Fun Ways to Study for Finals

By Kelli Walker

Studying terms, definitions, formulas, and so on can get very boring and might even seem overwhelming at times. Hanging out with friends, attending an event or simply doing anything else would be more fun than forcing yourself to memorize notes. However, believe it or not, you can have the best of both worlds! There are many ways to learn while still having fun. Studying for an upcoming exam doesn’t always have to be stressful, so here are some ideas for you and your friends to have fun while doing so!

Tic Tac Toe

Do you have a problem with second-guessing yourself on a test? Unfortunately, I do. And if you do too, then this version of Tic Tac Toe is for you. It may sound cliché, but this game allows you to develop a stronger process of elimination. There are many possible DIY versions to make it more studious, and here are some examples:

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Version 1: With a Host, New Rules

Have someone act as a game moderator/referee, similar to a game show host.
Display a tic tac toe board so it is visible to you, your opponent, and the moderator.
Each square will present a number (1-9) and each number holds a question that should only be presented when called upon.
Once the number is called upon, the moderator will state the question and provide two possible answers (Make sure the two options do not make the correct answer completely obvious).
If the question is answered correctly, that person will receive either an X or O in that box on the board. If not, then the question should be answered and then changed for another opportunity later on in the game.
Lastly, three of the same marks in a row (horizontally or diagonally) declares the winner of the game.

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Version 2: Without a Host, New Rules

Similar to the steps above, but since there is no moderator, this version would require you to write out all the questions out and place them face down like a deck of cards.
Display a tic tac toe board so it is visible to you and your opponent.
Each square will present a number (1-9), and each number holds a question that should only be presented when called upon.
Once the number is called upon, grab a question from the deck (Once again, make sure the options are realistic and that the correct answer is not obvious).
If the question is answered correctly, that person will receive their mark of an X or O in that box on the board. If not, then the question should be answered, discarded from the deck, and the game continues on until there’s a winner.
As before, three of the same marks in a row (horizontally or diagonally) declares the winner.

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Jeopardy

It’s almost the end of an exam and the professor calls, “Ten minutes left!” Adrenaline runs through your body, giving you a boost of energy or anxiety. There’s still some questions you haven’t answered, but the pressure to finish in time is blocking your focus. Jeopardy is the best game for making sure you choose the correct answer in a short amount of time.

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New Rules:

Pick a category and a point/money value.
Each box will present a question that should only be presented when called upon.
Players must give the correct answer in the form of a question.
You may want to set a time limit for answering the question (I would recommend it).
If the student or team gets the correct answer, they are awarded the point/monetary value of the question.
If not, then that point/monetary value will be deducted from the amount that player or team already has.
The game will continue in this fashion until all questions have been answered. The team with the most points wins.

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Heads Up!

This game is a little quicker than the previous two, which makes it a great option for those with shorter exam times. This game allows you to think and respond quickly.

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New Rules? There are None!

This game is exactly like a traditional game of Heads Up! except the questions are geared towards what you need to study and learn.

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Every game needs a winner, and the winning prize is negotiable between you and your friends. Nevertheless, these are a few of many game options (others may include UNO and so on) that you can recreate for a fun study session and customize to your area of studies.

Is studying in groups not your thing? No worries; for a more traditional version of studying tips and preparation to ace your next exam, check out our guide to finals preparation!

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Image Sources:

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