Study Plans

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Hi everybody

I have put together a study plan to undertake my A+ studying. I am one of those people who needs to know exactly what I am doing and when. I need structure. !! My plan is

I have purchased the Sybex certification kit for the 70x exams.

1. Pre-book the exams for early October 2010 giving me 4 months to study

2. Take the initial quiz at the beginning of the book to gauge current knowledge.

3. Read 1 chapter in my lunch hour (taking odd notes here and there) Should mean 5 chapters per week

4. Answer the chapter review questions later that evening and watch the Professor Messer video for the next chapter as a bit of a preview.

5. Every Sunday morning take a randomly picked out Practice Exam and record the scores to see how I'm progressing. I am going to try and do these in a "sterile" environment to try and re-create the real exam as much as possible

I know it's a different for each person but how does that sound ?? The only things I am worried about at the moment is getting enough good quality practice exams so I am not just learning how to answer certain questions on certain exams. Also, is it necessary to build in some practical, "hands on" training. I am really familiar with building PC's and have previously had around 8 years experience in Desktop Support and Helpdesk roles.

Just wonder what people thought about my plans as I need a bit of re-assurance !!

Cheers
Matt

 

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As far as practice exams go, I'd hold off on them until you've got through the book. Don't look at the answers until you feel you're not going to improve and keep at least one practice exam unlooked at, for that final test.
In the meantime you can fill your Sunday mornings with getting your flashcards organised. The A+ has a lot of facts that need to be remembered--common video resolutions, wireless speeds, etc etc etc. Add in a little bit of flashcard work every day as well and you should be in good shape.

 

Thanks for the advice Soundian, so you think I would be better off ploughing through the book and then do the practice exam once I got through it. I suppose the results of the practice exams will tell me where I am lacking knowledge based on the syllabus. Does that sound about right ? In terms of Flashcards does anybody have a template or some suggestions as to how to lay them out as I have never really used them. In fact haven't really studied for exams since school 25 years ago !!!

Thanks for you help it's much appreciated

 

If you have an iPod there are several flashcard/testing programs that can be used. When I went for my A+ I had been studying over 2000 cards. I used the app "Cram" which kept tract of test results, and could randomize the questions and the answers. I had my study material always with me. Half the learning comes in preparing the material. Good Luck!

 

agreed with soundian.

If you do practice exams now and then do them again later on you will subconciusley remember those questions and the answers and you will lull yourself into a false sense of security.

Read the books all the way through, do all prof messer, take practice exams, book real exams.

 

Don't rush into thinking you HAVE to complete 1 chapter per dinner time.. Quality not quantity - If you don't understand something then Wiki it or use these forums.. Don't read on thinking 'i've read 5 chapters this week', because if youve not taken in the information and processed it.. Then your not being effective with your time / revision.

 

Thanks for all the sound advice. It's much appreciated. I have worked my way through the 1st chapter taking notes etc. and done the end of chapter questions. I have done OK but there are some things that I am not 100% on. Should I go back and redo the chapter now until I have got it down 100% or am I better going right through the book first, making a note of weaker areas to go back and review once I have read the whole book.

I know a lot of this is probably subjective, but I just want to get the best from my studies.

Thanks
Matt

 

Matt, if you do not fully understand something, I would suggest you re-read it, or try other sources until you are fully cofident that you understand it. I suggest this because that negativity will be lingering in your mind as you continue to read. Just a thought.

HS.

 

Personally I like to get an overview of the subject first by just reading through my study material and trying to get a general understanding of the breadth and depth of the exam.
Then I go through it all again, taking notes and dotting the i's and crossing the t's in my understanding.

 

Thanks for that guys.

I tend agree with Soundian as that is more or less what I had in mind. I have started work back in IT fairly recently so getting an overview in the first instance would be useful.

I understand all the concepts etc. its more just the specific memory types and processor sockets etc. I am struggling with a bit, but I imagine this is largely a memory exercise.

Thanks again for all you help.