Study Skillssession #2

Preparing for

Tests

There are many ways to prepare for tests, quizzes, exams, etc.

I recommend using three steps:

1. Organize

2. Get Creative

3. Seek Other Sources

1. ORGANIZEYou should have information

collected or saved such as: notes from text book or class, homework assignments, hand-outs, etc.First: READ THROUGH THIS

INFORMATION

*Highlight important key terms, themes, events, concepts-anything repeated multiple times or focused

on in class.

1. ORGANIZE (continued…)

Next: TAKE THIS INFO AND CONDENSE IT.

*Discard what you do not need*Organize into binder or folder by

subject, date, etc.*Rewrite key terms and definitions onto

1-3 separate pages*Do the same with concepts or events“WHY?”

Having everything condensed and organized will make studying and locating info much easier!

Also, reviewing and rewriting while organizing & condensing is a form of studying in itself!!

2. GET CREATIVE!When I ask girls how they study, most of them tell me

that they simply re-read the book. If this does not work for you, try some other methods!!

First: FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

*Everyone has different styles of learning and understanding, so what works for

your friend, may not work for you.

*You may need to study differently for each class, again, depending on what

works for you.

2. GET CREATIVE! (Continued…)

Next: MAKE STUDYING FUN!

*Find ways to make studying not only as effective, but also as enjoyable as possible!

“WHY?”Studying will be a major part of your life for the

next 4+ years, depending on your post-high school plans, so you might as well

try to make it fun!

Need ideas?? Check out the next slide few slides!

2. GET CREATIVE! (Continued…)

• Make Flash Cards (term on one side and definition or explanation on the other) or Visualization Cards (same concept, but with pictures and color)!

• Ask your teacher for or create practice tests!-get together with a friend or group and test each other

• Swap notes with a friend!• Create Mind Maps or Timelines!• Create Acronyms to remember lists or a sequence of

information!• Make up songs, poems, or raps to memorize info!• Search for websites with study guides, lessons, or

practice quizzes

3. SEEK OTHER SOURCES

*See your teachers!-they are the creators of your tests, so they are the most valuable resource out there!

• Ask questions:-What is the test format? (If it is multiple choice, practice multiple choice. If it is essay, study accordingly.)

-What material will be covered? (Is your test on certain chapters or units, or is it cumulative?)

-Do you have study suggestions? (Tell your teacher what you’ve tried already, and ask for help!)

3. SEEK OTHER SOURCES (Continued…)

*Work with friends!-I am a huge advocate of studying with others-it is one more way to make test prep a bit more fun!

• Work together:–Quiz each other, have discussions about the

material, re-teach it to each other (The more ways that you can experience information, the easier it will be to remember it!)

•Be picky:- Be thoughtful about who you study with. (A good friend does not necessarily make a good study partner!)

3. SEEK OTHER SOURCES (Continued…)

*Ask for help!-You have so many resources at Mercy!

• NHS Tutoring:–Wednesdays, after school, in Room N12 (Bring

your notes, study guides, etc. and have an upperclasswoman help you study!)

•See your Counselor:-If you know you want to try some of these study methods, but aren’t sure where to start, see me!! (That’s what I’m here for!)

Thank you!

And Good Luck!!!!Your Counselor,

Mrs. Brown