Preparing for exams can be a daunting task. It is not just about accumulating knowledge; successful preparation requires you to retain what you’ve learned and recall it under the high-pressure environment of an exam. But worry not; with strategic techniques like spaced repetition and active recall, you can enhance your mastery of exam material.
Before we delve into these techniques, let’s understand why they are essential. Studies have shown that we forget most information shortly after we learn it. The solution to this problem lies in repeated exposure to the information over a period of time and actively re-engaging memories to strengthen them — enter spaced repetition and active recall.
Spaced Repetition: Building your Memory Muscle
Spaced repetition is based on a psychological phenomenon named the ‘spacing effect’, where people learn and retain information more effectively when they study it several times, spaced out over a longer period, instead of repeatedly in a short period. By revisiting the material at increasing intervals, your brain reinforces the neural pathways associated with the memory, making it stronger and easier to retrieve when necessary.
Here’s how to implement spaced repetition:
- Study your materials: Start by studying your course materials in depth. Make notes, mind maps, flashcards — whatever works best for you.
- Set a review schedule: Plan to review the material multiple times. For instance, a potential schedule for your first review could be after a day, then in three days, a week, two weeks, a month, and so on. The durations may vary based on your comfort level and the complexity of the material.
- Stick to the schedule: Adhere to your review schedule, regardless of how well you think you remember the material. Each review helps strengthen the information in your memory.
Active Recall: Proactively Pull Information
Active recall is another powerful revision strategy. The principle here is to actively stimulate memory during the learning process. Instead of passively reading through material, try to recall the information currently not in your conscious thought. It might seem challenging initially, but like any exercise, the more you practice, the stronger your memory will become.
Follow these steps to try active recall:
- Learn your material: Just like with spaced repetition, the first step is a traditional study session. Understand the concepts, make notes on what you’ve learned.
- Question yourself: After you’ve read through a section of your materials, close your book and summarize what you’ve learned. Attempt to recall main ideas, facts, process, dates, etc., depending on the topic.
- Review the result: After recalling, check back with your study materials to ensure you got the facts right. Noticing any gaps helps refresh your memory and correct any misconceptions early.
The Power Combo: Spaced Repetition + Active Recall
Building a study technique that combines both spaced repetition and active recall can significantly improve your exam performance. You can create flashcards to use both methods in unison. On one side, write a question or cue to stimulate active recall, and on the other, the answer or associated information. Use these cards in your spaced repetition schedule, and you’ll be employing a powerful two-pronged approach to cementing knowledge.
Further tips include:
- Variation: Don’t stick to one method exclusively. Mix various types of questions for practice to tackle all possible angles.
- Timed practice: Practice as if you’re in an exam environment. This will help you work on your speed and also prepare you for the actual examination stress.
- Group Study: Engage in group study sessions to debate concepts aloud, helping to enforce active recall.
In conclusion, through combining and utilizing spaced repetition and active recall, you can take control of your memory. Make it a habit to incorporate these strategies into your study sessions and watch as the stress of exam preparation lessens. You’ll find yourself going into your exams armed with knowledge you know you won’t forget. Practice might not always make perfect, but effective and smart practice surely brings you close.
