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How to Study for an
Algebra Test
When studying for an
algebra test,
you have two main goals:
-
Learn the material so you can do
well on the exam.
-
Learn the material well enough so
you will still know it next semester!!! (Most of you will be taking more math. These
classes ALWAYS depend on the material you learned the previous semester! If you don't
really learn it (i.e. not just cramming for the exam), you'll crash and burn in
your next
class!
TIP #1: Have all memorizing done
a couple of days before
the exam... BUT, you should UNDERSTAND what's going on! Trying to just
memorize it never lasts.
TIP #2: USE FLASH CARDS FOR MEMORIZATION OF
FORMULAS AND
RULES!!!
1) Starting out:
-
Look over lecture notes.
-
Look over homework.
2) Make an exam for yourself (or
better yet, for a study partner):
-
Take it after a delay period - So you
won't remember where you got the problems - If you take the exam too soon, you
may think
you know the material better then you do! (This should be done at least TWO (2) days
before the exam - NOT the night before or you'll freak yourself out!)
NOTE: It is extremely important that you be able to do
the problems without knowing what section they came out of!! Be
sure to
mix the problems up when you are practicing!
3) Restudy:
-
Go back over what you had trouble with on
your practice exam. This is the stuff that you didn't absorb well enough
from just doing
your homework.
4) The afternoon before exam
day:
-
Read through your
lecture notes and think! Work some problems and review
memorizing.
5) The night before exam day:
-
Do something fun ----------- But not too
much fun! 8-)
6) One hour before exam:
-
Glance over flash cards and don't talk to
classmates -- They may say something to confuse you or make you nervous.
8-)
Most importantly
-------
DO NOT CRAM!!!
Anything you try to learn
at the last minute (that means the night before) will dribble out your left ear
when you
get nervous!
Also, if you need to get some private
tutoring for the exam, do not set your appointment for exam day - or even the night
before. Being tutored the day of the exam may fry your brain. Waiting until the night
before is cramming. Plan ahead for all tutoring appointments.
(A good tutor will charge $15 or $30
an hour -- If they charge $5 or even $10, they may not be very experienced.
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