The journey of studying begins here with various techniques and websites brought to you from colleges, universities, and fellow students on the Eleanor Roosevelt campus. Here are some of the different kinds of effective methods to start with along with tips.
Spacing (Spaced Practice)
Spacing is a study technique that involves studying in smaller consistent sessions rather than infrequent long ones. The idea behind this method is that by breaking up the course material into smaller chunks, students will have an easier time remembering the information. This technique will also help students overcome the “forgetting curve” as Oxford Learning would refer to it, a period where students are most susceptible to forgetting previously gained knowledge. Spacing works to prevent cramming as well by extending one’s studying over a larger period; it would limit the need to cram a massive amount of information on the night before a test (more information here).
Xuechen Yuan, a researcher from the Department of Education at Lakehead University stated in their research paper “The spacing effect was first discovered by German philosopher Ebbinghaus with a humble approach to studying memory.”
Yuan continues “By simply creating a study list on pieces of paper, Ebbinghaus found that he could master his memory of items faster if the repetition of items was spaced out at different intervals.”
SQ3R/PQ4R
The SQ3R or PQ4R method is an acronym that stands for preview/survey, question, read, reflect, recite, and review. This technique is meant to help with reading comprehension and better reading efficiency.
According to Loma Linda University and Virginia Tech, a preview or survey employs the individual to observe and take notice of any specific things about the text they are about to read, such as the title, any pictures, if there are any words bolded, etc. Question is essentially to create some general questions about the subject the text is about. Read is to read the passage, annotating is also highly recommended. Reflect invites the student to rethink the information learned and how it’s interrelated. Recite asks the student to recite the information, this can be with like-minded students or to themselves. Lastly, review has the student consider whether the text answered their previous questions and if not, to refresh their memories.
Ember Collado, a junior from Eleanor Roosevelt High School expressed her use of the presented methods “I usually read off of notes, memorize them, and recite it to myself.”
Callado elaborates “On other times I may use flashcards or let my family members test me by restating the information.”
The Feynman Technique
Named after the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, the Feynman technique is a method that employs simplicity in learning. The general idea of the technique is to learn a concept, then teach it to someone else, or rather summarize it in a way that a child could understand. Feynman believed that simplicity revealed the depth of understanding, and if one could not simplify a topic that meant they didn’t truly understand it. This method can be applied to anybody, not just children, as long as one teaches the material to another person (more information here).
The Classics
Paying attention to lectures while taking effective notes is the base premise of in taking new information and learning. Limiting distractions during studying and classes is another must-do to save the trouble of sidetracking and going off the rails.
Forming study groups with like-minded individuals can help with procrastination, developing communication skills, understanding different perspectives, and enhancing understanding of the material. With profound technologies nowadays, there are websites or apps to help organize study guides. For instance: Quizlets, CollegeBoard, and Quizziz are available for more practice. There are also YouTube videos on a variety of topics covered for different subjects and grade levels.
Another junior from Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Chloelynn Bintoro gave her insights “I used Quizlet, it’s accessible and gives you lots of options without having to pay. It’s awesome.”
