How do you study?

[SplshMtnLvr28]

I have a big test coming up next week. My teacher gave me a list of all the vocab and concepts I need to know, but I have no idea how to study for it. When I've studied in the past I just look in the glossary in the back of the book for 10 minutes the night before the test, but I haven't been doing so well in this subject, and with semester finals getting closer and closer, I'd like to actually remember what i've learned! (if that makes any sense lmao).

So, when you study/studied, what methods do you use? Thanks so much!

 

[dmslush]

Let's say that you have 4 days to study for the test and have 100 vocabulary words that you need to know for the test. Split the words into 4 even groups.
(and a lot of this depends on how difficult the words are, and it also depends on how much you want to study.. how important the test is to you)

Day one, spend an hour going over the first 25 words until you can recite them.

Day two, spend about 10 minutes just reviewing the words that you learned the night before, then move on to your new set of 25, and spend an hour learning them.

Day three, spent about 15 minutes reviewing the 50 words that you already know, and then an hour learning the next batch of 25.

Day four, spend about 25 minutes reviewing the words that you already know, and then an hour learning the last 25 words.

Now, you should know the vocabulary inside and out and ace the test.

 

[monarchsfan16]

For the vocabulary, at least, make flash cards. Study them backwards and forwards, so that you can recite the definition by looking at the word, and also state the word by looking at the definitions
For the concepts, take that list of concepts and choose one at a time. Just write. Write what you think it is without looking at anything. Once you can't write anything more look up that concept and write down the correct answer. This should be done after reading the information a couple of times

 

[wdwgirl03]

For the vocabulary, at least, make flash cards. Study them backwards and forwards, so that you can recite the definition by looking at the word, and also state the word by looking at the definitions
For the concepts, take that list of concepts and choose one at a time. Just write. Write what you think it is without looking at anything. Once you can't write anything more look up that concept and write down the correct answer. This should be done after reading the information a couple of times

I agree with making flashcards. I've done this for several classes and it always helps, especially with vocabulary.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

I write EVERYTHING down.
Writing it all down helps me remember it ten times better so I make a huge study guide. If it's a class like science that has images i put them in the study guide next to the explanation of what is in them so I have it all in front of me.

Flashcards work somewhat well for vocab too.

 

[SillyMe]

Another vote for flash cards! I just finished my realtor course and couldn't have done it without flash cards. I'm another one who has to write things down to absorb them. I write them, re-write them, highlight the key words, then study them. Time consuming, but it works.

 

[SplshMtnLvr28]

Wowzas, I better get started on flash cards then. Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[Robinrs]

I use association to remember just about anything and have taught it to my son who is now in the 7th grade. I've been out of school for DECADES but I still use it to help me through.

For instance, the word separate. I used to always spell it "seperate" until I realized that when you separate something, it can be come a PAIR. sePARate. The A stays in my mind.

Meanings of words are usually based on prefixes and suffixes. If you study the meanings of the pre and suffixes you will always understand the meaning of a word. This is why some spelling bee contestants ask for the definition of a word before spelling it.

Remember, the most important thing is to make sure that the words and meanings leave your SHORT TERM memory and enter your LONG TERM memory. Several different methods work in that regard, singing and association both work to put these things in your mind for a longer time. Remember the Alphabet song? Most children learned it because it was set to music. Sounds silly but it was how I made it thru two degrees!! Singing a theorem WORKS!!

Hope that helps!!

 

[SplshMtnLvr28]

I use association to remember just about anything and have taught it to my son who is now in the 7th grade. I've been out of school for DECADES but I still use it to help me through.

For instance, the word separate. I used to always spell it "seperate" until I realized that when you separate something, it can be come a PAIR. sePARate. The A stays in my mind.

Meanings of words are usually based on prefixes and suffixes. If you study the meanings of the pre and suffixes you will always understand the meaning of a word. This is why some spelling bee contestants ask for the definition of a word before spelling it.

Remember, the most important thing is to make sure that the words and meanings leave your SHORT TERM memory and enter your LONG TERM memory. Several different methods work in that regard, singing and association both work to put these things in your mind for a longer time. Remember the Alphabet song? Most children learned it because it was set to music. Sounds silly but it was how I made it thru two degrees!! Singing a theorem WORKS!!

Hope that helps!!

I agree! I always associate words with vocab... it helps a lot in science classes, but others as well!

 

[All American]

Handel's Water Music and flash cards.

When I was in high school, I heard about a study where students memorized vocabulary to the Water Music and those who didn't. Those who listened to the music did better than those who didn't. The researchers believed it had something to do with the repition of the instruments as they are introduced in the song. So, I gave it a try. I made the flash cards and put on the music. I always did better when I used them both. It may sound silly, but I swear by it.

If anything, the music will calm you down and put you in a better frame of mind to study. In addition take the flash cards everywhere and look at them while in the car, muting commercials, or while walking. Good luck.