It’s the Night Before… What Now?Michael O’KeefeMrs. Thurman

Project/Paper: Assess your situation

◦ How much work do you have?◦ Can you finish it all in one night?◦ Do you have other work that needs to get done?

◦ Should you take a late grade? ◦ IT’S ONLY 3% OF YOUR GRADE!

THAT’S ABOUT 0.5% OVERALL

In-Class Assessment:This is a little more complicated. Obviously you can’t take a late grade…

So what now?

Plan:

● How much time do you have? vs. How much time do you need?

● How much sleep do you need to feel rested? When will you stop and call it a night?

● Get to know your limits● When is your test? First thing? Later in the day?

Organize:● Group your notes and readings

by topic● Define key terms and ideas and let

the rest go● Think about possible test questions● Use flashcards or online websites● Be able to picture your outline in your head

Do you have Smart Friends?If so, use them.

If not, make them quickly! They will most likely already be done studying and can help you get everything in order.

The Study Guide1. Find out exactly what’s on the test

a. Usually Canvas or your teacher will tell you what it’s on

b. If there is not a detailed outline, phone a smart friend

c. Sometimes, like in 11th Grade US History, there isn’t a term list. You have to use the syllabus

The Study Guide2. Figure out what you know and what you don’t

a. This doesn’t mean you need to have a concept down, just be familiar with it. You can come back to it if you have time.

b. Of the topics you don’t know, which will be tested heavily? Which will only appear once? Which do you have time to worry about?

The Study Guide3. Plan out exactly how much time you are going to devote to each topic.

a. Don’t stay on a specific topic too long. Move on and come back if you have time.

b. Do you have other subjects to worry about?

Or… Don’tIf you really suck at making study guides, or just want to ignore what I just said (not recommended), ask an organized friend for theirs

Make sure they’re someonewho would probably get an A.

Use the Internet!1. Make sure websites at least seem credible2. For English, use Sparknotes (or something similar)3. For Math, use Paul’s Online Notes 4. Language and Science websites vary5. Iffy for History

Textbooks:● Terms are usually highlighted in the book● Use Chapter SummariesThese will save you time!

Class Resources:Things stressed in class WILL REAPPEAR● Worksheets● Handouts● Important Terms● Labs● Know how your teacher writes their tests

Confusing Topics● Again, have a smart friend explain it to you● Email your teacher● Ask to meet with your teacher before school

○ if your teacher cannot meet, ASK ANOTHER TEACHER!

Studying Strategies: The Importance of Sleep● Our brains are at their best when they are rested● Study a few minutes right before bed; DON’T

STUDY IN BED

Studying Strategies: Memory● Mnemonic Strategies & Acronyms (PEMDAS)● Acrostic (Every Good Boy Does Fine)● Method of Loci (Visual)● Image-Name Technique (Invent a story)● Drawing/Cartoons● Chaining & Phrases● MAKE IT MATTER TO YOU

Other Strategies:● Move as you study● Write notes by hand● Hydrate● Eat good foods● Regular 5 minute breaks● Put your phone away● Get some exercise

Morning of:● Wake up on time or a bit early. Not TOO early● Eat Breakfast● Think about after the test. How will you celebrate?● Think POSITIVE!

Final Thought:● Information on quizzes and tests WILL reappear,

sometimes more than once● As soon as possible, go over everything again and make sure you

understand ALL of it. ● Once you get the test back, review it too.

When it comes time for larger tests or exams, you won’t be cramming 5 months of material you don’t understand. If you do this for every unit, you won’t ever have to cram because you planned ahead. How nice would that be?