Many students cram their notes for recall. However, memorization by repetition is not an effective study technique. Simply memorizing information without understanding it cannot be fascinating and not lead to proper comprehension. Effective studying should be about exploring and thoughtfully discovering new information.
Memorization without context or understanding does not allow for this kind of exploration. It is vital to use effective study techniques to prevent important information from being forgotten during exams. This post will teach you proven tips for effectively remembering that information.
Spaced Repetition
One proven study technique to start with is to use spaced repetition. It involves reviewing material at incremental time intervals rather than memorizing everything simultaneously. Studies show that immediate recall has an all-information retention rate, but after just one hour, you may only remember 44% of what you learned.
Taking notes immediately after lectures and writing down any questions would counteract this. Ask your instructor for clarification as soon as possible. Before exams, create flashcards and review them every few days instead of waiting for the last 24 hours. It will help slow down the deterioration of your memory over time and improve your overall comprehension of the material.
Active Reiteration
To reinforce the information you are learning, try teaching it to someone else. Teaching requires you to summarize, condense, investigate, and draw conclusions, which can deepen your understanding of the material. It is beneficial in university-level studies requiring analysis instead of pre-university studies focusing more on facts.
You can use the Feynman Technique, which involves explaining concepts in the simplest terms possible to anyone who will listen. It applies to anyone, whether a classmate, roommate, or even an empty cereal bottle.
Directed Note-Taking
Directed note-taking is an excellent study technique that involves actively engaging with the material you are studying. Instead of just passively taking notes during lectures or reading materials, ask yourself questions to identify areas of confusion or difficulty.
Then, design and answer a question that addresses this area using all available resources, including lecture notes, textbooks, and online study resources from top-rated students worldwide doing the same course. This method helps you to understand the concepts discussed fully and to identify any gaps in your knowledge.
Sleep and Exercise
Research has shown that our brains absorb information best before sleep or after exercise. Those who study before sleeping or napping have higher memory recall or activity in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that forms fresh memories.
Exercise stimulates the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which helps the brain learn and think creatively. It can also lead to better retention of information and creative connections between ideas. Therefore, scheduling your sleep and exercise to maximize your study time is beneficial.
Apply What You’ve Read
Applying what you’ve read to improve your study recall is essential. In high school English class, you read literature, wrote papers, took tests, and participated in discussions, which helped you connect the ideas to more prominent themes and solidify them in your memory. However, many often don’t take the time to do this as an adult.
To better remember what you read, try finding opportunities to use it. Discuss the material with friends, share your thoughts online, or write a summary and discuss it with someone who hasn’t read the book. Any application will help you turn these ideas into memories.
Share Your Knowledge
Sharing what you’ve learned with others is a great way to solidify your understanding and memory of the material. Nobel laureate Richard Feynman suggested that one of the most effective ways to learn something is to explain it using simple, straightforward language.
This approach forces you to focus on the core concepts and avoid masking your lack of understanding with overly complex jargon. Teaching what you’ve learned to a child is an incredibly effective strategy, as it requires you to break down complex ideas into their simplest components.
Conclusion
Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the value of reading. While it is typically a leisure activity, engaging with the material through various techniques can yield significant benefits. By taking deliberate steps to remember and connect ideas, you can expand your knowledge base and become more confident and creative.
Techniques such as summarizing, spaced repetition, active reiteration, directed note-taking, and applying what you’ve read can all contribute to more effective and fruitful reading experiences. And don’t forget the power of sharing what you’ve learned with others, whether through teaching or simply discussing the material with friends or colleagues. Reading can become a powerful personal and professional growth tool with these techniques.
