Define your Study Habits

[Daddyof7]

All,
WOW, what a great forum. Lots of great information! Here is the type of help I am seeking. I have never had very good study habits. As a mater of fact, I don't think I know how to study. Now I know, we are all individuals and each studies according to their method of learning.
I guess what I am looking for is to find a way to study where I can retain the most amount of information my brain can handle. Write now, I read the subect and go find study questions and attempt to answer the question. Usually takes me three to four times to get the subject right.
How do you study? What do you do to retain information? :confused: Any pointers is appreciated. Thanks

Joe
Yes Seven Daughters!
Need
CLEP - College Mathematics
DSST - Intro to World Religion
DSST - Environment and Humanity
When completed, Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University is complete, and its off to a Masters Degree Program.

[Bongsau]

I am a total cram-er. I hit instant cert hard, for several hours a day and look up things I don't understand on Wikipedia or google. By the time I take the test, my brain is so full of information, I have to wear ear plugs to keep it from leaking out.

Then, I make sure to get some exercise the day of the test so my mind is clear. I make one last pass through most or all of the Instant Cert questions to make sure it's all fresh on my brain, and I go in and take it. There are also many test-taking tricks, like first eliminating the two really dumb answers before picking between the two reasonable ones.

I pretty much got a standing ovation at my local testing center when I went in for my last test. They said I had taken more tests in a shorter amount of time than anyone has ever done at that testing center. They said I should call Dantes and become their poster boy! I could't help but laugh to myself thinking of how much more some of you here have done than me. I wonder what they would think of you guys?

Anyway, good luck and study like a mad man!

[wannabeit]

I am a total cram-er. I hit instant cert hard, for several hours a day and look up things I don't understand on Wikipedia or google. By the time I take the test, my brain is so full of information, I have to wear ear plugs to keep it from leaking out.

Then, I make sure to get some exercise the day of the test so my mind is clear. I make one last pass through most or all of the Instant Cert questions to make sure it's all fresh on my brain, and I go in and take it. There are also many test-taking tricks, like first eliminating the two really dumb answers before picking between the two reasonable ones.



Anyway, good luck and study like a mad man!

I like your style of studying especially excercising before the test. I've never tried it but rest assured, I will defintely give it a try.

[tcc]

Here's how I use InstantCert:
1. I use lined paper, and write down the answers to all the questions, section by section
2. I go back through and take notes, using just the one line the answer is on, again on a section by section basis.
3 After taking notes for one section, and before moving on to another one, I immediately go back through the section I've just taken the notes on and attempt to answer all the questions without looking at my notes - and for me, this is the critical step. If I do this, it "sets" the information, and it totally jump starts the memorization process. As far as the note-taking is concerned, I only do it to the extent that it's necessary. Before I take the test, I make sure I'm able to go through all of the questions pretty quickly. This process has been especially useful when there's a lot of information....like with the biology exam, for instance. Also, as I go through it, I do it like I'm brushing my teeth - it's like busy work. I don't need to worry about it because I know if I do all the steps, I'll be okay on the test.

[MagicATC]

I just use the total immersion process. 8-10 hours a day:eek: when I can. I know 2-3 hours is probably the most efficient for learning but this has become my priority. The biggest secret for any study is to paying attention and take proper break intervals. Everybody is different.
And also, don't get distracted like reading and responding to these forums........like I am now! Need to go back to Civil War.

[fiveninerzero]

I just wait until the last minute and read through these forums, looking at everybody else's advice that took the exam in question, then I hit up the recommended study resources and wikipedia to familiarise myself with(not memorize, lol) key points and subpoints of that subject.

This usually happens either the night before (usually) or two nights before the exam. Now with InstantCert, I'll switch things up a bit and go through the questions, going through and cutting and pasting question and answer explanation into notepad, then going to my text document and studying InstantCert material that way.

Your mileage may vary, figure out what works for you then stick with it!

[RBOWMAN]

I would have to tell our rookie that in studying for a clep test the keys for me are:

1. Repetition...and association in regards to looking at the instantcert exact answer and then the explanation of that answer
2. Basic knowledge...having some familiarity with the test subject is a huge plus. I found my love of history made studying for the six history courses that I took very easy. My experience in the management side of the business world made the business and management courses very easy. Where as the wonderful world of math and science left me at a loss for cultivating a good study format and a real comprehension of the subject matter. Hence the flunking of college math and natural science yet the passing of 27 other courses.
3. Confidence...Ihad zero regarding subjects I did not like and I would have been far better off in a classroom getting a D, still would have gotten me the credit needed, instead of failing a clep and starting over from point zero.

Finally, use the wonderful resource of all thes great people on
this web site !! They have great insights into the testing, the course materials and resources to help you become successful. Instantcert got me to a point I never really ever expected to be at and now Iam just six miserable credits away from graduation. WHUDDA THUNK i COULDA DONE THAT??? Best Regards and enjoy the journey!! Ron

[ShotoJuku]

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="Navy"]The basic formula for the "elements of a crime" and "study" all boil down to the same factors - "motive and opportunity."

If you want/need/desire a degree your motive is clear. The trick is to give yourself whatever time needed "opportunity" to get the job done. Excuses are for the weak, "the best excuse is no excuse" and unfortunately we can all find ourselves becoming weak from time-to-time.

Of course developing good study habits is another factor and one that each one of us needs to develop, but that leads us right back to motive and opportunity again.

In the end though, the 4-R's, time, plus motive and opportunity will lead you to your goal - A DEGREE!!

GOOD LUCK!![/COLOR][/SIZE]