Preparing for a test is all about remembering all of the things you have learned over the course of a class. These four study techniques will help you retain the information you worked so hard to learn and study.
- Study at Before Sleep
Sleep consolidates memory in your brain. An article from Nature discusses the various functions of sleep in turning daily occurrences into important memories. If you study right before you go to sleep, the information will be first and foremost in your brain. The consolidation process is likely to cement the material in your brain so that you will be able to recall it on a test. Keep in mind that you should study before you go to bed, but not while you are sleepy. Studying while sleepy will prevent you from being able to focus and concentrate.
- Write, Don’t Highlight
As you read through your texts and notes, write out key concepts and important facts. Simply reading them over and over again is not likely to help you retain the information even though it looks familiar when you read it. Transferring the information to a piece of paper will help you engage with the material on a deeper level. You will be more likely to remember it on a test, without the prompts of your texts and notes.
- Move Locations
Study the same material in different locations. Your brain will associate multiple smells, sounds, lighting, seating, and other surrounding conditions with the material you are learning. This may help you retain and recall the information in a test situation. If you only sit in one place every time you study, your brain may have trouble recalling the material in a different setting.
4) Go For a Walk
Business Insider cites studies that found that going for a walk in a natural area can improve short term memory. The study found that participants performed better on a test after a short walk in the woods compared to participants that walked on a city sidewalk. Going for a quick walk before or after you study may help you remember the information. It may also improve your focus and reduce your anxiety.
Any kind of preparation for an exam will help you remember the material, you simply must plan time to study. Try these different methods for studying to help improve your memory and recall.