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| Here is a method of studying that gives you |
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an accurate perception of how well you know the material,
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and forces you to think about it, rather than just look over it.
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Review your notes and readings frequently, so the material is "fresh".
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As you're reading your text or reviewing your notes, generate and write
down questions about the material. Imagine you're teaching the course.
What questions would you ask on the exam?
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Keep track of any terms you need to know;
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Write each question or term on the back of an index card;
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On the front of each index card, write an answer or an explanation for
the question or term on the back. Use your notes and text for a reference,
but put the answer or explanation in your own words whenever possible;
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Shuffle the index cards (so you can't figure out any answers based on their
location in the deck); look at the card on the top of the deck. Try to
answer the question or explain the term. If you know it, great! Put it
on the bottom of the deck. If you don't know it, look at the answer, and
put it a few cards down in the deck (so you'll come back to it soon);
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Proceed through the deck of cards until you know all of the information.
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| Some Tips: |
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Carry your cards with you everywhere. Take advantage of little pockets
of time. Test yourself while you're waiting in line, riding the bus, etc.;
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If you think you know an answer, but can't put it into words, you probably
don't know it well enough. Being able to explain the information is the
only way to be sure that you know it. It's also the best way to prevent
test anxiety;
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Consider testing yourself someplace where nobody can see you (and think
you're crazy). Reciting the answers out loud. That's the best way to be
sure that you can explain them.
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Study with a friend from your class. You can share ideas and help each
other out with concepts. Also, you can use each other to make sure that
you're explaining your answers adequately.
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