The ending of a semester brings with it anticipation and stress as students prepare for their final exams.
When it comes to studying everyone does not have the same study habits. Various techniques work for different people. However, there are some basic study methods that can be used in order to help better prepare students for their big exam day.
For many students, the closing of a semester means that its time to break out the note cards. Students find that note cards can help them organize the material needed to study, and they also can help students review the material repeatedly until they can memorize it.
“I use note cards to help me study definitions and theories. By reviewing the note cards over and over again I am able to memorize the material I need to know,” junior radio broadcasting major Keaira Pumphrey said.
Even though note cards may work for some students, other students don’t find them to be helpful. “I find note cards to be a waste of time. They confuse me and distract me from applying the material to the real world,” said sophomore Krystal Hinkle.
Students who are not big fans of note cards seem to find using study guides and reviewing class notes as a successful way to get ready for final exams. Lewis students find study guides to be a helpful outline of the material that will be present on the test. They also compliment class notes to review the material they need to know.
“I use my study guide as a guideline. I find all the answers to the study guide in my class notes and highlight all the important information in my notes. Then I review the notes along with the study guide to prepare for my tests,” said junior nursing major Lauren Mendlik.
Besides finding efficient ways to review the test material, students also need to find the proper study environment that works for them. Many Lewis students take advantage of the Super Study hours at the library.
“I study in the library in the study rooms with my friends. We review our notes and find different ways to help us remember some of the more difficult material,” said Pumphrey.
Some students who study in the library working in study groups. Study groups are useful because they allow students to help one another prepare for their tests. Mendlik said, “I use study groups for my classes that I need extra help in. Study groups have helped me better understand the more challenging material and allowed me to find new ways to understand the material from other students.”
While some students find that working with others can be valuable, other students find it to be extremely distracting. Mendlik said, “I don’t study in the library. I study in my room at home all alone. I need it to be quiet with no music, television or other people around.”
No matter what environment students study in or how they study the material, the most important factor is how long students prepare for their final exams.
Some students choose to begin preparation for finals weeks in advance while other students procrastinate and crunch in their study time at the very last minute.
“I study an hour and a half for each class the day before my test,” Hinkle said. Studying at the last minute for an exam for a short period of time works well for students who can handle the pressure.
In order to relax and get ready for the final exam day, students need to make sure they focus.
Pumphrey said, “I make sure I get plenty of sleep and I pay attention in class.” Having enough rest and paying attention always can be beneficial in studying for an exam.
Other ways students can focus include time management and being calm and comfortable. When students make sure they use their time wisely and are cool, calm and collected, it is less stressful for them when studying. Hinkle said, “I must be comfortable when studying. I wear comfortable clothes and study in my room. I study on and off so that I don’t get overwhelmed, and I chew gum to calm my nerves.”
Regardless of how students study for their final exams, they should look for techniques that help them to not only focus, but to remain stress- free and motivated throughout their studying process. Finals week can be one of the most stressful times for Lewis students, but if they find studying techniques that work for them, and if they stay focused, they can find finals to be a successful end to a semester.
Christina Brown, Staff Writer
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