HOW TO ACE YOUR FINALS

3 Must Have Study Tips for Future Dietitians  
Crystal S. Donom

​1. Know Your Learning Style  
       Successful students use a combination of learning styles, but most students have one
       predominant way of learning. No one learning style is better than the other, however, each
       style has its own strengths and limitations. If you know your limitations, you can tailor your
       study time to maximize your strengths and improve your grades and overall productivity. 
       Want to know your preferred learning style? Take this short learning style quiz to find out.   
 
       Learning Style Quiz - Learn How to Study Smarter Not Harder
       http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/improving-study-habits.shtml
 
2. Find the Best Groupies
       One of the most effective ways to prepare for an exam is to create a study group. Some
       students prefer studying alone but there is strong scientific support for the benefits of
       working in group. A recent study in the Frontiers in Psychology Journal indicates students
       learn more when working in groups than studying alone. In addition, being in a group may  
       offer some relief both academically and socially (Chiriac, 2014). Want to get the most out of
       your study group?  Follow these strategies and tips for successful collaboration.

       ·  Limit your group to 4-5 students   
 
       ·  Assign tasks to weed out the slackers
 
       ·  Meet for 2-3 hours at least once a week
 
       ·  Predict and answer potential exam questions   
 
       ·  Choose a location with minimal distractions 

3. The Night Before Your Exam
       Students can benefit from proper planning, and the night before an exam is no exception.
       Here are two things students can do the night before to help boost their grades.
 
       ·  Get your zzz’s 
           Do not pull an all-nighter the night before an exam. The extra effort you put into
           studying will reduce your mental performance. Also, remember to watch your caffeine. 
           Consuming large amounts of caffeine may seem like an effective way to increase your
           mental alertness, but too much caffeine can make you jittery and this can impact your
           ability to concentrate.
                    
      ·  Pack your bag
          Gather all your materials the night before the exam. Make sure to include extra writing
          utensils, scratch paper, a calculator, and back-up batteries just in case your calculator stops
          working.  It is also a good idea to pack a snack or lunch. Choose foods that are nourishing
          for your brain such as nuts, eggs, and avocado. You can also throw in a small amount of
          carbs to help maintain your energy levels.

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References
Chiriac, E. H. (2014). Group Work as an Incentive for Learning - Students’ Experiences of Group Work. Frontiers in Psychology. 5. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00558

Hatami, S. (2012). Learning Styles. ELT Journal,67(4), 488-490. doi:10.1093/elt/ccs083

Hawksworth, S. (2015, September 24). The College Puzzle a College Success Blog by Dr. Michael W. Kirst. Retrieved November 14, 2017, from https://collegepuzzle.stanford.edu/knowing-your-learning-style-can-help-college-success/
 
Kalantari, M., & Tahan, M. (2016). Study of Innovation in Learning Styles of Students in Different Secondary School Branches. Cell & Developmental Biology,6(4). doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000274
 
Romanelli, F., Bird, E., & Ryan, M. (2009). Learning Styles: A Review of Theory, Application, and Best Practices. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(1), 09.
 
What's Your Learning Style? (2011). Retrieved November 12, 2017, from http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/improving-study-habits.shtml