I love playing golf, and any time I can play, I make an effort. However, I am an average golfer at best. I tend to make the same mistakes time after time. I say to myself before starting the round, I will (insert new swing thought or strategy). Once the round starts, I revert back to my old routine and play about the same that I always play. Not a recipe for improvement, and many students fall into the same trap.
Law school is busy. I know most of you are screaming at the screen “tell me something I didn’t know Captain Obvious.” Being busy can lead to repetitive conduct, which is sometimes bad habits. Busy can be from too many student organizations, family obligations, work, or fun activities, but the effect is similar. Busy can lead to buying someone else’s outline, not completing practice questions, not seeking feedback, or any combination of bad study skills. Outlines that aren’t complete until finals week won’t be useful for exams. Practice questions the night before an exam don’t allow an opportunity to seek feedback. Try to make this exam period different.
Most people understand the need to improve studying. Some of you may have read this blog earlier in the semester and decided to have better study skills. The semester started and the best intentions faded. Similar to when I revert to my old routine, some students will as well. While the semester is almost over, there is still time to change finals preparation. Here are my suggestions for preparing better for finals:
- Write down what you plan to complete. Be specific with days and tasks. Make sure to add in practice questions and meetings with professors.
- Monitor and check your plan every day at lunch. Prioritize the remaining tasks for the day. Enjoy lunch without thinking about studying, but then focus again on the remaining tasks. Make sure practice questions and meetings are priorities.
- Check progress at the end of the day. Determine if unfinished tasks should be moved to the next day or not completed at all.
- Finish by looking over or creating a plan for the next day.
- Be flexible and adjust as needed.
Self-monitoring and adjusting is critical when time is limited during finals weeks. Efficiency is paramount. Continually assess and plan to accomplish more over the next few weeks. Good luck on finals.
(Steven Foster)
