With the ACAT testing window just around the corner, here are two study methods that you might find useful:
A.S.P.I.R.E. Method: http://www.studygs.net/aspire.htm
A: Approach/Attitude/Arrange
- Approach your studies with a positive attitude
- Arrange your schedule to eliminate distractions
S: Select/Survey/Scan
- Select a reasonable chunk of material to study
- Survey the headings, graphics, pre- and post questions to get an overview
- Scan the text for keywords and vocabulary: mark what you don’t understand
P: Piece together the parts
- Put aside your books and notes
- Piece together what you’ve studied, either alone, with a study pal or group: summarize what you understand.
I: Investigate/Inquire/Inspect
- Investigate alternative sources of information you can refer to:
- other text books, websites, experts, tutors, etc.
- Inquire from support professionals (association members, colleagues, experts,) and other resources for assistance
- Inspect what you did not understand.
R: Reexamine/Reflect/Relay
Reexamine the content | Reflect on the material | Relay understanding
Reexamine:
What questions are there yet to ask? Is there something I am missing?
Reflect:
How can I apply this? Is there a new application for it?
Relay:
Could I explain this to colleagues?
E: Evaluate/Examine/Explore:
- Evaluate your grades on review quizzes: look for a pattern
- Examine your progress: toward achieving your goals
- Explore options: with a teacher, support professional, tutor, parent if you are not satisfied.
Index Study Method: http://www.studygs.net/tstprp4.htm
Here is a method of studying that gives you an accurate perception of how well you know the material, and forces you to think about it, rather than just look over it.
Review your notes and readings frequently, so the material is “fresh”
As you’re reading your text or reviewing your notes,write down questions about the material. Imagine you’re teaching the course. What questions would you ask on the exam?
Keep track of any terms you need to know and try the index card system:
- Write each question or term on the back of an index card
- On the front of each index card, write an answer
or an explanation for the question or term on the back.
Use your notes and text for a reference, but put the answer or explanation in your own words whenever possible - Shuffle the index cards
so you can’t figure out any answers based on their location in the deck - Look at the card on the top of the deck:
Try to answer the question or explain the term.
If you know it, great! Put it on the bottom of the deck.
If you don’t know it, look at the answer, and put it a few cards down in the deck (so you’ll come back to it soon) - Proceed through the deck of cards until you know all of the information
Some Tips:
- Carry your cards with you everywhere. Take advantage of little pockets of time.
Test yourself while you’re waiting on line, riding the bus, etc. - If you think you know an answer, but can’t put it into words, you probably don’t know it well enough. Explaining the information is a good way to be sure that you know it.
It’s also a good way to prevent test anxiety - Test yourself someplace where nobody can see you
and recite the answers out loud. Study with a friend or colleague - You can share ideas and help each other out with concepts.
You can use each other to make sure that you’re explaining your answers adequately
Other ACAT Study Tools:
- Join the ACAT LinkedIn group and tap into a group of existing credential holders
- Studying for the ABA? Download our free ABA study guides
- Free ACAT Quiz of Week to test your knowledge on specific topics
- ACAT Practice Exams
- ACAT Prep Courses and Other Resources
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