2 answers
Tanner
Student
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What are some specific study methods people use for test that aren't just memory based
Throughout all of my schooling I've only ever used memory drills to study for things because nothing else felt like it worked or I just wouldn't be able to focus. I would really like to know some more possibilities from personal experience rather than just looking up "good study habits"
2 answers
Laura Morgan
Direct Mail Marketing
13
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Laura’s Answer
It's awesome that you're exploring different study methods beyond just memorizing. You're definitely on the right track! Keep in mind that some study techniques work better for certain subjects, so don't worry if you don't find the perfect one right away. In college, I learned that cramming or pulling all-nighters wasn't the best way for me to retain information. I often forgot important details after the test. It's better to learn a little bit each day and keep a schedule leading up to tests. Reviewing your notes soon after class helps reinforce what you've learned. Remember, studying is part of the whole learning process, not just for exams.
When it comes to study methods, use all the tools and resources you can. Make presentations or videos to review later, record yourself explaining key ideas and listen to them while walking or exercising, write outlines or short essays, create quizzes or games, and discuss topics with classmates. You can even try teaching the material to someone else. By experimenting with different methods, you'll discover what suits your learning style best. Don't forget to take breaks and look after yourself to avoid burnout. Good luck!
When it comes to study methods, use all the tools and resources you can. Make presentations or videos to review later, record yourself explaining key ideas and listen to them while walking or exercising, write outlines or short essays, create quizzes or games, and discuss topics with classmates. You can even try teaching the material to someone else. By experimenting with different methods, you'll discover what suits your learning style best. Don't forget to take breaks and look after yourself to avoid burnout. Good luck!
Doug Johnson
Project Manager
29
Answers
Orland Park, Illinois
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hi Tanner.
Excellent question. Preparing for tests was always a challenge for me in school. Here are a few techniques that I eventually discovered and helped me in college:
Practice answering essay questions: In college, I struggled with essay exams. Not necessarily because I hadn’t studied, but because it took me too long to organize my thoughts to write a short essay that was organized and demonstrated what I had learned. I started making significant improvement on essay exams when, as a study technique, I wrote answers to practice essay questions for that class. During a study period, I'd write answers to the practice question. My practice questions rarely matched the actual exam questions, but that was okay. My goal was to get my mental gears moving more quickly to organize my thoughts when sitting down to write the essay. Most practice questions I came up with myself, and I got better at coming up with practice questions with experience over time (after seeing the real essay test questions). I’d think up potential essay questions while listening to the lecture in class. I also collaborated with one or two other students in the class to come up with likely essay questions.
Collaborate with other students in the same class: Make sure that other student is serious about the class and serious about study habits. Don’t just share notes, meet 3 or 4 times during the semester to compare notes. That joint review will help refresh what you’ve learned and you’re likely to discover points that you missed from the book(s) and the in-class lecture.
Consider flashcards. I realize this is memory drills that you already know about, but I bring it up to point out that memory drills can be used not only to memorize vocabulary, terms, and formulas. You can also use them to memorize key concepts, theories, events, etc. Any concept, theory, or event you need to know that has a name or title, can be memorized using flashcards. For example, the term “Cognitive Dissonance” on one side and a concise description of the theory on the other. “Marbury v. Madison’ on one side of the card and details and significance of the case on the other. I think most people undervalue how much test performance can be improved by memorizing facts. Whenever you have a few minutes (waiting to meet someone or waiting for a class to start), you can pull out your flashcards and go through them. In college, I used 3x5 note cards, but there are several phone apps that you might find easier to use (and your cards won’t blow away and scatter if you drop them – like mine did several times). I now use AnkiApp to help me memorize topics I need to know.
You’ll have to try different techniques and see which ones work best for you. For each subject, create a study plan, daily goals, participate in class.
I hope this gives you some ideas.
Excellent question. Preparing for tests was always a challenge for me in school. Here are a few techniques that I eventually discovered and helped me in college:
Practice answering essay questions: In college, I struggled with essay exams. Not necessarily because I hadn’t studied, but because it took me too long to organize my thoughts to write a short essay that was organized and demonstrated what I had learned. I started making significant improvement on essay exams when, as a study technique, I wrote answers to practice essay questions for that class. During a study period, I'd write answers to the practice question. My practice questions rarely matched the actual exam questions, but that was okay. My goal was to get my mental gears moving more quickly to organize my thoughts when sitting down to write the essay. Most practice questions I came up with myself, and I got better at coming up with practice questions with experience over time (after seeing the real essay test questions). I’d think up potential essay questions while listening to the lecture in class. I also collaborated with one or two other students in the class to come up with likely essay questions.
Collaborate with other students in the same class: Make sure that other student is serious about the class and serious about study habits. Don’t just share notes, meet 3 or 4 times during the semester to compare notes. That joint review will help refresh what you’ve learned and you’re likely to discover points that you missed from the book(s) and the in-class lecture.
Consider flashcards. I realize this is memory drills that you already know about, but I bring it up to point out that memory drills can be used not only to memorize vocabulary, terms, and formulas. You can also use them to memorize key concepts, theories, events, etc. Any concept, theory, or event you need to know that has a name or title, can be memorized using flashcards. For example, the term “Cognitive Dissonance” on one side and a concise description of the theory on the other. “Marbury v. Madison’ on one side of the card and details and significance of the case on the other. I think most people undervalue how much test performance can be improved by memorizing facts. Whenever you have a few minutes (waiting to meet someone or waiting for a class to start), you can pull out your flashcards and go through them. In college, I used 3x5 note cards, but there are several phone apps that you might find easier to use (and your cards won’t blow away and scatter if you drop them – like mine did several times). I now use AnkiApp to help me memorize topics I need to know.
You’ll have to try different techniques and see which ones work best for you. For each subject, create a study plan, daily goals, participate in class.
I hope this gives you some ideas.
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