Creating A Study Plan

Are you getting ready for midterms? Do you have exams or quizzes coming up? First Workings has your back with some studying tips that will help you feel more confident before any test. 

First and foremost, the last thing you want to do before taking an exam is cramming or studying the day before. All that will do is prevent you from getting valuable sleep and making you feel more anxious or nervous. 

Instead, you should create a study plan! This plan will allow you to see how you spend your time and ensure that you are setting aside enough time outside of class to complete homework assignments, study for tests, and review and retain the information you are learning.

Overall, creating and using your study plan will help reduce tendencies to procrastinate, cram, or suffer test anxiety! 

Here are the steps to create a well-defined study plan: 

Step 1: Set A Specific Target Date & Time

Choose the days and times that you are available to study. You can categorize the days with the following labels

1. Organize Lecture / Class Notes
2. Review Sessions
3. Attend Office Hours with Questions
4. Practice Using Test Banks 

Step 2: Identify What You Need To Learn

First, create a list of materials you need to review: 

1. your textbook readings
2. lecture notes
3. homework assignments
4. lab reports
5. Projects
6. or any other materials covered in class.  

Next, create a plan for how you will review the information. For example, you may want to begin by reading the chapter summary, reviewing your textbook notes, reviewing your class notes, reviewing your homework assignment, and reviewing terminology/definitions.

Step 3: Plan A Reward

Choose a reward for yourself after you have completed your study plan and have taken your exams! Let it be a motivational driver for you, knowing that you have something to look forward to after you have taken your test or exam will decrease your nerves and give you a confidence boost! Here are some examples, but keep in mind that a reward can be anything, whatever makes you happy. 

1. A small gift
2. A night out with friends
3. Grab food from your favorite restaurant
4. Binge-Netflix night

Now that we have shared how to create a study plan, the entire First Workings team wishes you the best of luck with your exams!