Most students are at the point that their first big test is just around the corner, and the studying (should) be starting.
Certain study methods tend to be more efficient than others. Unfortunately, how to study isn’t often taught in school.Â
But never fear… Learnology is here!
What Not To Do – Passive Studying
Passive studying feels effective, but it’s exactly what the name suggests: Passive. If you’re not challenging your knowledge of the topic in some way, you’re passively studying. Often, your brain isn’t actually absorbing the information.
This looks like:
- Re-reading the material
- HighlightingÂ
- Looking at solutions without attempting the question
- Writing out the material while looking at the originalÂ
While this can be useful when initially learning, it takes up a lot of time without really sticking. When you’re balancing all your classes (and work, extracurriculars, sleep, etc…) you need to learn as much as possible in the shortest amount of time.
Passive studying can also be deceiving. If you re-read, or re-write the topic over and over, it starts to look familiar. Some students mistake this feeling for memorizing the content, then when they’re actually asked about it on a test, the answer just isn’t there.
What To Do Instead – Active Studying
Active studying feels more effortful, which means it’s working! Studies show that active learning increases retention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It involves testing your memory and application of the topics.Â
Some active studying techniques we suggest:
- Flashcards. Write a question on one side, and the answer on the other. Be sure you change up the order that you review them in! Try applications like quizlet or Knowt.
- Practice questions, tests, and quizzes. The more practice questions you do, the better. Double check to see if your teacher provided them, or look them up! There are thousands of practice tests online.
- Reading the material, then writing down as much as possible from memory. Do this multiple times until you can recall all the content on one page.Â
- Explaining the material to someone else (or a pet, or a wall). If you can teach it, you know it.Â
- Squeeze in an extra tutoring session. Our tutors always employ active learning techniques, and will test your knowledge.Â
Why Does This Work?
When you test yourself, the brain is trying to retrieve the information associated with the question. If it doesn’t have the facts stored just yet, then you know exactly what you need to study. If you do recall the answer, the brain is strengthening that connection, making the retrieval faster the next time you see a similar question.
Furthermore, by thinking deeply about the content, such as when you’re teaching it to someone else, you tend to associate the information with other facts. If you can connect the topic to a personal experience, different class, or to foundational info that you know well, the brain encodes it more deeply.
What About How to Study For Multiple Tests?
Studying for multiple tests at once is daunting, but totally do-able. When you feel your eyes swimming and your brain breaking from one class, take a quick break (10-15 minutes). Then, switch to a different topic.
For example, math and english test various pathways in your brain and require different types of thinking. Switching it up keeps you from tiring as quickly, while still absorbing information. Prioritize the nearest (or most content-heavy) test first, that will require the most time. This is why starting a week or two early is so important!
For more help with test prep and studying methods, book in with our expert tutors here or call us at 780-700-7877.