Student Support

One of the most common questions we hear from students is, “How do I study?” For many of us it has been a long time since we sat in a classroom, and you may not be sure how to get started. There are many different ways to study that work well, depending on the student – Everyone is different. Here are some suggestions…

• On the syllabus (class schedule) and on the first page of each unit in the textbooks are listed the main learning concepts, check those concepts as you work through the course, and make sure you are confident on each one. 
• Stay away from using the unit quizzes and practice tests as study tools, as quizzes and tests only check random concepts and do not cover all the concepts. The quizzes are for evaluation and are not comprehensive in covering the topics you need to know. 
• Make flashcards. Use your eBook to create digital flashcards (or make them the old fashioned way using 3×5 index cards) of the concepts and review and rereview those flashcards. Make sure your flashcards cover all of the learning concepts listed on your syllabus. HERE is a link to how to create digital flashcards from your eBook.  
• Use the PowerPoint slide handouts to review the instructor taught information. You can download the handouts from the “Resources” tab on the student portal. It is a LOT of pages to print, but some students benefit from printing the PowerPoint handouts and using the sheets to take notes. 
• Some students commit things to memory by writing them… If you are that way, write out each concept either in a notebook or on flashcards. 
• For some students, it helps to “teach” the concepts to others. If you have someone who will spend the time with you, have them listen and ask you questions about the concepts as you teach them. If you don’t have someone, teach yourself. Try recording yourself teaching using your smartphone.
• We have an online bookstore with optional resources including a workbook, audios, and math review HERE. Some of the books listed at this bookstore may be available at your local library or a used bookstore. Books purchased from our online bookstore are non-refundable.
• Be sure to attend our free optional Math Review session offered twice a month. Click on the “Contact Us” tab at the top of this page to request upcoming Math Review dates.
• Consider purchasing the optional Exam Prep Edge exam prep study app, which is HIGHLY recommended by the CBG School and instructors. See the Exam Prep Edge information at the top of this page. View a video about Exam Prep Edge HERE. Purchase Exam Prep Edge HERE.
• Hone your test taking skills. Included below and on a handouts on the “Resources” tab of the student portal are lists of ways to work through test anxiety as well as improve your test taking strategies. Try practicing these strategies on unit quizzes and practice tests to perfect your test taking skills and improve your confidence. These strategies could buy extra points on tests and exams by improving reading comprehension and improving chances when guessing. 
• REMOVE REAL LIFE DISTRACTIONS! This one is a biggy! Try to clear the real world as much as you can. Call on family, friends, and co-workers to pick up the slack for you while you are focused on getting your license. Say “No” to anything that will distract you from your goal. Create quite places to study. If it is difficult to study at home, go to your local library, go to a local park, or borrow a friend’s quiet place. We have had students sit in the backseat of their car in their driveway… It works! 
• Schedule daily study time and stick to the schedule. Don’t go with the flow and “hope” that you will have time at the end of the day to fit in some study time… Instead make your study time a priority and work everything else around that study schedule. Our successful students typically spend three to four hours (or more) per day reading, doing unit quizes, and reviewing the materials. Do not let yourself get behind!

Lastly, ASK FOR HELP! Our instructors are available both in class and outside of class. Add your instructors’ phone numbers to your contacts so that you can reach out easily when you need help. Download a copy of our “Important Contacts” handout from the “Resources” tab on the student portal.