By now, your faculty and advisors have told you that you shouldn’t wait to the last minute, that cramming only produces short-term memory, and that you may forget what you reviewed before you get to the test. Even the definition of “cram” implies poor preparation: “To force, squeeze into an insufficient space; to prepare hastily for an impending examination.”
All of this is true, but if you haven’t opened a book or reviewed your notes until now, cramming may be your only study choice – a poor one, yes – but your only hope for passing tomorrow’s exam! Here are 5 suggestions that can help your Cram Session be more effective.
DON’T PANIC!
Panic will only hurt your ability to concentrate and plan your critical study session. Take a few deep breaths, relax, and develop a strategy for success–Use the How, What, When, Where approach to success.
PLAN WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN
Knowing what you need to know for the exam is essential. Review the text, your notes, and the teacher’s test notes/guide, if there is one.
Make a list of the information you need to know. Put the things you already know at the bottom(don’t waste time re-learning what you already know) and the things you don’t know at the top.
PLANWHENYOUCANSTUDY
Since it is the night before the exam, your time is short–so don’t waste a single moment. Most students don’t function well without some sleep. So, set aside the hours you need to recharge. You know best, do you need to take short naps throughout, or do you need to plan for one longer sleep session just before the exam.
PLANWHEREYOUWILLSTUDY
Since your time is limited, you need to maximize your ability to learn. The TV, friends, other students, your iPod, your phone,etc. are all distractions that will pull your brain away from what you are studying. So, find a quiet, comfortable, well-lit location that will support your complete concentration on what you are trying to learn.
PLANHOWYOUWILLSTUDY
To begin, there are two basic steps to the HOW: First, what will you need to have for your study session; and second, what study techniques will you use to help you be successful tomorrow in the exam.
Write these down and make time-line that will help you implement your plan in the time you have allotted. Don’t forget your time for sleep, time to gather your materials, and time to take everything with you to your“premier” study space.
For suggestions about identifying the study technique(s) that will maximize your learning, go to any one of these links:
https://class.uark.edu/_resources/downloads/study/examprep/haveaneffectivecramsession.pdf
https://class.uark.edu/_resources/downloads/study/examprep/prepareforanexam.pdf
https://class.uark.edu/_resources/downloads/study/examprep/tamethefinalsbeast.pdf