Study Methods to Prepare for Exams

    Exams are just around the corner, or already underway, and many McMurry students are working on last-minute assignments or writing essays. Because of this, there are many ways students can study and prepare for exams. A common problem many college students face when it comes to studying is procrastination and ineffective study habits. Even strong students sometimes tend to struggle in classes, not for lack of trying but rather because of a misunderstanding about how to study efficiently. For example, many students do not know that simply re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging with the material, and it leads to quickly forgetting information.  

   When researching the best study methods, one of the most widely recognized ones is practicing active recall, which forces the brain to retrieve information. Examples of this are using flashcards, making practice tests, and being able to summarize main points aloud or in writing. According to the University of Arizona, “Active recall activates the ‘testing effect’ whereby your brain is more likely to move information from your short term memory to your long term memory.” 

   I asked multiple upperclassmen students about study methods that they have found to be the most effective, and I was given a range of answers. Hailey Hollis, a Junior Early Childhood-6th Education Major, said that she studies best by teaching the content. This can mean teaching a lesson to yourself or to someone else. If you do not have a friend or family member available to listen, even a stuffed animal would work! Just pretending to have an audience is beneficial for the studying process. According to the British Psychological Society, “Students who spend time teaching what they’ve learned go on to show better understanding and knowledge retention than students who simply spend the same time re-studying”.   

   Lauren Scott, a Senior Studio Art and Communication major, said that she rewrites her notes to reinforce muscle memory. She is currently in a general psychology class, and she always ends up having to rush her notetaking to keep up with the lecture, leaving her with messy notes. After class, she copies them down so that they look nicer and more organized. She says that she has had success with the technique and would recommend it to others. This is a great method because rewriting enhances memory retention and improves comprehension.   

   I have found that personally, studying by topics in a course has been the most beneficial for me. When it comes to midterms and especially semester finals, there is a lot of course material you are tested on. It can be daunting to study notes from every lecture all at once, so I study unit by unit, one at a time. This technique allows for a more paced study process, rather than trying to cram all the information at once. I like to rewrite my notes, but only rewriting key points and information I am likely to be tested over. Making myself a study guide helps me really narrow down what I need to know, and helps me feel more prepared for an exam.   

  If you are a student who tends to procrastinate your studying, or you are unsure of what methods to use, now is the time to start! You may not find exactly what works for you right now, and it may take time, but practice makes progress. Whether you are quizzing yourself, summarizing your notes, or teaching a teddy bear, you will eventually find what works best for you. If you need other assistance, the S³C – STEM Student Success Center located in the library is an academic support center that can help you in any STEM-related course. The Writing Center, located in Old Main 301, can help you get support at any stage of the writing process—brainstorming, drafting, revising, or citing sources. More information about these resources can be found at https://mcm.edu/student-success-and-support/. Good luck on your tests and happy studying!