Tuesday, September 3, 2013
What do you do to study?
Today we all got our chapter 6-8 tests back and I'm sure a lot of us (myself included) would like to find ways to increase our scores in the future. So my question for those of you who are satisfied with your scores (or would just like to share how you study) is: What do you do to study for tests? Personally I find that reading the assigned chapters twice and taking notes is helpful but I know that there are plenty of other ways to prepare for tests, so I'm curious to see your guys' responses. If you see something that you think would be helpful, there couldn't be a more perfect opportunity to try it since we're starting new chapters this week. I hope that this post benefits everyone and that we all find new ways to study for the test next Thursday. Thanks!
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Though I haven't done it this year (yet) as it is vastly time consuming I find that just taking notes when you first read the chapter is helpful.The helpful thing about the notes is that when I take the notes I tend to write a lot of background information on the main concept. It gives me a good understanding of main concept as I know more than I need to. After I take the notes I would sit down and try to memorize the material by reciting out loud what I wrote on the paper. Though for the pass two test I didn't do this(on account of poor time management on my account me) it has done me well in World Studies, MEHAP, and AP Art History. However, after dismal results on the pass two test I will make the time to take notes. What I do not recommend ( as this method as failed me twice already) is reading the chapter once and reading the outlines found online.
ReplyDeleteI have a very early post that has some great resources for people to try. Personally, I print out notes from
ReplyDeletehttp://www.apnotes.net/ap.html and use them to guide me through the reading. I am able to focus on the main points instead of memorizing the minor ones. (If you google "American Pageant notes", you will have many options.)
I would also suggest that after you finish a chapter, you write one small paragraph describing what the chapter was about. Sometimes we get so caught up in the minute details that we lose track of the big picture. Hope this helps.
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ReplyDeleteI've been asking a lot of people the exact same question. With chapters 6-8, I was taking bullet point style notes. I tried to stick to about 1 - 2 points per section. (By section I'm referring to each bolded header that covers a specific part of a chapter.) I actually found myself having to restrain myself from taking too many notes because, as I have found earlier, when I take too many notes I often end up retaining very little information. In contrast, when I limit how many notes I take, I can make sure to remember the big key points, even if I miss small important details. I then try to review my notes before the test by explaining what I've learned to someone else. (friend, parent, etc.)
ReplyDeleteThese past few chapters, instead of taking notes, I have been answering the objective test review questions (on edmodo) as I read each chapter. I'm trying a new method because I hope if I focus on what Mr. Stewart wants us to know, rather than everything in the chapter, I will get a better understanding of the history. One of my biggest struggles is retaining information, so remembering little facts becomes extremely difficult for me.
Anyways, that's what I do to study. Please feel free to respond to my comment if you have any suggestions (because I could definitely use them!) I have been struggling on the first few tests, so I too am trying to refine my studying methods to become a more effective learner. Thanks!
Like Sam, I have also been taking notes off of the objective review questions for each chapter so I am sure to focus on the most important ideas without getting caught up by less important information. I also have been trying to do my USHAP reading right when I get home instead of waiting until later in the night. This way I am wide awake so I tend to not miss as much as I do when I am tired!
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