Virtual Learning

Preparing for Virtual Exams

Tests and exams often make up a significant chunk of your course grades, so having solid test-taking strategies is essential for academic success.

Know Your Schedule

• Keep track of when you have test and exams coming up so you can prepare ahead of time.
• Make study plans for how you will prepare for each exam.

Know Your Details

• Gather information about the test, such as what content will be tested, what question formats it will have, how many points it is worth, and what the time limit will be.
• Find out as much as you can. The more you know, the better you can prepare.

Know Yourself

• Study in the morning or afternoon hours when your mind is more alert.
• Get a good night’s rest and a healthy meal before your test, so that your brain is performing at its best.

Utilize Effective Study Techniques

Even when you have a lot of material to master, there are proven techniques to help you learn, retain, and recall what you have studied.

Read It

• Practice paced reading to improve your reading rate.
• Use SQ4R and active reading study strategies to improve retention.

Remember it

• As you read or watch video lectures, use the note-taking style that best fits both you and the material.
• Use mnemonic devices and other techniques to improve memory.

Review It

• Connect with other classmates to create or join virtual study groups

Quiz each other, drill with flash cards, and share notes and other study resources.

Stay Focused and Organized

Whether your education is taking place in-person or online, finding a space, time, and method that allows you to work without distractions is crucial to your academic success.

Set a Space

• Find a quiet space that you can designate as your work space. Arrange the space that will help you get focused work done.
• When you’re in your work space, shut the door and shut out distractions with the help of a white noise machine or some to instrumental music.

Set a Standard

• Agree on scheduled work time with those around you and stick to them. Ask others to respect these “do not disturb” times, and be sure to respect theirs.
• Above all else, turn your phone off or leave it in another room!

Set a Goal

• Set a goal for each study session, such as “read two chapters”, and do not leave until you finish the goal.
• Once you complete each goal, reward yourself by taking a break before getting back to it.