Tips for Last Minute Study

FIND OUT FAST: Be very clear what you need to
learn and what will be tested. It is impossible to start your study
until you are sure what you have to know. Find out as much as you
can too about the exam format and the style of questions. Don’t be
afraid to ask your teacher. For each subject write a list of
exactly what topics and areas you need to review.GATHER
MATERIALS: Do you have notes, materials, textbooks on
everything you need to learn? If not, is there a friend who will
let you photocopy the work you have misplaced? Is there an online
portal where material from classes is stored? Can you borrow from
the library additional books or textbooks on the topics you need to
learn? Are past examination papers available?MAKE A
PLAN: You only have limited time left so you need to
make the most of it. Draw up a grid that shows how much time you
have left before your exams to study. Decide if you will spend
equal time on each subject or if certain subjects need more time.
Allocate subjects to the timeslots you have then decide exactly
what you will do to prepare for each subject. For each subject make
a list of what sort of study you should do to prepare for that
subject. Brainstorm your ideas on how to prepare, ask your parents
and teachers for feedback and share ideas with your
friends.CREATE STUDY NOTES: Target your notes
to what will be tested. It is best for learning and memory to make
your study notes yourself, but if you have run out of time there
are options. See if any of your class materials or textbooks have
summarised the sections you need, see if there are study guides
available in the library on the topics to learn or make targeted
notes yourself on the key areas you have to memorise. You could
also see if there is a friend where you could split the topics
between yourself and share the notes you make. Don’t spend too long
on this stage, it needs to be completed as quickly as
possible.STUDY! What does study actually
mean? It means memorising the material you need to know so you can
recall it in the exams, and practising the skills of the subject so
you know how to do the types of questions you will have in the
exam. To memorise your notes you need to test yourself over and
over on them. You could read a section, see what you can write down
without looking then check. Then review the things you didn’t know
again. Or you could do the same approach reading things out loud
then seeing what you can repeat out loud. Doing questions, practise
essays, past exam questions will also help you understand what you
know, and what you need to spend more time on.

The key is to get started. No more procrastination, no more
excuses. Start today!