We’ve all done it one time or another. Cramming. It’s that single word that brings fear to adolescents’ hearts all over the world. It’s a last resort and is viewed as unreliable and ineffective. But is it really?
Does cramming work?
The simple answer is yes. Yes, it is does work for tests the day after, but not for the long-term wise. While studying the night before a test reviews concepts and refreshes ideas for your memory, the information will most likely also fly right out of your brain after the test.
What are the consequences of cramming?
One of the main reasons cramming is looked down upon is because of the stress it gives to students. Student that cram could buckle under the weight of all of this stress, making this study technique ineffective.
Another consequence of cramming, as I mentioned earlier, is about the long-term benefit. Cramming really doesn’t help you long-term wise, as the information you cram for goes into your short-term memory. If you want information to stay in your brain for a while, I would suggest a technique experts call ‘The Spacing Effect‘. The Spacing Effect is where you space out your studying; an hour here, an hour there, it all adds up.
How do you cram properly?
I’m not here to tell you to stop cramming. I know you won’t. Instead, I’ll tell you how to cram correctly.
- Be colourful. I know, from experience, that cramming can be tiresome. Like, fall-asleep-faster-than-ever-before tiresome. To prevent this from happening, use colours. Make your notes pretty. Anything that is remotely aesthetically pleasing will lock your attention onto the notes.
- Food. A lot of it. And I’m talking chocolate, candy, coffee, the whole thing. You need something to calm your nerves and make you happy. But, don’t just treat yourself. Make goals. You want some ice-cream? Well, you’re not going to get it until you memorize the entire periodic table.
- Take breaks. I’d suggest a 5:1 ratio. For every 50 minutes you study, take a 10-minute break. That way, you don’t get too overwhelmed all at once.
Should you cram?
Yes. Yes, you should. You should cram before a test, forget it all, and then cram again for midterms. And then yet again for finals. Or you could, you know, study sensibly over an extended time. Totally your choice.
