Broward College continues to support students in achieving their academic goals. Whether you chose to take classes this spring in-person, using remote instruction, online, or a hybrid version of one of these—there’s one thing all students have in common, finals are approaching. Not to worry, accommodations designed to provide learning support are available virtually, including the Academic Success Center (ASC).  We want to make sure you are ready. Cesar Nin Almanzar, a senior specialist of curriculum support at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus ASC, shared his tips on successfully preparing for and acing an exam. 

Identifying your Learning Style

Nin Almanzar shares three primary learning types: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Identifying your own will help you better understand yourself as a learner, which is particularly useful when you're studying. The summaries and examples of retention techniques for each style are listed below.

• Visual: To understand, visual learners must see the knowledge and concepts presented. Visual learners may develop study material using graphs, outlines, or creating a personal practice test. Nin Almanzar adds, "If a visual learner is studying Math, they can watch a tutor solving a problem or videos on YouTube."
• Auditory: To fully comprehend content, auditory learners prefer to hear and listen. It is recommended that they listen to recorded lectures or voice notes. Another strategy is to come up with memorable mnemonics or rhymes, such as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition and Subtraction) for the order of operations in Math.
• Kinesthetic: Touch or movement is needed for kinesthetic learners to process information. Studying strategies include retyping notes, flipping through physical flashcards, and briefly reviewing notes while doing light exercise.

The Importance of a Study Schedule

Once you’ve figured out your learning style, then Nin Almanzar recommends creating a study schedule.

In the early stages of final exam preparation, it is recommended that students start utilizing time management methods, such as outlining a study schedule in a calendar or agenda. Consistently abiding by a study schedule promotes self-discipline and organization and ensures a strong performance. According to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, “Students with a strong sense of self-discipline significantly outperformed their less-disciplined peers on a range of academic indicators, including grades, achievement test scores, and attendance.”

Although Nin Almanzar acknowledges that deciding the required amount of study time is subjective, he strongly advises reviewing material regularly for at least an hour, with five to ten-minute breaks. Once your allotted time for the day is complete, reward yourself by watching your favorite movie or taking a nap. "At the end of my study session, I treat myself with ice cream or a Milky Way," he adds.

Eliminating Distractions

There’s more to getting your exam prep just right; one of them is getting rid of distractions.

Make every effort to keep any distractions away from your study space, as your concentration should remain on the targeted material. Furthermore, a designated quiet area results in more successful study sessions and improved focus.

Although distractions are subjective, the cellphone is the most common source of drifting focus. However, due to their obligations, some people cannot relocate their computer to a different room. In this situation, Nin Almanzar recommends researching your phone's settings. Some devices have a "Do Not Disturb" feature that only allows notifications from important incoming calls or messages.

The Academic Success Center’s Current Operating Procedures

And, importantly, don’t forget that the College offers support to get you prepared.

The ASC is available virtually seven days a week. You can make appointments via WCOnline. Monday through Thursday, ASC Labs at the three main campuses— the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, the Judson A. Samuels South Campus, and North Campus offer in-person learning assistance. Tutoring is available for various subjects, including Math, Science, English, Business, and Accounting.

Good luck with your exams!

To create a remote tutoring appointment for South Campus, click here.

To create a remote tutoring appointment for North Campus, click here.

To create a remote tutoring appointment for Central Campus, click here.

Stay on track to complete your program