, over time.

                              

Note. Using spaced learning to combat the forgetting curve (Mindtools, n.d., Spaced learning section)

Routine is good for effective revision. Organise yourself well. You could arrive on campus 30 minutes before each class and go to the library to revise the last lesson, or try revising every night after dinner. Variety is important -- Use different active learning strategies like a study group, making a chart -- or asking yourself questions and answering. (See the ideas on the Active learning tab.) Do not merely memorise facts, but be sure you understand the key ideas well enough to explain them.


 How to revise? Keys:  

  • Start early

  • Understand what kind of test questions you are preparing for

  • Make a study plan of time and topics

  • Be productive with your time. Don't copy or reread -- actively learn the new information -- make it your own, in a way that works for you

Preparing for exams

Throughout the term

  • Revise your textbook and notes regularly - the more information you learn during the course, the easier exam study will be.

  • Keep your notes organised and divided by week or topic.

  • Ask questions or do extra reading when you don't understand a topic.

  • Organise a weekly study group with classmates to discuss and better understand the course.

A few weeks before the exam

  • Look at your course outline or ask your tutor what topics are likely to be on the exam.

  • Revise one topic at a time. Make a study timetable and set a time for each topic.

  • Set realistic study goals -- Take breaks

  • Create mind maps or simplified notes for each topic in your own words -- don't just reread your class notes.

  • A key to success is to revise a little each day rather than cramming study into one day on the weekend.

In the week before the exam

  • If possible, do practice tests and revise past questions and answers to best prepare for the format of the exam and type of answers expected.

  • Use flashcards to help memorise key terms and concepts.

  • Review your study notes every day and spend extra time on the hardest topics.

  • Take regular breaks when studying -- this helps to retain information and prevent anxiety

  • Look after your health: eat right, exercise, drink water and get enough sleep.

  • Listen carefully to your tutor's advice.

  • Check the dates, times and locations of your exams.

On the day of the exam

  • Don't do last minute cramming. A fresh mind is important.

  • Arrive relaxed and early for the exam with all the equipment you need.

  • Pay attention to all instructions given on the test paper or by the exam supervisor.

  • Be positive, keep calm and do your best

In the exam or test

In the exam or test

Useful links/resources

Victoria University Hauora series: NZ university students share exam study tips

Leaning module: How to prepare for an exam from Massey University Centre for Teaching and Learning

Study strategies booklet What can I do to prepare for exams? including tips for different types of exam questions from University of Otago Higher Education Development Centre

References

Ebbinghaus, H. (1964). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology. Dover. Reprint edition.

Mindtools. (n.d.). The forgetting curve: Why we forget and what we can do about ithttps://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/forgetting-curve.htm

Image credit: Possessed Photography. (2019, September 8). Rerouting [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/0La7MwJhSyo