While midterms are important, some students may end up
feeling overly anxious about studying for them. Because these exams only cover
half a semester of material, they should be less stressful and require less
work than finals. Plus, you can use certain techniques and shortcuts to make
studying for midterms even easier. Discover some practical ways to get prepared
for these mid-semester exams below.
Systematic
Study Sessions
You can avoid having to cram before midterms by beginning the
study process a few weeks in advance. Work study sessions into your schedule
each week. Not only will this approach alleviate some pressure, but it will
also help you retain and recall information. Plus, you’ll still have time to
work on other assignments, important tasks, and projects. Just remember to make
time for each class.
Regularly
Reviewing Material
Reviewing notes, as well class and textbook material, is a
fail proof way to retain information. For the best results, review important
concepts from this material for just a few minutes each day. You can even
rewrite or tidy up your notes for a simple and effective review. Making sense
of your notes through rewriting them can serve as a reminder of important
information and even help clarify confusing or complex topics. So, when you
read and organize your own notes, you’re inadvertently reviewing the material.
Organizing your notes every week should keep you abreast of
all the concepts that will most likely be covered on the midterm exam. You
should also review material discussed in class and covered in the textbook.
Plus, by connecting this material to your lecture or lecture notes, you’ll
broaden your understanding of certain topics.
Using
Flashcards
Flashcards are one of the most effective study tools used and
beloved by students everywhere. Creating and using flashcards makes studying
easier, quicker, and perhaps even enjoyable. The visual cues and repetition of
flashcards helps you recall information. Moreover, flashcards can be stored and
used for quick reference when needed or reviewed just before the exam. You can
also use flashcards to hold engaging studying sessions in a group, which brings
us to our next tip.
Joining a
Study Group
Study groups or study partners help students to share ideas,
information, perspectives, and resources. Your classmates can clarify confusing
concepts, provide smart study tips, shed light on key information, and keep you
on track and immersed in the material. A study group or partner also alleviates
some of the stress and pressure associated with studying for a big test. You
can review information with your group or partner and quiz each other on key
topics. Study groups are found all over campus or in your apartment community,
especially if you live in one of the most equipped student rentals Waterloo has
to offer, like those provided by King St.
Towers.
Reviewing
Major Concepts
Major concepts or topics are those that include the material
most heavily covered in class, which will therefore make up most of the exam.
Unfortunately, they may also be the most complicated to understand and study.
Thus, you should review these concepts frequently and thoroughly. If a major
concept includes many smaller topics, divide your study time. For example,
study each group of connected topics on different days of the week. Eventually,
you’ll be able to connect all the smaller topics to the larger concept.
Studying sizable concepts in smaller groups is perhaps the
most effective way to retain the material. You can also ask your professors for
guidance or information on which major topics will be covered on the exam. If
you need additional help studying or understand complex topics, consider
visiting your school’s learning centre.