By Kaitlyn McCarthy
As the end of the fall semester approaches, students at Youngstown State University are starting to think about their final exams and projects.
Many people have different methods of studying. Jonah Weisman, a senior chemical engineering major, explained how he studies and helps tutor other students effectively for finals.
“I think the best way to learn is just kind of playing to whatever type of learning suits you best, whether that’s auditory [or] visual. So for me, as a visual learner, I like to go through and see an entire process written down,” Weisman said.
The Resch Academic Success Center offers tutoring for over 200 courses and has tutors specifically to help students with final exams.
There are always small tricks students can use to help study for finals. For some students, it can be chewing gum or having caffeine while studying. For others, music helps them memorize information.
For sophomore tutor Adeline Whaley, a mathematics and biology major, tea helps her focus while studying.
“Of course, not everyone likes tea, but I find it helpful to have something to sip on while studying,” Whaley said.
Finals can be looked at as the most difficult tests or assignments of the semester. Senior biology BaccMed med major and biology tutor Balakrishna Brahmandam chooses to focus on more complex information that students struggle with.
“It’s basically going through the material that they learned through the last semester and breaking it down into simpler concepts for them,” Brahmandam said. “They aren’t as confident, and they want to be, and [I try] to build that confidence up.”
Since students can have difficulties focusing, most find it effective to take small breaks throughout their studying to help refresh their minds and relax before trying to obtain more information.
“Studying can become very tedious, so it’s important to take breaks here and there. You could study for 30 minutes and reward yourself with a 5-minute break,” Whaley said.
There isn’t a wrong way to study. What information is best to study depends on the class and the student.
“For some people, just looking at the teacher’s notes and going off of that is best. For others, it’s reading the textbook. I like to do a combination of both,” Brahmandam said.
Another helpful tip is to study far enough in advance. Depending on how hard the final is, it may take hours of preparation just to do well on a single test or assignment.
“Break it up into small sections, and try to even start looking back at information from the beginning of the semester now,” Weisman said.
Preparing early and asking for help can make tests less stressful. Every student is different, but with the right method, studying for finals can be easier.
For more information, contact the Resch Academic Success Center at 330-941-7253, or visit the office located next to Kilcawley Center. Fall hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Final exams will take place the week of Dec. 13-17.