There are tested methods for studying for final exams but getting them to work takes effort. From having thorough study material to committing time to studying, students know the basics. Putting in the work is important, but sometimes people don’t know how.
Understanding the basics is only part of the process. Once that step is done, learning the details and resolving to work make good studying successful.
Lauren Linder, an employee of the STAR Institute, says that students should “talk to the teachers first” to learn more about their final exams. A professor’s final exam may differ in content or format from other exams throughout the semester, so knowing the specifics of a final exam can be instrumental in how to study for it.
One effective method is good notetaking throughout the semester, along with reviewing the notes along the way. Developing a practice prevents last-minute rushing, and it instills the learned material naturally. This can not only be helpful to studying, but it can keep students healthy as well. As Linder says, “getting sleep is more important than cramming the whole night.”
Paying careful attention during classes helps students learn better from professors. Finding a balance between notetaking and following the professor is essential, even though this balance is different for each student.
Approaches such as these can improve study habits, but people have developed others also. Linder says that students should focus on areas where they are weaker and commit more time and effort on those areas.
Employees of the college have their own advice as well, including Sara Gattis, library circulation clerk at the Huntsville campus, who says “don’t procrastinate. That would be my number one piece of advice.”
Janet Reyes, Instructional Designer for Distance Learning, has her advice for distance learning courses: “reach out to your instructor to get the information you need.” This can be important especially for distance learning courses, where students don’t always meet with their professors.