Preparing for a test is important and key to
success in the exam itself. It is, therefore, important to have a strategy to
follow when preparing for the test. First, it is important to make flashcards,
as they are very useful revision tools. Re-reading the class notes is also
important as it gives one confidence in the test. It is also necessary to
recite verbally what one knows to another person as this can be used as a
retrieval cue in the exam room. However, cramming should be avoided at all
means as one can quickly forget everything.
Flashcards and rote learning
are some of the studying methods that many students result to in college. This
method has both advantages and disadvantages. Rote repetition is an efficient
method that is used by students to remember what they have learned in class.
Another advantage is that rote learning can be used as a foundation to more
complicated concepts at later stages. However, using this method have a number
of drawbacks. First, it leaves the students with low ability of critical
thinking. They cannot apply the gained knowledge in practical situations. Also,
this method can be boring when used for extended periods. While rote repetition
is good for enabling students to remember information, it can’t be used on its
own. It must be complemented by other methods which will help the students
develop critical thinking.
There are many study skills
one can incorporate in their college learning to ensure improvement in
studying. One of the best study skills involves using a schedule when learning.
A schedule is a plan that allocates time to various subjects being taught to
ensure comprehensive learning. A plan must meet one’s needs and must be
followed strictly for it to achieve the desired results. The schedule helps
save time and keeps one from wandering off the course. It contributes to making
every hour count by ensuring that every free time is managed well. However, one
must know the best times to study. Studies are best suited when one is alert and
well rested. This type of strategy helps in the consolidation process where
information that is recently gained is converted into long-term stable memories (Nevid, 2015.p. 215)
Another strategy is the SQ3R
method which is have been proven to succeed. S stands for survey, Q for a
question, and the three Rs are read, recite and review ("The SQ3R Reading Method", 1970). The first part of
this strategy means skimming through what is to be learned from the actual
reading. For example, before starting the reading of a particular subject, one
can go through the topics to be learned without writing any detailed notes.
Surveying the subject will give a rough roadmap of what is to be learned. It
helps prepare one for the course with the right mentality. The second step is
the question part where one asks the relevant questions in that course. An easy
way to formulate questions is by turning topics and subtopics into questions
which will be answered at a later stage. The last three steps are reading,
reviewing and reciting. This method of learning uses the three major memory
processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval of information by the brain (p.
212)
Replies to discussion board (You be the professor)
Reply 1: Grayson Rector –
Memory
Studying can be
time-consuming, and students in colleges should create ample time for it.
However, it is a fact that many students hate studying. This is mainly because
it is in college where students are required to study more to achieve good
grades. Many people pass through high school and pre-high school without having
to study hard. College is different, and one is required to study harder than
before.
Rote repetition is a good
method of increasing memory power where one repeats a concept until it is
understood. Reading and noting down the key concepts two times or more is a
good way to ensure that one remembers them when faced by test or an exam. If
this is not enough one can also read aloud the concepts written down to further
understand it. Reading, noting down key concepts and reading aloud the concepts
ensures that multiple senses have been used and hence the memory created will
be more memorable. One can improve the memory power by also trying some other
techniques other than those stated. Exercising regularly is one method of
relaxing the mind. Exercise reduces stress which in turn improves the memory
capability of the mind.
Recommendation
A recommendation to ensure
that the students improve their retention capability is by avoiding
multitasking when studying. Research studies carried out show that one retains
less when multitasking as compared to when the mind is focused on one thing only.
One can also employ an operant approach of rewarding self after reaching a set
target. A person may decide that they will only play their favorite video game
if they can accurately remember what they studied the day before. Though this
may not change the attitude towards studying, it will improve the desire to
attain the set target.
Reply 2: Samantha Aikin
A schedule for studying is
crucial to every college student. A schedule helps the student to save time or
create time for studying all the subjects being learned proportionally. The
environment a person is studying in is also paramount since it may influence
how one understands. A quiet environment especially when one is alone is a good
environment for studying. It allows the mind to focus one learning the concepts
being studied. Consumption of water and healthy snacks is also important to the
brain as it functions better. Approximately 80% of the brain is made up of
water, and when the body is dehydrated, brain functionality is affected. Using
the textbook, notes and cue cards is important when studying as it ensures
comprehensive learning. At the end of every learning session, taking
a quiz is equally imperative as it shows how much one has retained and if the
style of learning is appropriate.
The student should avoid
using a laptop when studying as it is a source of distraction (unless the notes
are in softcopy form and on the laptop or online). Listening to classical music
on the headphones when learning is multitasking and will result in less material
learned being retained. Though some students report that they understand more
when listening to music, research has shown that it reduces the amount retained
by the brain. A bean bag chair is also not the most appropriate chair to use
when undertaking serious studies.
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