By a Bonnie, Advice Columnest
As midterm week quickly approaches, college students are beginning to prepare – and stress – for their exams. Many students, in fact, do not know how to study for their midterms, so here are a few study tips to hopefully boost your grades.
A good first tip would be to form your own study group. Even though meeting as a physical group cannot happen right now, meeting together on Zoom is always possible.
Studying in a group setting allows you to motivate and be motivated. When you are studying by yourself, you are more likely to procrastinate and push off the work for a later time and date. But, with the assistance of others, you will be held accountable for your wavering study habits.
Also, with the helping hand of the group, it is easier to discuss confusing terms and concepts. Now, the group can provide differing explanations that could help you understand the content better.
Another tip would be utilizing the Student Success Center resources. Located on the first floor of Plassmann Hall, they offer free tutoring and academic support services to all students on campus. If a group setting is not the best way for you to work, tutoring can be a great way to get a one-on-one experience.
It is important to understand college courses usually have a one-size-fits-all approach to the class, which does not work for every student. If you are vocal with your concerns about the teaching method, tutors should be able to alter their tutoring style to accommodate your learning needs. This way, you get a second learning system of the content.
Did you know 20 minutes of cardio everyday can help improve your memory?
This takes me to my next tip which is to take a break from studying and exercise. Whether you are going for a walk outside or heading to the Sandra A. & William L. Richter Center for a run on the treadmill, taking a break has been proven to help you remember class material more. Now, you can trim off the extra pandemic weight while also embedding your course review content into your brain.
Moving your study space could be another considerable way to optimize your studying. Rather than sticking to one study spot, change your surroundings occasionally. Studying in one spot all the time can get boring, which makes you more prone to distractions like picking up your phone and going on Twitter. Instead, study in your room for a bit, then study outside a while, then go to the library to finish up. A change in location can help you remember material and while you are switching surroundings, it gives you a small, much-needed break from studying.
Following these tips, among others that may work for you, is a surefire way to get a good grade on your midterms. Do not worry or stress – you are a Bonnie and you know what you are doing.
