Summary
Highlights
When you perform poorly on an exam, avoid panicking or going into denial. Many courses, like Dr. Chew's general psychology class, allow for recovery since early exams are typically a small portion of the final grade and opportunities exist to improve scores. Delaying action can lead to a much harder, if not impossible, recovery later in the semester.
Honestly assess your preparation: Was your study time sufficient? Did you attend class and pay attention? Did you complete all assigned work? Over-preparing for the first exam is better than under-preparing. Review your exam to diagnose specific weaknesses: were mistakes spread out or focused on certain topics? Also, check if you followed instructions, misinterpreted questions, or lacked key information in your notes or readings, indicating a need to improve note-taking or reading comprehension.
After reviewing your exam, discuss your preparation and findings with your professor. Faculty are generally willing to help students who are taking initiative to improve their situation. They are an ally, not an enemy, in your academic success.
Evaluate your current study strategies. Many common study techniques are appealing because they are easy but ineffective, such as mindlessly skimming notes or reading without comprehension. Effective study involves deep processing, requiring effort and meaningful engagement with the material. Distinguish between superficially similar strategies; for example, re-copying notes mindlessly versus actively organizing and connecting information.
Commit to effective study strategies, minimize distractions, attend all classes, and set realistic goals. Space out study time to avoid cramming and maximize review. Do not neglect other classes or assignments to catch up in one, as this can lead to problems across the board. Avoid losing easy points by failing to follow instructions or skipping minor assignments; these small percentages can significantly impact your final grade.
Do not continue studying the same way, wait until the end of the semester to seek help, skip classes or assignments, fall further behind, cram at the last minute, or panic and give up. These actions are detrimental to recovery.
To improve, diagnose your problems, create a workable plan, and set realistic goals. Improving study habits requires sustained effort, as you are not only developing new skills but also overcoming old, ineffective ones. Be prepared for multiple attempts and potential setbacks, but developing effective, automatic study strategies will benefit you in all learning situations.