In preparation for Winter Exams, it is helpful to learn strategies for each exam to get the best grade possible. To make your time spent studying worthwhile, students should meet with their teachers to figure out how and what to study. The teachers make the exams and they are available to help you ace them! Here is an inside scoop on your teachers tips to achieve success during the winter exam season.
History exams often call for last minute cramming and late nights. Rather than hurting your brain with these harmful study tactics, you can organize and synthesize material mentioned Upper School History Teacher Christine Carter. Organizing helps connect complex ideas and timelines in your mind that will benefit you on test day. “Practice active studying,” she also suggests. “Have someone else look at the material that your teacher gave you and ask you to list, explain, and teach them that material.” Active studying keeps your brain awake and helps you consciously learn material instead of just skimming over it. “Learn the narrative and then look at the narrative from different perspectives for analysis,” says Upper School History Teacher Tim Horner. “Analysis becomes more and more important for History and even AP exams so get started with it now.”
Often, studying for the English exam material can be tough because reading comprehension and poem analysis are difficult to study. However, “expect to be studying for english and plan for it,” says Upper School English Teacher Leslie DePietro. “Start studying early and plan meetings with your teachers.” English teachers are always more than willing to help with book and poem analysis or essay writing skills you will need for the English department winter exams. “Here’s kind of a weird tip that actually works: pick a different flavor mint for every subject you have. While you’re studying, chew on that mint and you will associate that flavor with the material you are covering. Then, just pop that mint in your mouth before each exam and your brain will be primed for success,” says Upper School English Chairperson Bailey Player.
Upper School Science exams often require math and analytical skills in order to be fully prepared. “Practice for 15-20 minutes a day starting now as your brain needs practice retrieving the content,” says Upper School Science Teacher Allison Tarvin. “Go ahead and prepare an exam binder now to get organized and begin your review,” says Upper School Science Teacher Megan Dickherber. “Rereading notes is never helpful so I would suggest reworking problems without your notes to test your knowledge.” Instead of just reading your notes, making a study guide using them can be helpful. “I think annotating your notes instead of just re-reading for an early method of review is beneficial.” Finally, Upper School Science Teacher Jillian Breen gave similar advice for studying for a Science exam. “Making up new numbers for in-class problems and reworking them is necessary for review and of course students need to understand the equations they need to use for certain problems.”
Math exam studying consists mostly of reworking problems from all of the content you have covered. “Rework problems you have not worked on from your textbook for review,” says Upper School Math Chairperson Diane Hagner. Reworking these new problems can also help keep your brain awake and not get bored with the material quickly. Ms. Hagner also spoke about the value of watching videos online. “For a specific concept that is still confusing, watch a video or two explaining the material as hearing the explanation from a new source can help clarify these topics.” Finally, Upper School Math Teacher Amanda Thornhill gave her advice when studying for Math. “I think self assessment is the best way of studying and making sure you know how to work problems without your notes or a teacher’s help,”
In the Upper School, Language exams can be full of vocabulary, different parts of speech, and more overwhelming topics that take lots of time to be confident in. “Choose 15 terms and spend about 10 minutes every day reviewing them and move on to the next group once you’re confident. This will help you with matching exercises and in context for translation,” says Upper School French Teacher Helen Hathorn. “Ask for help and start reviewing early to know what you do not yet know.” Similarly, US World Language Teacher Allison Riley offered her suggestions.“Study using a white board, standing up, or with a friend for 10 minutes a day starting after Thanksgiving. The best place for extra practice is with your teacher who will be writing the exam.”
