Planet eCore: Tips from the eCore Proctor Doctor - Learn to Study Like a Pro!

Meet the eCore Proctor Doctor

Fall is in the air... which means the kids are back in school, college football is king, and your favorite TV shows are returning with new episodes. For many working adults, Fall also means "back-to-school" for themselves in the form of online courses in pursuit of a college degree. 

Online college courses are typically delivered in accelerated formats, which are shorter than a traditional semester and allow the student to complete more courses within a year. For accelerated online courses, mid-term exams are right around the corner. Milestone exams like mid-terms are very important to your overall grade in a course, so it is crucial that you get organized early and be as prepared as you can. The eCore Proctor Doctor is here to help you do just that! Here are his 5 simple steps to help you learn to study like a pro!

1. Set a study goal and a study time.
   Determine what you need to study and prioritize the content that matters the most. Review course materials such as your syllabus and discussion postings to determine the most important topics in the course so far. With full time jobs and families to balance on top of school, it's also a good idea to set a "study time" for yourself every day leading up to the exam.
   
   
2. Aim to begin studying at least a week in advance.
   Studying a little bit over a period of time helps you retain the information more easily. The last thing you want is to pull an "all-nighter" and not get enough sleep before the big test! Plus, starting your studying earlier will allow you to determine areas that you need to spend more time on, and to seek help from your professor or any tutoring services that may be available to you.
3. Study with a buddy.
   Study groups can motivate you to get started. Even in an online course, you can use your discussion board to connect with others in your class. One of your classmates may live closer than you think, or you may even be able to utilize technologies such as Skype or Facetime to study with classmates who do not live near you.
   
   
4. Take snack breaks.
   While studying, be sure to take a five-minute break every hour to help your body produce more energy. Eating a healthy snack and stretching helps you relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.
   
   
5. Get a good night's sleep.
   Staying up too late the night before the exam might zap your energy and focus when you need it the most. If you've prepared ahead of time (see tip #2), you'll be able to do one last review of the material, set a decent bedtime for yourself, and wake up refreshed and ready to conquer that exam on test day!
   
   

Now that you've received your checkup from the eCore Proctor Doctor, you're ready to ace that test, right? Share your study tips with us in the comments below, or email us at: ecoresuccess@westga.edu. 

Happy Testing!

Reynard Van Tonder
eCore Testing Coordinator
rvantond@westga.edu 

For information about exams and testing for eCore students, visit ecore.usg.edu/exams.