Simple Study Skills

What’s the best way to prepare for a test? The trick is to start studying for tests with each homework assignment and class lecture. Consider that most topics presented in class will be covered on a future test. Therefore, students who listen actively in class, take good notes, and complete homework are already preparing for tests and demonstrating strong study skills. Your studying starts as soon as class begins.

Sometimes, students think they have prepared for a test if they just reread their notes 10 minutes before the test. But remember, studying for tests is a process that starts in class.

Good studying means that you have been:

• Attending classes
• Actively listening and taking notes
• Reviewing your notes regularly
• Keeping up with assigned reading and taking notes on it
• And, most important, reviewing your notes from lectures and texts before each class

Steps to Prepare for a Test

• Listen to the teacher and take good notes.
• Organize the materials that will be on the test.
  • This means putting your notes in order by date, keeping class handouts together, and knowing what material will be covered on the test.
• Review past tests and quizzes to see the types of questions the teacher asks and the types of errors you make.
• Note what kind of test it will be: open-note, multiple choice, or essay.    
• Remember there are different strategies to use for each type of test, so knowing in advance what kind of test it will be can help guide your studying.
• Review what study strategies have worked best for you in this class.
• Plan your study time, fill out your planner, starting with the date of the test and work backwards. Schedule what topics you will review, how long each will take, and the dates and times you will review each.
• Write down and schedule the tasks for each step of your review.
  • For example, will you be reading over your notes, creating a timeline, making flashcards with key vocabulary terms, etc.
• Save the night before the test for reviewing, not learning new material.
  • You should never try to learn all of the material the night before. This night should be saved for a final review so you go into the test feeling confident.

Now, you might be asking yourself, “How do I actually study for a test?” The tips below are things to keep in mind when preparing to take a test:

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking a Test

• Do I understand the directions?
• Will I lose points for mistakes?
• How much time do I have for each section?

Steps to Follow During a Test

Questions to Ask Yourself After Taking a Test

• Did I do as well on the test as I thought I did?
• What mistakes did I make?
• Did I study the right material and use my study time effectively?
• Is there anything I can improve on next time?

Strong study skills need good executive functioning skills.

Take the Executive Functioning Quiz to learn your EF strengths and weaknesses.

What’s inside the Executive Functioning Book?

  *  Organizing a backpack

  *  Taking useful notes on lectures and texts

  *  Using a planner to track assignments 

  *  Test preparation and test-taking strategies

  *  Estimating how long homework will take 

  *  Tracking progress and setting new goals