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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Mattzlaff on June 29, 2016, 04:58:09 AM

Title: Studying for Exams
Post by: Mattzlaff on June 29, 2016, 04:58:09 AM
Hello all!

I'm a technical school graduate from about 4 years ago. My profession or lack of (heheh) more like a jack of all trades sort of job. Allows me to progress provincially to a different "class" based on time operating and exams proving competency.

The material is incredibly dry, and this is where I find it hard to get interested in writing these exams. I currently have 2 of 6 passed(mostly math based), which I passed last year the problem is after passing the math based exams I have kind of burnt out while studying for the third one which is a few sketch's and essay style answers, well actually all of them are supposed to be essay styled answers.

I'm looking for a motivation booster or tips for studying this sort of dry material. I should buck up and at least do 2 more this year. I have 7 years from the pass date to finish all 6 or they become void.

A little more information on why I would do this to myself

These exams have very little to do with my career path at my current plant site but my work will pay me a taxable sum of X amount more a month to write them all and get the time to progress. The move to the new class does look good on a resume because this type of operator is needed for certain plants in Alberta.

The company pays me to write the exam, pays for the applicable books and pays a little bonus to pass an exam a pass is 65% but the questions are always random and its 7 pick 5.

Im finding it hard to find time and motivation to really buck down and study up. Any tips you guys do to study dry stuff?
Title: Re: Studying for Exams
Post by: Choices on June 29, 2016, 08:33:20 AM
This is hard, but here's what I found helpful.

1. Block out chunks of time on your calendar to study and find a quiet place at home, in a library, or wherever you think best.
2. Get a timer. Set it for 30 minutes, and study like you mean it. Turn off your phone, close your email, turn off Twitter and any other distractions.
3. After 30 min, set the timer for 10 min. Take a break, check your phone, take a quick walk around the block, get the mail, get a snack, etc.
4. Repeat.

You can do this!