STUDY TIPS TO ACE YOUR MIDTERMS

Each semester, midterms sneak up on HPU students faster than expected. Along with the fast-paced weeks leading up to the exams, students are then met with last minute preparation skills that lead to stress overtaking their mental well-being. The collective anxiety feeling many students are feeling isn’t a solo emotion. In fact, it is a feeling felt by many HPU undergraduates in the days before the assignment is given. To combat the unease brought on by the exam, follow these simple study methods and techniques to ace your midterms with ease.

 

Flash Cards

Flash cards are a simple, yet extremely efficient way to kickstart the memory process in your brain when preparing for midterms. Incorporating flash cards into midterm preparation drives your brain to actively, seamlessly, and effectively push information to memory. As opposed to simply highlighting text, which won’t generate longer memorization. Because flash cards are very low in maintenance and require very little space, they are easy to use on the go. Waiting for the bus to pick you up and take you to Ala Moana Mall? Use your flash cards! Waiting for your meal at Pier 9 Dining? Use your flash cards! Find yourself doomscrolling on TikTok for hours? Utilize that time to study your flash cards!

 

Computer Study Games

Technology has been innovative in society in everyday living, solving problems, ending debates, and now... passing your midterm! Computer games such as Kahoot, Gimkit, or Blooket now give students the opportunity to study in a more lighthearted, easy going way. For some students, studying can seem boring or even a waste of time. Using these computer games allows you to play while learning. Gimkit for example allows you to answer questions while fishing, going through a maze, or even playing capture the flag. This technique makes it feel as though you aren’t even studying and makes learning more fun.

 

Practice Exams

Exams, no matter how big or small, will inflict a nervous feeling in the days leading up to the time it is taken. Not knowing what will be on the test can be hard to ease the pre-exam jitters. Creating a practice exam (or locating one from your professor) can help ease the butterflies. Taking one or more of the practice exams can lead to your study methods from passive reading to active retrieval. This helps gain retention and familiarize you with the formatting and pacing of the test.

Along with this, using practice exams can also allow your body to shift into the high-stakes environment of the exam room at lower steaks. This allows mistakes to be fixed and builds the confidence needed to excel performing when it truly counts.  

 

Making a Visit to the Tutoring Center

The Tutoring Center can be a gateway towards achieving the grade that makes you proud. From teaching languages, help with essay writing, assistance in solving math equations, and many further services, the tutoring center can be a great resource in preparing for your midterm. The individuals helping can go over your study guide with you and help you understand each concept better. Talking with someone can allow undergraduates to be sure of themselves before taking midterms. Because the center acts as a safe, judgment-free zone, students can freely ask the "small" or core questions they might feel too self-conscious to bring up in a crowded classroom. The personalized tutoring approach allows students to create a structured game plan to use when approaching intimidating coursework and material for the midterm.

If interested in utilizing this study technique, you can book an appointment through Navigate360, call (808) 544-9334, or email tutoring@my.hpu.edu.

 

Pomodoro Technique – Advice from Peer Mentor

The Pomodoro Technique is a very unique way to promote well-being while studying. In this study method, students can set a 25-minute timer to study, followed by a strict five-minute break. This cycle repeats continuously until the undergraduates' studying is completed.

HPU peer mentor and senior Erika Gabriel Lumbo states, “"I use the pomodoro technique to help me study for midterms, or in general because it helps me avoid burning out. I also change my scenery every time I study. And when I finish something on my to-do list, I reward myself with a sweet treat”

Using this method, and “sweet treat” reward system for studying gives the studier a more relaxed approach to learning. While this method maintains high levels of cognitive endurance, it does so without unstructured cramming and leads to less procrastination.

While critically thinking, using the study tips provided is a very important aspect to encoding information and your environment plays a vital role in midterm preparation as well. When studying in a messy, loud environment, it causes your mind to be untidy and less focused. HPU offers many different study outlets to prioritize focus and maximize your productivity.

The Learning Commons located at ATM allows for a quiet zone to review different materials with little to no distractions. With private (solo and group) study rooms, isolated booths, and low foot traffic in and out, The Learning Commons grants a clean, organized workspace where your mind can focus on your studying. The area also supplies fast and free Wi-Fi and printing stations to foster an environment of success. It is a perfect place to silence all of the noise during midterm week.

Sharky’s Cove gives a more relaxed way of studying. The outside enclosure meant for events and hangouts, provides a laid-back study spot during the day. With comfortable seating options and a nice view of the water, the fresh air will prompt your brain to study. During the evening, when you need a well-deserved mental reset from studying, Sharky’s Cove also provides pool and ping pong tables that create the perfect scene for downtime.

Other study spots around the island include Waterfront Plaza’s Common Area, Local Coffee Shops, and even a trip to the Beach at Sunset. These places will offer easy-going environments for all your midterm practice needs!

Overall, however, one of the most effective ways to do well on your midterm is to talk with your professor. Communicate any worries you may have with the exams and ask about what you may expect to see on the exam. Your teachers want to see you succeed. Utilizing their office hours or asking questions during class helps reduce the anxiety surrounding this testing period and ultimately leads to a more productive use of your time at HPU. Best of luck on this midterm and any future exams!