As we cruise into the second semester, students typically begin to worry about their final course grades. There are endless amounts of tests, AP exams, quizzes, and projects within this semester that impact your final grade. With this in mind, it is important to know how to study.
Everyone has their preferred ways of learning as a student. In order to be prepared for assessments, your study method must accommodate your needs as a learner. When studying for an assessment, you need to ask yourself some questions; what will be the most helpful for me? What will I enjoy doing? What will be the most efficient? Ultimately, your answers are meant to lead you to the best study technique for you! Here are some methods to try out.
Whiteboard Method
The whiteboard method is exactly what it sounds like: using a whiteboard to do work. The main idea of this method is to use a whiteboard, so you can organize and visualize past notes or ideas. It may sound simple to the point where it’s useless, but it definitely isn’t. Re-writing/organizing your notes will be a great refresher of the material, especially if you are coming back to it after a long period of time. When rewriting your notes make sure to use as few words as possible and then try to recite it to test your memorization! The reason why this is more beneficial than any sheet of paper is because you can expand your thinking over a large area. In addition, you aren’t typically writing on a whiteboard, so the unique surface will help you differentiate the content. It’s even more beneficial if you act like the teacher and start explaining the content. Once you can fully explain the content it is a good sign that you have a strong understanding. My favorite part of this method is the way it is so easy to erase your thinking and continue on with improvement. You are pushed to expand your knowledge while studying. The whiteboard method is a great technique to use before your next assessment!
Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is scientifically proven to improve your memorization. To accomplish this method, you can use the box technique. This technique is more beneficial than cramming because it takes less time (but more preparation) and your long term memory is stronger. Using your paper flashcards, separate them into different numbered boxes. Box one you study every day, box two is every other day, box three is once a week, and so on. As you study the flashcards, the concepts you understand move up a box, so you’re studying it less. Whenever you get a concept wrong, put it back at box one to study it every day. Though it sounds like a lot of work, and requires preparation in advance, the science says that it is all worth it!
Color Coding
Most individuals just use a pencil and pen to take notes, but little do they know this isn’t the most beneficial thing possible. Some may think colors are overwhelming, and that’s okay! This method probably won’t be for you. There are a few different ways to color code notes to make test day a lot easier! The first way of color coding is to associate different topics to different colors. If you are taking notes about one topic, associate a color with it, choose a highlighter/pen, and take notes in that color. This way, when test day comes around, you will see that topic and can just think about the color and the facts will flow to you. The second way you can color code is by using the rainbow. Each fact can be a different color, similarly to the last method, the color will spark your memory of the fact. This technique wont work for everybody, but it’s definitely worth a try because it’s easy and makes studying much more enjoyable!
Khan Academy and Quizlet
These are two awesome websites that offer you to make an account for free! Both offer great practice quizzes and unique study methods. Quizlet has fun games that make studying much more enjoyable. I like using Quizlet for languages or vocabulary but it can be used for anything. The site allows you to make your own study set, but there are also creators that make many different sets! Using Quizlet also gives you access to flashcards, games, and practice assessments. Khan Academy is similar, but unique in its own ways. Khan Academy gives you resources such as videos, practice quizzes, and articles for every subject to expand your understanding. The reason why this is so unique is because the videos walk you through things step by step just like an actual teacher would. Both of these websites are available on any mobile device so that makes studying more convenient! If you are unsure what’s going on, Khan Academy will better your understanding. These are great sites that you should definitely make an account for!
These are just a few of the many ways to study for an assessment. These techniques are very helpful, but may not be for everyone. Studying is an important key to your success in school. You will feel much more confident and enjoy the content more once you know it! Try out one of these techniques before your next test. Goodluck!
