How do I study for exams without reading a book for hours?

megano…: How do I study for exams without reading a book for hours?
Exams are painful. I can never sit down and read my text books. Any suggestions?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Joe
Try looking up the info on the interwebz.

Answer by Kev T
Give your teacher a big kiss

Answer by Yolie
Maybe try to find a summary or study guide online. A short version of what you are supposed to read. For English I used spark-notes, for humanities and psychology the practice labs that came with my books, etc. 😀

Answer by ellzZz
study for 45 minutes,then get up,do some exercises,eat some fruit,maybe listen to a little music,then go back to studying for another 45 minutes.

Answer by Ms. Switch
Study with a friend or friends. You can quiz one another, etc. If your study partner is a classmate, you can divide the material and each share your work with the others.This only works if everyone involved in motivated. One way to motivate everyone is a great snack halfway through the study session.

If you must study alone, skim for important points and take notes. Some people find index cards the best way to do this, but a notebook/filler paper will do if you prefer. Writing will help you remember. Do not work for too long at a time. Take short breaks when you start getting foggy or overwhelmed. Just be sure to get back to work!

If you don;t have buddies to study with, start working on finding some. Often it’s more effective to choose the smart people with good study habits rather than the cool/cute/fun people who may be distracting. Also, planning your study time ahead is a good plan. Spending the time to make study notes in advance as you go along in the course will save you from having too much reading before the test.

Good luck!

Answer by Minda Now
Cramming doesn’t work. Study for 15 min then take a break. Then repeat. Write notes and consult your notes later.

Hope that helps.

Answer by cool gelatine
It is important that you do the readings, unless your professor provides detailed summaries of the readings. But from my experience, most professors tend to provide general summaries, and like to pose further questions, examine arguments, clarify concepts, provide context to the course material, and etc.
You are normally expected to do the readings. The best thing to do, at this point, would be to get involved in a study group. Assign readings for each member to summarize in a few pages.

Answer by Eristic
Mickey D beckons, you reap what you sow.