Study Methods

By Katie M.

There are many different methods that students use to study for tests and quizzes. Some of these include flashcards, practice problems, and reading over notes. But how do you know which method to use? You need to examine what you will be tested/quizzed on to find the answer to this question.

Memorization

Whenever you have to memorize vocab or formulas, flashcards are always a go-­to. The studying begins when you make your flashcards. Just writing down what you need to know helps you memorize it. Then, once your flashcards are made, you can quiz yourself. If you get stuck on a flashcard, don’t just forget about it. Put it back in the pile and come back to it until you get it right. In addition, don’t go over your flashcards only once. Start using them a couple days before your quiz or test. The morning of, it might be helpful to go over the flashcards one last time in case there are any stubborn cards that just didn’t stick in your memory before.

Another great thing about flashcards is that if you don’t have much time, you can make a Quizlet. Quizlet is an amazing tool to use. Not only does it speed up the flashcard process by allowing you to type rather than write, but it allows you to star cards you have answered incorrectly and test your knowledge in different ways, such as games, quizzes, or typing the answer in a box.

Math Problems

When studying for a math test, it’s always a good idea to work on some practice

problems before hand. Many teachers don’t assign all the problems in the textbook for each unit. You can use the problems they didn’t assign as practice. If your teacher has already assigned all the textbook problems, the internet is at your disposal. Simply google “practice problems” for the unit you’re on and plenty will come up.

So why waste the time doing all these practice problems? Well, more often than not, you’ll run across a problem you’re unfamiliar with or unable to solve. Working through these problems and giving them a solid effort will help you to remember how to do them on test day. Whenever you have to really think about something, it is more likely to stick in your memory. Completing practice problems will help you remember how to solve any types of problems you struggled with while studying.

Concepts

If you have to know a concept or theory for a test, you can do this by getting together a study group. Study groups are great for understanding concepts because they allow you to talk things out and gain a better understanding of the given idea. You and your study buddies can take turns trying to explain the concepts to each other. Once you do this, you’ll be sure to ace the concept on the test!

So What About Reading Notes?

In the past, many of you may have studied by simply reading over your notes. However, this is not always the most effective method of studying. While reading over your notes will help you refresh with some basic ideas and facts, it doesn’t help them stick. If you really want to remember what’s in your notes, try using some of the other methods mentioned above.