By Austin McWhorter
Finals are just around the corner – the dreaded last week of school when students must show how much information they retained throughout the semester.
Cramming, caffeine and hours of missed sleep are how some students view finals week.
However, there are ways to make sure finals aren’t painful and still get a high grade.
“Hopefully students have been studying and reviewing all semester,” said Dr. Robert Bauman, a professor of biological sciences.
“Last-minute cramming is usually worthless.”
Bauman’s opinion was echoed by several Amarillo College professors and instructors.
“Students should review their previous exams in the course,” Bauman said.
“It is also helpful to go over chapter summaries in the textbooks.”
Bauman said reviewing and reading textbook chapters are good ways for students to refresh their memories of the course content.
Some students use flash cards and other strategies to study.
Location of study sessions also is important, said Tiffany Lamb, a biology instructor.
“Pick a location to study where you are comfortable, but not too comfortable that you fall asleep,” Lamb said.
“Make sure you can lay out all your materials so you don’t have to get up. It’s also a good idea to be in a place where you won’t be interrupted, and turn off your cell phone so you don’t get distracted.”
Family, work and studying are hard for many students to juggle, especially around finals week.
“Time management should start now so students don’t have to cram during finals week,” Lamb said.
“Be flexible and fit studying time into your schedule, since every bit counts. ”
Even though finals are getting close, some students have been preparing for them since the first day of class.
“Showing up every day of class has gotten me exempt from many of my finals,” said Janie Granado, a general studies major. “Staying on top of class and doing well throughout the semester lessens the worries of finals.”
Lamb recommends that students take a break and do something fun the weekend before finals begin.
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Leave a Reply