Learning Resources
Below are a series of articles, tools and links to help you maximize your academic capabilities. These include materials generated by Learning Consultants at the ARC, as well as non-Duke experts. Using the menu below, you may filter this material to view information on the following topics:
Final Exam Planner
Ready to study for finals, but not sure where to start? Use this Final Exam Planner... read more about Final Exam Planner »
Preparing for Finals
DO THE BEST ON THE TEST HOW TO PREP FOR A FINAL Before the Final: Prepare KNOW THE EXAM: the content, format, and % of final course grade DISCONNECT: limit distractions (social media, texting, emails, Netflix). decrease work hours, say NO when needed STUDY... read more about Preparing for Finals »
Preparing for Finals (Video)
A brief overview of how to prepare for finals. read more about Preparing for Finals (Video) »
Prep for Open Book Exams (Video)
Check out our short video with strategies for preparing for open book exams. read more about Prep for Open Book Exams (Video) »
The Study Cycle
The study cycle is a guide to help you distribute your studying so you aren't doing it all at once at the last minute, and to reinforce your learning from one step to the next. read more about The Study Cycle »
Open Book Exams (Video)
Check out our video on strategies for taking open book exams. Still have questions? Talk with a learning consultant read more about Open Book Exams (Video) »
Not All Stress is Bad
Psychology professor, Dr. Bridgette Martin Hard talks about different types of stress, and how the night-before-the-exam stress can actually be helpful! read more about Not All Stress is Bad »
How Do I Use Past Exams?
There is a lot to learn from returned exams. Looking over past exams you can: Understand how the professor writes exam questions - if you are clear on what and how your professor asks questions will make it easier (and faster!) to interpret them on your next exam. Clarify... read more about How Do I Use Past Exams? »
Memory & Review
We forget about 50% of new material within 24 hours. The figure below illustrates how quickly we forget the majority of new material encountered. So how can you remember? Below, you will find strategies for increasing memory retention, and... read more about Memory & Review »