Midterm exams are approaching, and teachers are supporting students with study advice and resources. Students will learn how to utilize different studying strategies that can boost their midterm scores and understanding of information. The students are encouraged to get adequate sleep and eat well, but using these tips will bring scores up even higher.
“For math, I usually tell my students to look over their notes with friends and our past assignments. I find that helps them to do well,” geometry teacher Lisa Stanfill said.
Repeating math problems has been proven to give students a better understanding of the topic. Consulting with a peer can also result in the student having improved learning and retention.
“There are plenty of resources online to describe active studying strategies, one of my favorites is called the Feynman technique,” AP Human Geography teacher Kelly Romero-Bettridge said.
In order to effectively study content, students need to utilize active studying strategies as opposed to passive studying. Most students aren’t even aware that there is a difference in studying habits or that there are effective ways to study versus ineffective ways. Once learning the difference, the level of understanding can increase.
“After they are taught a concept or are reviewing, they should take what they have learned and then explain the concept by either writing it out or speaking it out loud as if you are teaching someone else,” Bettridge said.
Being able to describe a concept in original terms to others will usually allow for deeper understanding, a strategy that will pay off during the test.
“Taking notes and asking questions about a topic can help a student when it comes to studying for midterms,” social science teacher Deborah Cantor said. “Creating study groups with your friends or fellow classmates has also been an effective way to do well on the tests.”
Unfortunately, though students are taught a lot of content in school, they aren’t always taught proper study skills. In fact, many students don’t really figure out how to study until college. It is important to learn how to correctly study now to help build a strong foundation for higher level classes in the future.
“To actively study, your brain needs to do something with the information it is taking in,” Bettridge said.
