It will also depend on your learning style and the type of tests that your teachers give you. Are you more of a visual, kinesthetic, or auditory learner? Do your teachers tend to give you questions on tests that come from homework assignments, the book, or in-class notes? I like referring to this site to help students realize their learning styles and what they have to do to be successful: http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/
The two general pieces of advice that I have are:
1. Anticipate the questions and the style of the test
2. Review all past assignments: homework, quizzes and tests. What seems to come up often?
If your teacher tends to make you write out answers to questions, it is in your best interest to hand-write a study guide and write enough detail as if you were answering a short-answer question about each topic. That way, when you have to write a short answer or essay on the test, you will have already done so. If the test will mostly be multiple-choice, it might be best to do a very brief outline of the chapters and then go on your book's website and take multiple choice quizzes that are offered so that way you will have practice answering multiple choice questions. Another way to prepare is to use academic-oriented websites. Quizlet.com, for instance, is a wonderful site that integrates flashcards and quizzes to test your knowledge. You can search for already made flashcard sets or create your own.
If you are a visual learner, for instance, you could create a PowerPoint and insert items such as video lectures or diagrams (Do not go straight to youtube. In addition to textbook websites, many college professors have websites and many professional tutoring companies have videos to showcase knowledge. You can trust these sources). When you review your PowerPoint, you can go over the sources that help visual learners.
I hope you walk away with the understanding that your study-guide can be multi-faceted and take advantage of technology. You can create a traditional hand-written study guide that takes the form of an outline and lists main points and the supporting details, and you can also create a second study guide that is more of a virtual resource guide that has links to sources you find useful such as: flashcards on quizlet.com, a song you found on a legitimate academic site that helps explain a topic, a game on quia.com, or your textbook's website.
It has never been a better time to be a student because teachers tend to "teach to the test," meaning you have a lot of insight regarding what topics and type of questions will appear on the tests, and there are resources for all types of learners.
Your teachers or tutor can help you figure out what method(s) will be best for you.
Annie G.
Thank you!
I will try it.
02/06/13