As the end of the school year approaches, there is only one more thing keeping us away from summer break. Exams. Although they are dreaded and feared by many students worldwide, I have collected some techniques to help you not only do well- but ace your exams!
1. Use class time effectively: Whenever you have some spare time in class, you should use it to your advantage. Pull out any work you have and get started on it right away. By using this spare time now, you will have more time to study for all the exams you have up the road.
2. Spaced Repetition: Spaced repetition or spaced practice encourages your brain to study over a longer period of time rather than cramming all the information into your head the night before the exam. Using this technique, your brain will better be able to recall important concepts and facts, and overall help you get a better grade on the exam. For example, on “Day 1” you would learn the material in class, and on “Day 2&3” you revisit the information that you learned. After one week you would review, and then you would review once more after 2 weeks. After learning and repeating all the material, you should be well prepared for your exam.
3. The SQ3R Method: This method is basically a reading comprehension technique that will help students retain the material that they learn from their textbooks. Reading a textbook like a novel can be a very good thing, but it can also be very tiresome. Therefore, by using the SQ3R method, you will not only read the textbook but you will also understand it. The “S” stands for “Survey” which means that you have to skim over the chapter and take note of anything that stands out. This includes headings, subheadings, charts, graphs, names, images, and more. The “Q” stands for “Question” which tells us to formulate some good quality questions based on the chapter’s content. Such as “What is the main idea of this chapter?”, or “What do/don’t already know about this chapter?”. The next part is to read, recite, and review the information (or as the title suggests, 3R). Make sure to just thoroughly read the chapter, summarize different sections into your own words, and review the material until you completely understand it. To conclude, the SQ3R method should be a valuable tool to help you in your exam preparation.
4. The PQR4 Method: This method is very similar to the SQ3R method, but just a tad bit different. By utilizing this active approach before the exam, you will have improved your memory and understanding of the content for sure. The “P” stands for “Preview”. Just like how a movie trailer gives us a preview of the movie, we should skim over the information and get a general idea of what we’re looking at. The “Q”, just like in the SQ3R method, stands for “Question”. Over here, your duty is to formulate good questions about the topic, such as the ones stated previously. The next step is to read, reflect, recite, and review the information, just like the title says (4R). By going deep into the material, you will have answered all your questions and will surely have gained a better understanding of the content before your exam.
5. The Feynman Technique: This technique has been spreading rapidly across the world coming in clutch for struggling students. The root of the technique tells us that in order to understand the material quickly, you must explain it in plain and simple terms. Almost as if you are explaining it to a 4th grader. Once you have translated the content into your own words, understanding it should be a piece of cake. To start, you should first write down the subject/concept you are studying at the top of a piece of blank paper. Then, you should try and explain it in your own words as if you were explaining it to someone else. After that, make sure to review whatever you scribbled down and make any corrections by double-checking your notes. And lastly, if you used any complicated language and terms, you should try and simplify it as much as possible to ensure prime understanding.
6. The Leitner System: This system is ultimately based on our old friend flashcards. If the concept you are studying has a whole lot of terms that you need to memorize and understand, this system is the way to go. Start by creating some flashcards with both the term and the definition. Then, keep the cards in a couple of boxes to track when you need to study each set, and with which set you are having the most difficulty with. Each card starts in box one. If you get the question right, you should move it to the next box. But if you get a question wrong, you should move it down one box (or keep it where it is if it is in box one). Here is an example schedule that one using this technique might follow. Each box determines how much you will study each set of cards. Box 1= Every day. Box 2= Every 2 days. Box 3= Every 4 days. Box 4= Every 9 days. Box 5= Every 2 weeks. If you would like to implement this method into your study schedule, you must start studying well in advance before the exams begin.
7. Colour-coded Note: Everyone loves colour. Our brains are just naturally drawn towards it (no wonder we are all addicted to our screens). So, why don’t we implement this knowledge into our studying techniques? There has been a national study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, indicating that colour can improve a person’s memory performance. They delved deep into the human brain and colour receptors and found that warmer colours can create a more positive and motivating learner environment, which leads to higher attention and excitement toward the topic being studied. Here are some specifics that will help you with your colour study. You should write down key points in red, and important information in yellow, organize topics by colour, and last but not least- not colour code every single line.
8. Mind Mapping: There are 4 main learning styles that are commonly recognized today. These learning styles include visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. While they are all good in their own ways, mind mapping falls under the visual category. Just like how our brains connect pieces of knowledge and information together, a mind map is based on that fact. Basically, using a mind map is an effective method to visually organize your information. To create your own mind map, you would start by placing one keyword in the center of the page. Then you would write down important major ideas and physically connect them to the central word. You would keep on branching out by expanding on your major ideas until you have created yourself a mind map. Instead of writing your notes down in an old-fashioned and boring way, mind maps are a great way to add fun into studying.
Some tips on the day of the exam: Uh oh, the big day has finally arrived. You’re probably stressing out and worrying about how it’s going to go. So on the big day, make sure to eat a good breakfast filled with healthy foods, such as eggs or protein. You should also wear some comfortable clothes so you aren’t squirming around in your seat during the exam. Right before you start, make sure to take some deep breaths and say some positive words of affirmation to yourself (such as “You got this”).
Good luck with all your exams, I know you are going to do great!
Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6794354/