How to Create a Study Guide
When preparing for an exam, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and not know where to begin in your study process. There may be a lot of information to digest with a limited time to take it all in. One of the best ways to study is to create your own study guide. Creating your own study guide can help when you start by breaking the information down into bite-sized pieces. Here are some easy steps to help you learn how to create a study guide!
Creating a Study Guide
1. Review the material
The first thing you should do is review the material or textbook. Use a system of organization to find important information quickly and efficiently. I recommend using post-it tabs like these in your textbook or course materials.
With post-it tabs, you can use a color-coded system to organize information. For example, vocabulary (pink), concepts (orange), formulas (blue), and dates (green).
2. Take good notes
Taking notes is a key tool that I have learned. When you take notes on the material, it’s way easier for you to paraphrase and put the text into your own words so that you can understand it better!
When taking notes, highlight or star information when instructors “foot-stomp” information during lectures. This may be a sign that the information may be on the exam!
Additionally, if a teacher calls on students to answer questions, make sure to take notes on what they’re asking because these snippets of information may be on the test!
Another thing to remember is that dates are important to commit to memory, especially in history classes. Numbers can be hard to remember so try to make a chart or flashcards that have the dates with their accompanying purpose.
For example, one side of the flashcard can say, “When we went to the moon,” and the other side would say, “July 1969.” Similarly, in math and science courses, there may be formulas that appear frequently on exams. Try this same method when taking notes for these classes.
3. Establish your studying style
Next, decide if you prefer to learn on your own or with others. Either process is okay, but understanding how you learn best is the key to academic success.
If you prefer learning in a group, reach out to other students and ask them if they would like to compare notes and create a study guide together. Chances are, you understand concepts that your classmates struggle with.
Your classmates may understand concepts that you struggle with. People learn best through teaching others what they know. Working together is an opportunity to access your knowledge, strengths, and weaknesses.
Comparing notes is very helpful in case you missed something in class. Sometimes our minds wander during lectures and we don’t catch all the information. That is the benefit of asking others for help.
Formatting Tips for Your Study Guide
I recommend writing a study guide by hand and in question/answer format.
For example:
When we write information by hand, it helps us to concentrate on what we are writing. Writing by hand also allows us to commit information to memory. If you divide the study guide between classmates, make flashcards for the sections that other students create. This gives you a chance to also write the information and to create another tool for learning. You can use the flashcards to quiz yourself or practice quizzing one another.
Graphics and illustrations are also an important part of your learning process. If your textbook or course materials include important dates, create a timeline. I recommend creating timelines that include only key highlights.
The timeline should not include significant detail. The timeline helps you recall key names or events quickly and accurately.
Expand on details in the following notes, if necessary. For example:
Process maps and images are very helpful visuals for learning. Drawing a process map for a chemical reaction or drawing an electron map can help you study for your chemistry exam. Including visual learning elements breaks up blocks of text and provides easy-to-digest content.
If you choose to study with another classmate or a group, assign each classmate a section to complete. When you finish your study guide, make sure each classmate in your study group has a full copy. If you don’t have access to a copy machine, ask your instructor to make copies for each person in the group. Trust me, your instructor will be thrilled that you are helping each other study!
Whether you work in a study group or on your own, you can always ask your instructor to review your study guide. Ask if your instructor has any suggestions for information to add or omit. Combining these study guide creation tips will help you create a powerful piece of study material that is sure to help you ace any exam!
Key Takeaways for Creating a Study Guide
Today, we went over how to create a study guide. With a little practice, you’ll be creating study guides and acing tests in no time. Just remember to:
Review study material and textbooks
Use notes taken during lectures to create your study guide
Partner with classmates and teach one another
Write study guide in question/answer format
Use timelines, graphics, and illustrations
Ask the instructor for feedback on your study guide
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