You are determined to study ahead of time to take the exam. As it turns out, other activities are so time-consuming that you can only study the night before the test. Instead of being confused and worried, take the following steps to make sure you're still able to get good grades. This article explains how to study quickly and easily using a variety of tools so you can stay focused and ready to take the exam. Also, you need to prepare in the evening so that you can answer questions calmly and confidently the next day.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making a Plan to Study the Night Before the Exam
Step 1. Focus on material that is difficult to understand
Maybe you didn't have time to thoroughly study the exam material or notes due to time constraints. However, you should read all the material that has been explained to determine which topics are not understood or are difficult to memorize. That way, you can focus on studying the material to be better prepared to take the exam.
- Do the practice questions and then write down the questions you didn't get the right answer or that you scored low on. Focus on studying the various information surrounding the question so that you understand all the material that will be tested.
- For example: if you have trouble remembering the dates of historical events while studying social studies, prioritize memorizing the dates and remembering them so that you can answer correctly if this is asked in an exam.
Step 2. Make a “donkey bridge”
In order to learn quickly and usefully, build a “donkey bridge”, which is a learning tool that helps you remember the relationships and connections between concepts or terms. This tool is very useful when you need to sort through material to make it easier to memorize and recall during the exam. The “donkey bridge” can be made on paper or using a computer program.
For example: when studying biochemistry, write the topic to be tested in the center of the paper, for example: “enzymes” and circle it. Then, open the notebook as a source of information to add some terms related to "enzyme" around the circle. Also circle each term and then draw a line to connect each term circle to the “enzyme” circle
Step 3. Use note cards
If study time is very limited, one of the learning tools that have proven to be very useful is notes in the form of cards. Use colorful cards to jot down various words or phrases to learn. The results showed that card containing notes could help improve brain function in memorizing information and improve visual learning abilities.
For example: write on a card some of the words to be tested and then write the definition of each word on the back page. Then, do a test by testing yourself or have someone ask for the definition of the word written on the card to make sure you know the correct definition
Step 4. Use audio or visual means
If the study time is very short, use audio or visual media while studying, especially if you are a visual or audio learner. These tools help you memorize information faster and more effectively than reading.
- Study while listening to a voice recording of you reading definitions or terms from a textbook, the voice of a teacher explaining the subject matter, or recording information from a recording to make it easier to remember.
- Play videos that relate to the material in the textbook to deepen understanding. Search the internet for educational themed videos and use them as a tool, especially if you have to study in a short amount of time.
Step 5. Find a tutor
If you have trouble understanding a topic or concept explained in class, study it with the help of a tutor. Find a professional tutor who can teach you things you're not good at or ask a friend who already understands the exam material. Don't hesitate to ask others for help to explain material that you have not mastered, especially if the study time is very limited and there are still many concepts that you do not understand.
Part 2 of 3: Focusing While Studying
Step 1. Take time off to exercise
Even if the study time is very short and you want to memorize as much information as possible, don't forget to take a break. While resting, make time for light exercise to keep your body energized and improve your ability to concentrate. Even if it's only 5-10 minutes, it will keep you fit and excited to keep learning.
For example: take a break for a jog or take a short walk in a residential area or campus. If you want to practice at home, do push ups or sit ups to keep yourself motivated and not sleepy
Step 2. Drink water
While studying, make it a habit to only drink water to keep your body healthy and hydrated. If you want to drink coffee, drink a little during the day and make sure you drink plenty of water to neutralize the caffeine levels in the body.
Step 3. Eat healthy snacks
Take time to eat healthy snacks as a source of energy while studying so you stay focused and don't become sluggish or sleepy. Choose healthy snacks as a source of sugar intake, for example: fruits and healthy protein sources, for example: nuts that can increase the ability to concentrate.
Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar and refined fats because they make you tired and easily distracted. Consume healthy products so that the energy needs in the body are always fulfilled so that you stay focused and can study well
Step 4. Free yourself from distractions
To be able to study effectively in a short amount of time, you need to be free from distractions in your study area. When studying at home, keep the bedroom door closed to let everyone know that you are studying and do not want to be disturbed. In addition, you need to prevent the entry of sounds from outside by closing the windows.
- If you study in a public place, such as a library, wear earplugs, turn off your cell phone, or mute the ringer to keep your attention from being distracted.
- You may need to turn off your internet connection to avoid accessing distracting websites. This method keeps you focused and can use the time to study, instead of being consumed by social media.
Part 3 of 3: Preparing for the Night Before the Exam
Step 1. Make notes to read just before the exam
If there are still concepts and terms that are difficult to memorize, prepare a note card. Read it once before going to bed at night and again in the morning before the test. Skimming the notecards helps you memorize the material you are going to test better.
Prioritize writing down terms and concepts that are difficult to memorize or poorly understood so that study time is not wasted just to study the material so that you run out of time
Step 2. Prepare the test kits in the bag
Prepare in the evening so that you are less stressed in the morning and can take the exam in peace. Put all the books, stationery and paper needed in the bag. Make sure you bring a pen that you can use so you don't run into any problems during the exam.
Also prepare other equipment needed for the exam and put it in your bag, for example: a math calculator and a ruler
Step 3. Get enough sleep the night before the test
Several studies have shown that getting a good night's sleep before an exam has an impact on improving test scores. Even if you want to keep studying all night long, this can actually hinder your ability to remember information on exams and be one of the reasons for poor test scores. Study the exam material before going to bed, but try to get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before the exam.
