It is always nice to start the semesters with good grades because it’s an early indication that you understand the course material and you are doing well in the courses,
All students have to go through semester exams when it comes to a university. Getting ready for exams can be a challenge when you’re unsure how to approach the study, but with some planning and self-testing, you’ll discover that learning can be less painful and long retained.
How To Start The Semester With Good Grades
1. Understand what you’re studying.
Rote learning will not get you to score a good percentage; it isn’t helpful in most cases because it fails to cause you to think and analyze. However, the latter two skills are essential for applying your knowledge to new problems.
- Write short notes or a summary of what you’ve studied.
- The readout is loud. This can help sharpen your understanding as you are listening.
2. Think more deeply about what you’ve read.
Ask yourself questions about the content of the chapter. Did you agree or disagree with it? What would you explain differently and why? What about the work you’re studying is confusing or seems at odds with other information you know?
- Ask your teachers, lecturers, professors about your doubts. Do some exploration to dig deeper. Such
discussions can help cement the concepts deeply in your mind.
3. Do Quizzes
Quiz yourself on your subject matter as a way of working out what you haven’t appropriately grasped yet. Some websites allow you to make a quiz, such as quizlet.com. One approach to using a quiz could be;
- Make the quiz either online or on paper.
- Title it—for example, History Midterm (or Final) Exam.
- Add the date of the test. This helps to remind yourself of the upcoming test date visually.
- Add the vocabulary from the subject or chapters you’re studying.
- Add key information. For example: Who was in office during the Civil war? President Lincoln. Then make another row: What was this president’s term in office? 1861-1865. Question yourself deeper into the question, so it’s easier to understand/remember.
- If the test book has practice tests, add them to the set.
- Add information from your notes and question yourself on these.
4. Use videos to enhance your learning and understanding
Watch videos on YouTube based on the same topic that you’re learning. While watching videos, aim to picture the concepts and elements in your head.
- CrashCourse is one good source of videos useful for learning.
- Take notes of anything you don’t understand or didn’t remember so that you can go back over these things after.
- Add notes from the video to your quiz set.
5. Sit the quiz
Start small, with about 20 questions from 60-100 of the terms and concepts you’ve added. Use any medium, such as multiple-choice, matching, etc.
- If using Quizlet, start with flashcards with audio, then scatter the questions and move to test
6. Repeat the quiz at least four times, doing 20/100 questions.
Then move on to doing all 100 questions in a single sitting. Redo until you get 100 percent on the test.
- The quiz learning should begin 3 to 4 weeks before the actual exam or test. Cramming the night before will not work.
7. Study well.
Make sure you don’t study a day before or on exams. Start looking at least one month before the due date. Choose a location that is quiet, well-lit enough lights and where you’re not going to be interrupted or distracted.
- Prepare a timetable for that particular month and study regularly. Take a break every 15 minutes; it refreshes the mind.
8. Practice
Ask for or download copies of the previous year’s question papers. Take these tests to see if you can solve them. Then, ask your guardian/parent/professors to evaluate it. This will give you more confidence and is a great way to remove exam fear. You know your stuff now!.
So, if you are struggling with grades and are interested in raising your grade point average, take a close look at these tips above for getting better rates.
