Study and Review Guide for Students
Exam Prep
When the Exam Period approaches, we recommend that students refer to the following information to assist with their review and exam preparation.
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Review Ministry Materials
Below are links to resources for students to explore while preparing for the Provincial exams.
- Review your course work completed to date
- Make a set of condensed notes from which to study
- Create a vocab list that you can use to drill yourself (and others)
- Do chapter reviews in your text
- Redo questions from previous class or homework assignments
- Work on sample Provincial Exam questions (on topics you have covered)
- Work with a partner or in a study group
- Develop questions and test each other / Make a game of it
- Do a 'Jeopardy Game' between two study groups
- Teach or tutor each other
- Work Ahead
- Check the Learning Outcomes (from the Ministry material) and connect those with material in your text to decide what to learn and study
- Read your text; make notes; study notes
- If you know what the reading material is, read ahead
- If you are in the middle of a chapter in your text, read ahead
Additional Study Tips
- Consider a tutor. Mount Doug's Peer Tutoring program offers free tutoring in a variety of subjects. UVic Career Services maintains a list of current UVic students who are willing to tutor
a variety of subjects. This list is available online at www.careerservices.uvic.ca/tutor.html.
- Try to attend as many academic support activities and workshops as possible. By attending these activities, you can usually pick up extra details that you might have missed during the regular class. The teacher might also explain things in a different manner so you understand better.
- You have to study. This might seem obvious, but a lot of students do not put in any extra study time on their own. These students expect to learn and comprehend all of the material during class time. Thinking you're ahead of the game is the first step to failure. Everyone must study a little on their own to fully understand all of the material.
- When you learn something new, try to go over the points the same day in order to cement it into your brain. If you wait a few days and then make efforts to review the material, it will seem much less familiar.
- Study space is another key ingredient to good studying. Your regular study space should be as quiet as possible and as large enough to have easy access to everything you need for studying (text and reference books, paper, pencils, rulers, etc.). Libraries and private rooms are ideal. Make sure to get rid of all distractions and garbage before you begin to study.
- Study groups are great but in general studying alone is usually more effective.
- Tutoring is a great way to get help. Get help early before the academic damage is irreversible.
- The brain will not absorb new data if it is stressed; relax and take an hour, afternoon or day off. When taking a break from studying, really enjoy yourself and do not feel bad about not studying.
- Do not study if you are tired, angry, distracted or in a hurry. When the brain is relaxed, it is like a sponge and it naturally absorbs data without effort.
- It is normal for the brain to have an attrition rate and to forget things. No one can stop this so it is important to review materials.
- When you study, try first to grasp the big picture. Then fill in the details. You will have a greater chance of success.
- Generally, if you schedule certain times of the day to study, you will get into a routine and accomplish more. If you just "fit it in" during your day, chances are that there will never be any time.
- One of the main reasons people do not reach their goals is because they set them too high. If you set goals that are manageable, even if they seem too simple, you get in the habit of accomplishing them and gradually you can set higher goals.
