With final exams approaching, students across campus are seeking effective ways to prepare. As stress levels are on the rise, it’s important to note that effective study strategies are not one-size-fits-all. Here are a few study styles designed to improve exam preparation and support a more enjoyable winter break.
Active recall focuses on testing knowledge rather than repeatedly reviewing notes. It involves actively retrieving information from memory, which strengthens neural connections in the brain. Instead of re-reading material or highlighting texts, individuals can ask themselves questions about the material and answer them without referring to notes.
Examples of effective questions include:
What are the main concepts of this topic?
How would I explain this to someone else?
How can I solve this problem step-by-step?
Spaced repetition involves reviewing material at increasing intervals throughout a designated study period. This technique utilizes the ‘spacing effect,’ a psychological principle suggesting that information is better retained when study sessions are distributed over time rather than concentrated in one sitting.
Examples of how to apply spaced repetition include:
Review the material soon after you have learned or received it
Revisit that material the next day, then a couple of days later, then a week, and so on.
Using these two techniques together can enhance memory and understanding of the material, improving preparation for upcoming exams.
For students who learn best through visuals, Mind mapping is a technique that organizes information into a diagram centered around a primary idea. Using this method can help break down complex subjects into more digestible chunks, making connections between the material much clearer.
Steps to create a mind map include:
- Start with the central topic or question right in the middle of your page
- Begin to branch off the topic with main ideas relating to it, and use lines to connect them together.
- Add subtopics to each main idea, and continue to break them down as far as you want them
- You can use colors, images, and shapes to make it more visually appealing and to help remember things.
Mind mapping utilizes the brain’s ability to process visual and spatial organization, helping to identify relationships between ideas. This approach engages both the logical and creative sides of the brain, improving comprehension and recall.
The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that structures work into short, focused intervals with regular breaks. It aims to improve productivity while reducing the risk of burnout.
How it works:
- Choose a task and then set a timer for 25 minutes, that will be your focus block during which you work through the task without any kinds of distractions.
- During this time, fully commit to the task until the timer rings, resisting the urge to check your phone or multitask.
- After the time goes off, take a 5 minute break to relax and recharge
- Repeat steps 1-3, it is suggested to take one long break (15-30 minutes) after having completed about 4 or more 25 minute sessions before starting again.
The Pomodoro Technique divides tasks into smaller, manageable segments, helping to maintain focus while reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Regular breaks can mitigate mental fatigue, and the timed intervals create a sense of urgency to complete tasks efficiently.
Enhancements to this technique include pairing it with noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions. Adjusting focus block durations based on task complexity is another adaptation, such as using shorter intervals for high-concentration tasks like solving equations and longer intervals for less demanding activities such as organizing notes.
Morgan Brooks emphasized how important it is to block out distractions to stay focused, saying, “Distractions and loud noises” are constant struggles when trying to study in a noisy environment. She finds that noise-canceling headphones are essential for creating a sense of peace, noting, “Noise cancellation or kind of like separating myself from everybody” helps her tune out the chaos and create a focused, distraction-free study space.
Brandon Mihalko also weighed in on his study routine, pointing out that the key to his success lies in the approach he takes with each class. “Study, probably reading and reviewing the notes as well as the book, depends on what the class involves,” he shared. His approach is tailored to the subject matter, balancing note review with an in-depth reading of the textbook when necessary to ensure a thorough understanding of the material.
This method, along with other structured approaches, provides tools for academic success. Exploring various strategies can help identify the most effective methods for different learning preferences. As finals week approaches, experimenting with suitable techniques can enhance preparation and productivity.
