Midterms can be stressful- we all get it! But there are some tried-and-true ways to cut back on that stress easily. Teachers are often willing to help with extra study material or review times, and other students can be awesome resources, too.
1. The Study Buddy
Probably the most appealing study tip, studying with a friend can be more fun than hard-core memorization and concept review. Friends can help you fact-check and often have different notes than you. However, you have to be mindful about how much studying you are actually getting done. If you just want an excuse to hang out with a friend during a crazy time, then maybe just block out some time to do so! It will give you a break from the chaos and help you to feel renewed for another round of studying.
2. The Super-Organized Individual
Some people take this approach at times like midterms, and although it is a lot of work, it often pays off in the end. Getting all of your materials, such as flashcards, study sheets, quizlets, and notecards, ready well in advance of midterms week is the tried and true way to be super prepared. However, this approach takes planning and commitment, and often takes up too much time for kids, especially if you have classes with work due right up until the week of midterms.
3. Review, Restate, Repeat
This method helps students to really internalize and comprehend the material that they are studying. Rather than just saying the information to yourself over and over again, a student uses a series of steps to ingrain the coursework in their mind. The best way to do this is to read a section of the material, or review a segment of notes, and then to try and explain the information in your own words. Do not look at the material while restating it–instead, try to recall it from memory. Explaining it to a classmate or parent works best, but saying it again out loud to yourself, just in your head, or even to a pet works as well!
4. Outside of Class Time
Working with teachers outside of class is a great way to get material explained in new ways that might help students to understand better. Teachers are almost always able to find time to study with you, either after school or in a free period. Many people find this approach helpful for math classes if specific techniques or lessons prove challenging during individual review/practice. Teachers can often help students with ways to study as well, like recommending a good review website or giving out more practice worksheets.
5. The Last-Minute Cram
THIS OPTION IS NOT A TIP!
The last-minute cram is tempting. We all have been there before, and sometimes students feel like it is their only option. But, if at all possible, you should not resort to this. It is not only ineffective, but will also set you up for mental failure, as it often reinforces beliefs that you don’t know much of the material at all. This can lead to panic, which is awful right before the test and sometimes even leads to students forgetting the information that they have retained. Try to check in with a friend who has studied for the test instead, asking them what some key points are to remember. If you’re lucky, they’ll seem familiar!
Good luck on all of your midterms!
