WHO'S NERVOUS? IT'S JUST A TEST!
Do you get nervous because you have to take a test?
Actually, everyone experiences some anxiety. Anxiety is necessary and normal. The rush
of adrenalin into our bloodstream makes us more alert and able to respond more quickly to
stimuli. But when there is too much anxiety, our retrieval of knowledge can be blocked.
So let's assume you're fairly calm, cool, collected and have been practicing good study
techniques.
Here's how to get ready for the test.
1. Review the syllabus and course outline. As you come to each major point, stop
and think about it. Consider its possible ramifications - everything that it means,
everything that it leads to. Try to infer what the next major point should be.
2. Start to review your notes. Use your textbook to check anything that's not
completely clear from your notes, or if you like, make a general overview of the
chapters that pertain to the subject to confirm the accuracy of your notes. You won't
have every detail in your notes, but you can use your textbook to fill in the blanks.
List the main points of each chapter and compare them to the syllabus. You will
find any missing material or information by doing this cross-checking.
3. Begin reviewing at least a week before the test is scheduled so you can study
somewhat leisurely and with a minimum of pressure. Save the memorization until
the night before, or at most, two nights before the test. As a rule, memorization
doesn't stick for a long time.
4. Review the text the same way you've been studying your notes. Get the main
idea first; learn the general overview before you start to get involved in details. You
can afford to miss a detail or two, because if you really understand the main idea of
the course, you'll be able to figure out the details - or at least you'll be able to make
good guesses.
5. Finally, the morning of the test, a quick general overview of the notes is in order.
It will refresh your memory and put you in good shape.
As a general rule, your aim in preparation is this: get yourself to the point where you can
recite, off the top of your head, about a fifteen minute summary of all the material covered.
If you can do that, you can afford to relax; you can be sure you won't have any trouble.
For many people, a brain-storming session with four or five others is a good way to
study, but be careful. If they turn into bull-sessions, nothing gets accomplished, and
secondly, if anyone starts to panic, go off and study by yourself. Panic is contagious.
The best way to avoid panic is to be prepared.
