What studying routine works for you?

[Rayray13]

I'm sure this question is already out there. May as well make a new one though, new input can't hurt.

I like to make fake tests. I add in the multiple choice, matching, definitions, short answer. It's really helpful. It usually helps me Ace some difficult tests.

However, routine-keeping isn't one of my strong skills. How do you avoid cramming? I suppose you could get away with cramming for one class, but when you have six classes you need to prepare in advance.

[IndyElmer]

However you keep track of important things that you'd never miss --- doctor appointments, shifts at work, a kid's music recital, dinner with friends --- whether that's a paper calendar/planner, a web-based calendar or something in your smartphone, you need to start scheduling in study session -- and KEEP those appointments. Look at how much material is going to be covered over each exam in your 6 classes and look at how much study time you have, then break down the material into proportional chunks and assign it to a specific study slot. Cramming isn't very helpful in pre-reqs and it definitely a bad idea for learning skills and material that you're going to need every day on the job. No patient wants a nurse who knew the material for 24-48 hours then forgot it.

[zoe92]

I make flashcards, rewrite notes in my own language in different colors, and use a white board to teach myself (I am a visual learner). Before class, I make flash cards on what will be learned in the next class. In class, my teacher gives out power points so I follow along with a notebook and write specific notes, not everything she says or has on the power point. If repeats a concept multiple times, says we need to know this, or seems to be emphasizing, I write that down and underline it in a different color so I know its *important*. That way it stand out to me. I constantly read through my notes then, flip through flashcards, and continue to teach myself via white board. I go to bed early the night before a test, hit the gym before class, and refuse to look at anything class related the day of the test because otherwise I will cram. Sorry this is so long lol these work for me.

[zoe92]

And planner! I love my little planner.

[dkmamato3]

I pre-read before lectures and go trough the review questions at the end of the chapters. For things that are unclear, I make a note so I can remember to ask about it during lecture. I take notes during lecture so I know what the instructor is focusing on and then I re-read after lecture fills in the gaps I have. I continue to work on my notes, refining them and cutting them down to an outline format. I also do a lot of circular referencing, tying new materials back to other segments of the class. I find that relating the information to various segments give me more reference points and it is easier for me to recall the information when needed.

[Saysfaa]

I make "cheat sheets" I don't cheat with them but don't know what else to call them - I took the idea from a chemistry class that allowed us to take one of the tests with one 3 x 5 card of whatever we wanted to put on it. We could put everything on the card but then it would be so crammed that one couldn't find things in the time available.

It has much the same benefits as making flash cards in that you have to sort out what is important with the added benefit of having to organize the material. As I make them, I make sure I thoroughly understand the concept but know worry too much about remembering the details - that is the purpose of the sheet.

Then I revise the cheat sheets regularily as I learn new things. The first time a concept (or set of people or whatever) goes on the sheet, I put a lot of detail with it and use a lot of color and font queus. Later, I find much of it is so well incorporated that it can be highly condensed.

I don't mind cramming if cramming is defined as an intense last minute session of making sure all the details are straight. I find it a pretty effective strategy, actually - something about the higher motivation to really stick that detail, I think. It only works on top of a solid foundation, though. It doesn't work if that is the only time I look at a concept.

I think the important part of the cheat sheets is the thorough understanding spread over time and revisited occasionally. That can be done lots of in other ways too.

[Nursing2102]

I usually go over my notes after class and before class the next day. And over the weekend I spend like 2 hours a day studying. Basically- I just study it until I really know the material. If I feel comfortable knowing the material, I don't get stressed out. It seems to work out pretty well for me so far. Cramming is always a no-no for me. I can't retain ANYTHING the day/night before a test. Remember: INDEX CARDS are your friends!!!