Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Advice given to Texas A&M students for effective finals preparation
By Jessica McCann
The Battalion (Texas A&M)
12/04/2006

(U-WIRE) COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Final examinations are just around the corner. This week, Texas A&M University students preparing for their finals will occupy libraries, coffee shops and any available quiet area on campus. Knowledge and a few tips about studying for these dreaded tests can help relieve some of the stress and anxiety.

"Don't plan to study non-stop for the next five days," said Naomi Rockler-Gladen, an assistant professor of communication and media studies and an expert on student studying habits from Colorado State University.

"With short breaks to recharge, you'll feel so much better and will be able to concentrate so much more," Rockler-Gladen said.

Other suggestions include forming effective study groups, prioritizing the amount of material given versus the amount of time for studying, asking professors for help in clarifying and explaining class notes or readings.

"The best advice is to keep things in perspective," Rockler-Gladen said. "The worst thing that can happen is that you do poorly on the test and excessive stress will hurt your performance on the test anyway. As best as you can, try to relax."

Some students take studying into their own hands, inventing creative ways to make studying work for them.

"One thing I do is have a bunch of people come over and I teach the material to them," said sophomore business major Adam Smith. "In a group, we go over all of it, and if someone doesn't understand it, I'll teach it to them and I learn it better in the process."

Other students use study aides such as flashcards, outlines and practice tests. Many students claim that cramming is still their primary strategy for studying for finals.

For all students preparing for finals, regardless of style of studying, the Evans Library, Evans Annex and West Campus Libraries will offer extended hours and late-night beverages during finals.

The Evans Library will stay open until 2 a.m. each night and the Evans Annex will be open 24 hours starting Dec. 3 and will close on their regular hours beginning Dec. 13. The West Campus Library is regularly open 24 hours on Monday through Thursday.

As part of the libraries' finals tradition, coffee and hot chocolate will be served after 10 p.m. on December 7, 10, 11 and 12 at the Evans and West Campus Libraries.

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