Study Tips from OAAR to Help End Your Term Strong
(Nancy Andrews)
The end of the 2023-24 academic year approaches imminently, as April 26 marks the last day of classes in the Spring 2024 term. Pulse@ChathamU spoke to Cindy Kerr, director of Chatham University’s Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources, who gave some quick tips on how students can best prepare for their end-of-term exams and projects.
Responses have been edited for clarity.
What are three of the most important things students can do to help them study effectively?
Go to class!
Make sure all your notes, PowerPoint presentations, etc. are organized and in order when you start to study.
Study every day for at least one week before an exam.
If a student is trying to develop better study habits, what is a good place to start?
Find a good study location; your bed is not a good location.
Find a study buddy—this will help hold both of you accountable.
If you are unsure of the material, go to your instructor during office hours and ask for help.
How can students manage time effectively?
Make a time management schedule (OAAR can help), where you create a schedule to which you can stick.
Work on something everyday. Even if you can only spend 30 minutes on each subject it will help move you forward.
What are some bad habits you hear students developing, and how do you help them break those habits and develop good ones?
Don't expect your instructors to make sure you know about deadlines. It is students’ responsibility to mark due dates somewhere they can see it daily.
Don't wait until the last minute to study. Even if you got a good grade the last time you crammed, it won't always happen that way.
Don't expect your instructors to give you extensions; due dates are not suggestions.
If you had one study tip to give to every Chatham student, what would it be?
If you are struggling to find a system that works for you, seek help! Ask your peers, friends, instructors, and OAAR staff for strategies.
Learn more about Chatham’s Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources at chatham.edu.
OAAR is located in the Jennie King Mellon Library, and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional hours by appointment.
Call 412-365-1523 email oaar@chatham.edu for more information.