When the professor announces that there is a pop quiz today, it almost feels like a hammer striking down full-force. While pop quizzes are designed to surprise students, is there really a way to prepare for them?

How to prepare 
There are many ways to prepare for pop quizzes. Try these tips from Wikihow for size and see the results!

Listening to class 
To pass pop quizzes, you should always be attentively listening to class. That means reciting when called and taking notes of the discussion. Note-taking is an effective way of retaining information, but only if they are done on pen and paper. Research shows that note-taking using the computer may not be as effective as note-taking using pen and paper.

If your teacher giving pop quizzes, then maybe you can look for clues or patterns that will help you. For example, if your teacher repeats a certain information or says: “This might come later,” it might be a sign that the subject will appear in the pop quiz. Take note of those cues and anticipate what your teacher would be giving out during the pop quiz.

Reviewing at home
Other than listening to class, reviewing your lessons is also an effective strategy. Allowing yourself to study your notes will help you master the concepts studied in class. It will also help you prepare for other major quizzes or exams that might come in the future.

While some students can afford to review their lessons at home, others cannot. If you are a student struggling to manage your time, it might help you to prepare a study plan. To make a study plan, schedule one to two hours of your free time to review your lessons. That way, you can set aside time for preparing your pop quiz despite your busy hours. 

Getting enough sleep 
Never has sleep been so important in preparing for a pop quiz. Many studies have shown that having an eight-hour sleep helps students perform better in exams. This is because completing the sleep cycle helps you retain and organize the information stored in your brain. If you don’t have time to listen to your class or reviewing at home, at least give yourself ample time to rest.

Are pop quizzes fair? 
There have been recent debates about whether teachers should employ pop quizzes or use an alternative grading method instead. Shmoop takes an inside scoop on the arguments of both sides.

Fair!
One of the pros of pop quizzes is that it acts as an incentive for students to read their readings. This not only ensures that students are learning outside the classroom, but it also gives extra points. Moreover, pop quizzes push students to be more productive by finishing their assignments early and participating more actively in classes. 

Unfair! 
Pop quizzes are a huge disadvantage to students with busy schedules. According to them, pop quizzes remove their ability to schedule their study hours. Given at a wrong moment, a pop quiz can be a punishment for a student who is working hard but just doesn’t have the time to study.

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
Allison is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle.