Sometimes I only study with some review materials that my proffesor gives me. I convince myself that everything I need to know is right there in a review sheet and if I know that i'll ace the test. Then when the test comes around, I recognize information and know that I have learned it, but I don't know the answer because it wasn't on the review sheet. Does this sound familiar to you? If so, I think I have a solution that can help. It is anticipating test questions.
Anticipating test questions is exactly what it sounds like. You should use all class materials (notes from class, syllabus, previous tests or quizzes, and other materials given to you ) to make test questions. These questions should be what you think the teacher will be asking you. After creating these questions it is now time to find an answer to them, and then this should turn into a very helpful study guide. It is also good before the test to show the teacher your "anticipated questions" and see what he or she thinks. If you cover all you material and do this correctly, theres a chance you can see many of the same questions on the real test that you see on your study guide! Imagine walking into an exam and seeing questions that you wrote for yourself before hand and already know the answer too. How awesome would that be?
I personally am going to use this strategy for my midterm in economics. As i previously mentioned, I am going to use previous quizzes, the syllabus, notes from lecture, and even home works to create my test questions. In regards to LAME, i am considered a reading/writing learner, so this strategy is definitely good for me. The materials I review to make my questions is how I am recommended to learn, reading handouts and notes. I hope everyone tries this strategy, as I predict that it will be an extremely effective way to prepare for tests.
I can realte to your example about thinking that you know the study sheet then realizing you don't during the exam. It actually happens to me often. I would have loved to hear a little more about how this method helped you and some more details about your specific use of these questions, but it looks good!
ReplyDeleteI am in econ also and I plan on using this method for the midterm as well. There are a lot of notes and info for this midterm so I think this is the best way for both of us to make sure we study and know everything.
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