With Fall Semester Exams coming up Dec. 16 – 19, many will start studying to ensure they ace those tests. However, some don’t always know how to study, what type of studying helps them, or their schedule. Here are some well-known study techniques, tips, and tricks.

Click HERE for the Semester Exam Schedule.

Feynman Technique/Teaching Trial

• Select your topic and study it to the best of your ability.
• Teach. Explain your topic to someone who doesn’t know the subject.
• Keep going until you can no longer explain or receive a question you can’t answer, revealing gaps in your knowledge.
• Go back and review what you missed.

Blurting Technique

• Select your topic and study it to the best of your ability. (Set a timer)
• Now get a separate sheet of paper and write down everything you can remember. Also, write down what you need to remember for review. (Different colors recommended.)
• Now check your notes and see what you might have gotten wrong; review what you missed/forgot.
• Repeat the process until you write down as much as you can correctly.

Flashcard Technique

• Create flashcards for your subject.
• Create two piles/boxes: Correct and Mistake.
• Review the cards in the correct pile once and the mistakes pile twice.
• This helps with quick memorization.

Pomodoro/Breaking Technique

• Study for 25 – 30 minutes.
• Take a 5 – 10 minute break.
• After four sessions, start taking 15 – 20 minute breaks.
• This technique keeps your mind fresh to help you stay on track.

Other tips and tricks

• Writing with a blue pen has been proven to increase memory retention.
• Rereading books and notes can bore you. To keep you engaged, try creating a recording of yourself saying the notes.
• When given an opportunity, try to recall information from a certain topic without looking at notes, which will improve memory.
• Organization helps a lot, try using a planner to set times to study.
• Try to study every other day if possible; studying every day can cause burnout.