Campus Connection

By Charlene Holler, Academic Specialist, Counseling and Testing Center Now that we can count on one hand the number of class days left in this semester, it is time to resort to very directed measures. I will title this semester’s last installment “How to cram, if you must!" 1. Decide what to learn. Use this rule of thumb: Spend 25 percent of your study time learning new material, and 75 percent of that time drilling yourself on that selected material. 2. Relate information to something you already know. Think of your brain as a giant pegboard and “hook” new information to learned information. These connections will give you more confidence in applying learned information. 3. Recite, recite, recite. This is the test for knowing the information forwards and backwards. You must be active and engaged in the study sessions. Some ways to get involved with the material are by making note cards, drawing diagrams, listing characteristics, reading aloud, attending review sessions, and forming a study group, to name just a few. 4. Get as many perspectives as you can on the most difficult material. These varied viewpoints can come from tutors, classmates, instructors, lab partners, review sessions and possibly even the text. 5. Relax. Crammed material is not learned as well as well rehearsed material. Use relaxation techniques to minimize the chances of freezing up on the exam. These can include deep breathing and thinking positive thoughts. Some recent research has suggested extemporaneously writing before the test is distributed. The study ("Writing about testing worries boosts exam performance in the classroom" by Ramires, G & Beilock, S, Science, Vol. 331, Jan. 14, 2011) had students spend just a few minutes before the exam writing down their frustrations and anxieties. These responses were collected but without names. Just encouraging students to put their worries into words seemed to have a cathartic benefit, helping students think more clearly and calmly during the exam, and performing closer to their actual potential. An unconventional pre-exam tactic, but an easy one to "test out" (pun intended). I hope you have found some helpful study tips in this weekly column. If I can be of any help in later semesters, contact the Counseling and Testing Center for an appointment. Stop by my office in 2106 Centennial Hall or call 785.8073.