Midterms are right around the corner. Although most students consider them a tough hurdle, they are also an opportunity. A strong score on a midterm can improve a semester grade. The best way to approach them is to have a plan–and some help.
Open Door tutors, all experts in various subjects, are available to help create study plans, organize and review materials, and fill in gaps. Students can also take independent steps, and here are 10.
Start early.
Review notes, tests, and quizzes, and adapt your study guide, or create one if the teacher hasn’t provided one.
Create a schedule.
Split classes and material into manageable chunks on a calendar. Block out reasonable amounts of time for each subject until the tests. Usually, 90 minutes is a good limit for a study session on one subject.
Eliminate distractions.
Find a quiet spot and put your phone out of sight. Limiting the distractions will help you make the best of the time you spend studying, by allowing you to give 100% of your attention to the subject at hand.
Join or put together a study group.
Work with classmates who are equally motivated to fill in gaps and quiz one another. Sharing and comparing notes and insights is effective way to review the material.
Take study breaks!
Healthy eating, exercise, and plenty of sleep are all important. Self care and balance keep the brain working well.
Seek help.
Early on, talk to teachers about the more difficult topics; the in-class review will be enriched. Need additional support, contact Open Door. Getting a fresh perspective or an alternative explanation from someone other than your teacher may help difficult concepts click.
Use multiple senses.
Transfer condensed outlines to 5×7 flashcards; rewriting materials and details helps to create additional mental synapses. Create mnemonic devices and speak them out loud. Close your eyes and visualize outlines, formulas, or facts.
Teach the material to others.
Nothing solidifies knowledge better than having to explain it to someone else. Teach your parents. They are always asking for more details about what is going on at school, aren’t they?
Practice problems.
Take the time to outline the answers to questions on the teacher’s study guide.
Get plenty of rest the night before.
A good night’s sleep the night before the test will do wonders for your mental state and physical well-being.
Finally, plan a small reward after each midterm, like one of your guilty pleasures like a Netflix show–not a binge–or a yummy coffee concoction. Having one of your favorite things to look forward to each day makes the week of tests seem less dreadful!
Learn more about Academic Tutoring at Open Door.
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