Let’s Get Ready for Exams – Week 5

We are into the 5th week of the 12 Weeks Study With Me program. If you’re new to this and would like to take part in it, here’s where you can find last week’s tips

If you’ve been following it up to this point, last week you accomplished recording and reviewing those difficult topics.

Now let’s move on to this week’s task.

On the very first day of class, your instructor hands out a few pieces of paper stapled together known as the syllabus. Many students glance at it, likely feel a bit overwhelmed by its length and detail, stick it in their backpack and forget about it.

Does this sound all too familiar?

This can be one of the most avoidable mistakes that students often make. While the depth and comprehensiveness of a syllabus can vary wildly, a syllabus basically serves as the roadmap to success.

Failure to familiarize yourself with the syllabus can often result in wasting time on topics in which you won’t be tested on or skipping some of the most important examinable ones.

If you didn’t get a syllabus, you can obtain one directly from the Ministry of Education or download a copy of the syllabus from here.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that examiners often have defined ranges in regards to which particular topics are to be covered and examined. This should all be outlined in the syllabus, which is why a successful student will read that syllabus cover to cover, likely even several times, revisiting it throughout the duration of the course leading up to the exam.

There are a couple reasons as to why you should review your syllabus right away.
1. To develop an understanding of the goals of the course, and
2. To knowing the required and recommended textbooks.

Additionally, you should use your syllabus to create the backbone of your study outline. Consider it a gift of invaluable information that you have received.

When you review the syllabus, highlight and focus on the course learning objectives, as examiners tend to use these to guide their exam design.

Once you have all of the main objectives laid out, use your calendar to determine a schedule in which you can successfully complete them in the time that you have. Keep track as you complete sections, and be sure to save the final study days to go over your notes, books and review previous exams. Above all, if you don’t understand something on the syllabus or if information seems to be missing, be sure to ask your instructor or teacher for clarification.

At the end of this week you should have accomplished;

1. Obtaining the syllabus for the subjects you’re taking
2. Checking off the topics you’ve already covered and
3. Reviewing your lesson notes.

Next week, we’re going to walk you through creating a resource that will allow you to have a quick study session in nearly any place at any time.

What about you? Do you usually review your subject syllabus?