No two people learn in exactly the same way which is why most instructors use a variety of methods to present their lecture material. However, they are some general guidelines that seem to work for most people.

I may be being naive, but I’m assuming that you have actually read the textbook, done the homework assignments and attended class. If you haven’t done these things, then you either already know the material well enough that you don’t need to study or you don’t care about your grades.

What Should You Study?

The following material is usually important:
• Material emphasized in the lectures
• The hands-on exercises done in labs
• Homework assignments
• The jargon used in that field

Lecture material – if you took notes go back over them and create an outline of the points you considered important enough to write down. Do any questions pop into your mind as you’re reading your notes? If yes, write them down. When you finished reviewing your notes, you should have a list of questions and a list of important points. Answer all of your questions using your notes, textbook, lab notes, the internet, a classmate or whatever else is available until you are satisfied that you understand the answer. Draw diagrams or make charts. Use any method that will clarify the material in your mind.

Lab material – Go back over you lab notes, handouts and lab results. If you have any questions about the procedures used or results obtained, write them down and then go find out the answers from whatever source you prefer.

Homework assignments – review them and make certain you understand why the answers to discussion questions or procedures used are considered correct.

Jargon – you need to know the definitions of the jargon used in each class. For example the word “integral” has a totally different meaning in a math course than it does in an English course.

Where and When Should You Study?

There is no right or wrong time and place to study. Most people will tell you to find a quiet place and make sure you have had plenty of rest. If you find it easier to concentrate in a quiet place, by all means, study in a quiet place. If you prefer to study listening to loud music, then do so. The important thing is that you pick an environment where you are physically comfortable and a time of day when you are the most alert.

Final Thought

After you have finished reviewing everything and all your questions are answered, create a bullet list of the major points. Take the list with you to the exam and review it right before taking the test. It’s a great way to put yourself in the proper frame of mind.