- 1). Before you begin studying for any test, make sure to find out exactly what the test will cover. Many teachers hand out worksheets or guides that outline exactly the material you need to study. If your teacher doesn't provide a study guide, make sure to ask for this information. Teachers want students to succeed on tests, so they will be happy to meet with you after school or during a study hall to go over test material.
- 2). In addition to knowing what to study, you'll need to know the format of the test. For example, will the test be multiple choice? If so, you should be able to match definitions with terms or accomplishments with people. On the other hand, a short-answer test can be more challenging because you will be expected to provide the definition or accomplishment. Knowing how the exam will be structured will also help you avoid any last minute panic as you take the test. There's nothing worse than finding out at the last minute that you need to write a detailed essay.
- 3). Now that you know about the test, you also need to think about yourself. To make the best use of your study time, you need to know what kind of learner you are. For example, do you learn best by reading or seeing? If so, you are a visual learner and will probably be most successful by rereading your textbook and notes. On the other hand, is listening the best way for you to learn? Auditory learners may want to see if their textbooks are available on CD or audiotape so that they can listen to them. Many people also learn best by doing something hands-on. These kinesthetic learners may find that copying notes or developing summaries of textbook pages are most helpful for them. You may not fit into just one learning style category, and that's alright. What's important is that you find out what works--and what doesn't work--for you.
- 4). Try flashcards. Flashcards are useful for all types of learners because creating and using them involves different thought processes. To make flashcards, first identify terms, events and people that you need to be familiar with for your test. Place each concept on the front of an index card. On the back of the card, write a definition or description of the concept. In order to do this, you will probably need to refer to your textbook and notes. This means that you're studying simply by making the flashcards. When you're done creating your flashcards, you can use them to quiz yourself. Look at one side of the card, and try to produce the information on the other side of the card (without looking, of course). This may be difficult at first, but it will become easier with practice. You can even ask a family member or friend to use the flashcards to quiz you.
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