Does the thought of your next test have your stomach in knots? 如果你没有准备好, the thought of taking a test can certainly be overwhelming—especially if you put off cramming until the night before.
The study habits you practice now will help you when you get to college and move into your career. Here are eight test-taking strategies to help prepare you for your next exam.
1. 注意
Doing well on tests starts with paying attention in class. It’s hard to retain information when your mind wanders, so begin each lesson by participating actively. Listen intently to your instructors, take notes, and be engaged in activities or discussions. Connect with the information first, and studying will be much easier.
2. 保持一致的学习计划
Reviewing information right before a test may help you get “in the zone,而是要真正了解细节, you must review throughout the semester. Create a study schedule for yourself, and stick to it. One helpful way to do this is to use a planner to build your routine. Your study sessions will be more productive, and you’ll also learn to manage your time more effectively.
3. 选择合适的学习环境
Staying focused is one of the most important parts of studying. 为了确保你处于学习模式， find a study space that works best for you. This means choosing a quiet place and minimizing distractions— that means putting away your phone.
For some, the ideal study environment is alone. 其他人可能在学习小组中表现最好. Choose whichever method works best for you. Remember, if you join a study group, focus more on the test material and less on chatting.
4. 找到正确的复习技巧
Many techniques can help you retain information for tests. Try a few different strategies, and use the ones that work best for you. Here are some ideas for reviewing test material.
- Make flashcards from your notes and reading material. 问问自己，或者问问朋友.
- Review past papers and quizzes on the test topic. Note where you made the most mistakes, and pay special attention to those areas while studying.
- 向别人解释这个话题. If you can clearly and accurately describe an issue or concept, you know you’re on the right track!
5. 寻求帮助
If you’re confused or frustrated while prepping for a test, that’s perfectly fine. 寻求帮助是可以的. Talk to your teacher about the parts you don’t understand, or ask another student in your class.
6. 休息一下
Your brain can only absorb so much knowledge at once. Walking away from studying for a bit can help you retain information. 每学习一个小时, take fifteen minutes to do something mindless—go for a walk, 看一个有趣的视频, 或者有一个 brain-boosting零食. Keep in mind that if you’re feeling sluggish or tired, caffeine and energy drinks won’t help. They may wake you up at first, but you’ll crash later.
7. 保证充足的睡眠
When you’re busy trying to study for a test, it can be easy to forget that sleep is essential, too. 研究人员 加州大学洛杉矶分校 found that regardless of how much a student generally studies each day, if that student sacrifices sleep to learn more than usual, they are more likely to have academic problems the following day. The bottom line is, don’t pull an all-night cramming session—it will do more harm than good.
8. 积极思考
好吧, 你已经做了尽可能多的准备, 养成良好的学习习惯, 查阅资料, 有充足的睡眠. Now, all that’s left to do is to take the test! Remember to stay positive as you go into the exam. Think about how much work you’ve done to prepare, 想象自己做得很好, 然后深呼吸. A little bit of nervousness before a test is natural, but remember—you’ve got this.
Eliminate Exam Anxiety with Effective Test-Taking Strategies
With proven test-taking strategies in your tool kit, you’ll be able to regulate your emotions, 提高注意力, 减少拖延, and ultimately perform better on your next exam. Take the time now to adopt these test prep strategies, as they will help you achieve sustained success in college and beyond.
学生 who are ambitious and ready to tackle challenges should review our virtual tour and information session page to learn how Paraclete高中’s education and community will set them up for academic success.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 5, 2017, and has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.
