Everyone wants to know my secret to passing my exams...
Several of my classmates all semester long have come to me and all asked me the same exact question: "What is your secret to passing these tests?!" So, I will share my secret with you all as well, although it's not some miraculous magic and the biggest part is that you can still be successful with a marriage, a family, children, and a job despite what everyone seems to want to tell you.
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My program is a "concept-based curriculum," which means that the lectures for class are pre-recorded. You are expected to watch them prior to attending lecture and that time is used to reinforce the concepts with activities that you should basically already know. In a way, I have felt like this semester has been more of a "learn on your own and show what you know" type of program. This can be ultimately defeating if you haven't figured out a way to study that works for you.
Here is what works for me:
I read the chapters and other assigned readings prior to reviewing the powerpoints or listening to lectures. While doing this initial reading, I highlight what I think would be critical or important in YELLOW.
Then I listen to the lectures and follow along in the textbook at the same time. Usually, my teacher will read certain points from the book. I highlight that material in ORANGE. If it is something I have already highlighted in yellow, I mark OVER IT in orange.
After those, I review the powerpoints. If there is something that was touched on in the powerpoint but not so much in the lecture or my own personal reading, I will mark it in GREEN - but this is extremely rare. I don't really care for powerpoints to be honest.
Finally, I review and skim over the highlighted portions and sum up concepts on post it notes that are left in my book and use these as an outline to study. It has proven to be very successful for me.
However, with that being said IT IS VERY TIME CONSUMING. If you're willing to put in the work you may find it useful. I manage to find time to do it while taking care of my family and also working 36 hours a week. My secret to finding that time is to go to school early (around 8 am most days) and find a quiet study room to read. I will often stay late after class. My daughter doesn't have to be picked up from daycare until 6pm.
So, that is my big secret and nobody ever likes to hear it. More times than not I am told, "Oh, you must have a lot of time on your hands." Not really; but I can confidently say that my current grade accurately reflects my time spent and my post-it notes have made studying for the comprehensive final simple.
