BU Educational Resource Center Blog » Resource

Test Prep – It’s Never Too Early (even in the summer)

clalama — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 03:18:01 +0000

We know it’s summer vacation, but we thought we’d throw a brief video workshop online for those of you who’ve resolved to make this the “best fall semester ever” (translation: you’re telling yourselves you won’t procrastinate come exams this time. Really.)

We asked some students to include their tips on test prep here. If you have any tips that work for you, email us or comment on this post.

If you get inspired, check out some other ERC and related videos on BUniverse and check back here later this week for an online workshop on time management.

See you in September! (It’s closer than you think…)

PY 106 on BUniverse

clalama — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:17:17 +0000

Check out this instructional video for PY 106 on BUniverse. If you want to see more, check out these other BUniverse videos from the Physics department.

The ERC offers peer tutoring in about 150 100-level and 200-level courses (including PY106). If you decide to request a peer tutor, check out the peer tutoring page on the ERC website.

Know Thyself: What’s your Learning Style?

clalama — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:37:59 +0000

Taken from the Louisiana State University Center for Academic Success

Being a “good” student really means being consistent, but if certain study techniques aren’t working for you, it might be time to re-evaluate the way you study. Flash cards aren’t for everyone, for example and some students may learn better by reciting terms or concepts out loud.

This Sensory Preference Self Test will help you determine what kind of learner you are so that you can identify better study techniques for your learning style.

Jot This Down: How to Take Better Notes

clalama — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:00:04 +0000

lecture styles image

Taking notes in class is underrated. If you find yourself scrawling illegibly on the page, or worse,find yourself dusting off your notebook come exam time, read on.

Most students write notes out in the classic outline format. If it works for you, stick to it, but your notes might come alive if you really paint a picture with them. Why not write out your notes so that they “match” the way your professor lectures? For instance, some lectures are clearly meant to compare and contrast themes or concepts. Listen for key words such as “on the contrary” or “resemble” to make an immediate connection with the subject at hand. Why not set up two columns where the similarities or differences can stand out for you?

If you are in a history class and have to remember key events, draw a timeline. Visual learners (students who like to write out lists or draw things out for themselves) might be able to visualize the timeline when they’re trying to “see” the events associated with certain years, etc. Auditory learners might recite from their lists later as a study technique.

Manage Your Time Wisely: One Day at a Time

clalama — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:59:26 +0000

24-Hour Time Grid

How often do you look back on your week and wonder where all your time went? You had a blast, but somehow that paper didn’t get written. There’s a test coming up next week and you haven’t even started studying.

The secret to managing your time wisely is to assess what you did and didn’t get done at the end of each day. Whether you use a paper calendar, iCal, or Google, go over your to-do list daily. Consistency is key.

To get an idea of what each day should look like, picture the day in three categories, each 8 hours long:
Rest – Academics – Personal.

Got sleep?
This is one of the anchors in your daily schedule. Set your ideal bedtime and block off 8 hours of glorious sleep. Night owls just end up being tired and less productive the next day.

Academics
Your next anchors are class and study time. You are in class for an average of 4 hours per day and will ideally spend as much time on homework, reading, projects, etc. Block out the time you are in class each day and make room for 4 more hours of schoolwork each day. Four hours a day times 7 days a week gives you 28 full hours for homework. Didn’t think you had that kind of time, did you?

Plan to spend at least 10 minutes reviewing your notes after each class. These few minutes spent on reviewing the material will vastly improve how much you retain. Condense your notes each day and review them for just a few minutes a day. You’ll avoid the stress and sleep deprivation that comes with cramming before exams if you get familiar with the course material.

“You” Time
The last 8 hours of your day are entirely for your personal good: meals, socializing, sports, job, etc. If you need extra study time, it’s coming out of these last 8 hours. Don’t sacrifice Zzz’s!

It doesn’t always seem like it, but there is more than enough time to be a good student while taking time out for yourself. Your college life should be fun and productive. Make an effort to take at least an hour every day to stop and explore your neighborhood, check out FitRec and unplug for a few minutes! We’re confident you’ll see an improvement in your life at BU.

Is this a good place to study? Take the Quiz!!

clalama — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:59:14 +0000

With a special thanks to the
Division
of Student Affairs

Study Environment
Analysis

The purpose of this inventory is to help you evaluate the three places you study most
frequently. Begin by identifying these three locations in the blanks below.

List them in the order in which you use them most frequently. Then
answer each question according to whether the statement is mostly true or mostly false
about each of the three places you have identified.

		Place A	Place B	Place C
1.	There are few distractions, such as phone, computer, or TV, in this location.
2.	Other people rarely interrupt me when I study in this location.
3.	This is a quiet location, with almost no interruptions from phones ringing, people talking or music playing.
4.	I take a limited number of breaks when I study in this environment.
5.	I study here regularly during the week.
6.	I tend to keep my breaks short when I study in this location.
7.	I rarely talk with people when I study here.
8.	The temperature in this place is very comfortable for studying most of the time.
9.	The chair in this place is very conducive to studying.
10.	The desk/table in this place is very conducive to studying.
11.	The lighting in this place is very conducive to studying.
12.	There are few things in this location that are unrelated to studying or school work.
When you have answered all 12 questions, click the Add Button to calculate the number of “True” responses you made for each of the three places where you study most frequently. The place with the highest total may provide the best environment for studying. Try to do as much of your studying in this location as possible.

		Place A	Place B	Place C