People always complain about CLEP exams. They don’t want to “feel like they just studied for a test”. Somehow we have decided that if you sit through a course for a full semester, you learn more material than if you just study and take the CLEP test. While it is possible to “memorize facts, pass test, and forget information”, it is best if you do everything as unto the Lord and apply yourself to learning. Here’s how…
Be open minded
As you read your book or read the Wikipedia page, keep notes about other interesting things. If you find an article that is related and interests you, even if it probably won’t be on the test, read it. Take a minute and let your mind relax. Use Rabbit Trails to form a paper trail. Who knows? You might have a random question, and you’ll know the answer!
Apply it to your Life
For instance, I was reading about Management when I led my Judge’s meeting for the Film Festival. In particular, I was reading the chapter on Making Teams Work. I was actually able to apply the ideas I was learning to make sure that all members were participating. And I knew that the group need some time to form before my quiet members would feel comfortable enough to respond. It sounds kooky when you first read it… but it is true!
Let some stuff go
Don’t be afraid to learn some stuff for the test, and then let it go. For instance, I had to learn a lot of liberal and biased material for the Social Sciences test, and a lot of evolution for the Natural Science test. Do not feel like you can’t learn that material just for the test.