Letter from the Superintendent

How to Study

 Studying for tests can be daunting - especially because sometimes you don't know *how* to study. It is important to figure out what study strategies work best for you. And there are many! One lesson I have learned (from both experience and from the other students) is that just reading your notes is NOT studying.You really need to be doing something in order to effectively study for exams. And yes, I am aware that for some of you and for some classes reading through your notes may be enough. However, as you sit there reading your notes it is common for your mind to wander. Then, as you are taking the test, you realize that all of the information you thought you knew was actually just familiar. 

 So, perhaps in addition to reading through your notes, you could try some other ideas. Her are some examples, but again, it is about finding a strategy that will work for you. Remember, this will be different for each student. Typically, it is also be different for each subject area. What works for math might not work for history. This is why it is important to have multiple strategies!

• Re-write or type your notes, instead of just reading them.

•  Make flashcards and review the content. Quizlet is a great flashcard website. You can even search by your teacher's name to study flashcards your peers have already made! 

• Have someone else question you from your notes, study guide, text book, or homework assignments.

• Make your own practice tests. (Maybe even a parent of friend could make one for you)! You can use homework questions, sample problems from your notes, or questions from your book or tests and put them together into one test just like your teacher would do. Give yourself a day or two away from looking at it (or at least a few hours of working on a different subject) and then go back and put yourself into a similar test environment and take the test. Practice going straight through the whole test without a break, without distractions, and without stopping to look at your notes or book, just as you will have to do in the actual exam. When you have completed the test, check your answers and see how you did. You can then identify areas where you need more practice and review. It may also help identify concepts that you need to seek help from your teachers or reliable peers on to help make sure you better understand the material. 

• Take the practice tests and quizzes on ConnectED

• Spending time reviewing old homework assignments and worksheets, and working through the study guides your teachers provided (if they gave you one) is also an effective strategy. This is especially helpful for math. If you only had to do the even questions, go back and do the odd. 

• It can be very helpful to enhance your notes by adding extra information, such as what you have learned in the textbook or on other assignment sheets. 

•  Create a map or a picture to help illustrate how all the points are connected and what areas are different or unique.

• Another helpful strategy is to teach someone else. Sometimes this involves teaching a fellow student who is struggling to grasp the concepts, but it can just as easily be your parent, siblings, or a grandparent. By having to explain the information you know, you are reinforcing the concepts in your own mind and seeking useful ways to help someone else understand the information and why it is important.

• Try to recall as much information from memory as possible. So, think back on the class and try to remember all of the key points an pieces of information that you think you are going to have to know for the test and write them all down. Then compare that list to what you are actually responsible for knowing. What information did you forget about completely? What areas were you unable to recall enough details? briefly review that information and then move on to studying for another subject. Later, come back and try to recall everything that you will need to know again. Were you able to do better this time? This strategy is effective because it forces you to figure out what you can remember at a certain time - just like you will have to do on the test. 

• Our history teachers advise students to study by "telling the story." Really, that is all history is, a story. Review your notes or the text book, then without looking, tell someone the story. 

• And last, but certainly not least, take advantage of the opportunity to seek extra help from your teachers. Some teachers will meet with students individually or in small groups to answer questions. Some teachers are available in the homework room or during their planning period. Consider emailing your teachers to help clarify questions you might have. Remember, they know what is on the test (they created it!) and so they are your best resources for help. However, the work must be done by YOU to make certain that you truly know the concepts being covered in class.

Good luck and happy studying!