There are a lot of different study techniques for students to utilize, and different methods work best for different types of studiers. With finals coming up, you'll need a way to retain information well. Here we're breaking down many different ways to study for you to try so you can do the best you can on your exams, and make studying easier.
Active Recall
Active recall is a powerful study technique based on the idea of actively engaging with the material you're trying to learn by actively retrieving information from memory. Instead of passively reviewing notes or textbooks, active recall requires you to actively generate responses to questions or prompts without relying on external cues.
It works by first creating questions based on the material you're studying. These questions can be in the form of flashcards, written prompts, or simply questions you come up with as you review the material. Then try to answer them without looking at your notes or textbook. This forces your brain to retrieve information from memory, which strengthens connections and improves retention. Check how you did, and repeat.
Active recall helps strengthen memory, identify gaps in knowledge, and improves long-term retention of the material. This also forces you to come up with questions about the material, some of which could be similar to a test question.
The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple yet effective time management method for improving focus and productivity during study or work sessions.
First select a task that you want to work on. It could be studying for an exam, writing an essay, or completing a work project. Set a timer for a fixed period, traditionally this period is 25 minutes long, although you can adjust the duration based on your preference and attention span. During this time, you'll focus solely on the task at hand. Go away from distractions and turn off your phone if you need to so you can focus.
When the timer goes off, take a short break, typically around 5 minutes. Use this time to relax, stretch, grab a drink, or do something enjoyable that gives your mind a rest. Then repeat. After four work, or Pomodoro, sessions, give yourself a longer break of typically 15-30 minutes. This helps your brain not burnout during studying, and makes the work ahead of you feel more manageable.
Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a visual technique used to organize and represent information in a hierarchical and interconnected manner. It's a powerful tool for brainstorming ideas, planning projects, taking notes, and studying complex subjects. To create one, start with a central idea and begin branching off of it. Create lines extending from your central idea like spokes on a wheel. These are subideas that connect to the central one. Keep expanding on these points as needed, and add in visual elements or connecting lines between different ideas.
Mind mapping is great for visual and hands on learners, and is also excellent for studying material that is interconnected with lots of similar ideas. By promoting creativity into studying, it can make the task seem more enjoyable than staring at a textbook.
Teaching Others
Teaching others is a highly effective study technique that involves explaining concepts or topics to someone else, even if it's just an imaginary audience. This technique is based on the idea that when you teach something to someone else, you deepen your own understanding of the material and reinforce your memory of it, because in order to be able to teach a concept thoroughly, you first have to know it well.
Teaching others is great for those who are external processors, and can be great for study groups. This way you can have multiple people asking questions from different perspectives, giving you a deeper understanding of the concepts. You will also quickly find gaps in your knowledge when teaching others, showing you what you'll need to review.
Did this help you in finding new ways to study? We hope so! Our team of admissions counselors are highly qualified and ready to help you do the best you can so you can get into the college of your dreams. Set up a FREE consultation by clicking below!
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