Madison PalmieroBIOSC Junior and Pre-PA Everyone studies and learns differently; and with classes online, most of our study habits have likely changed. During this period of remote learning, most of my exams and quizzes have been open note. With open note exams, I think it can be tempting to skimp on study time. Although we no longer need to memorize every detail, good studying habits are still crucial to good grades (and long-term learning!). I have used varying study methods over the years and depending on the class, but recently I have found one that I love. It is a simple method, but it has proven effective for me in both online and in-person classes. If you are looking to raise your grades, or to just improve your study habits, I recommend giving it a try. I learned this method last spring semester in my organic chemistry II class. When we were still in person, we were permitted to bring one 8x11 piece of paper, with anything we wanted written on it, to use during our exams. Before each exam, I would go through my notes and copy down everything I found important onto my condensed sheet. Depending on how small you write, you can surprisingly fit a lot onto an 8x11 piece of paper. It was nice to have this sheet during the exam, and I found that I had actually memorized a lot through the process of making the sheet. This showed me that condensing my notes was a great way to learn and study class material. I think this method is especially great for science classes. Last semester, I used it for physics I, and this semester I have been using it for human physiology and physics II. For physics, I tend to stick mostly to equations. For physiology, I like to add diagrams, as you can see in the example above! To apply this method to your own classes, here is what I would recommend: After each class, or after each unit, go through your notes and condense onto your "cheat sheet" everything that you think is important. Draw out diagrams, write down equations and constants, draw flow charts, write definitions, etc. You now have a condensed note sheet that you can use for open note exams, homework, and studying in general! (But please don't use it as a cheat sheet if notes are not allowed!) You may be thinking that with classes online this is a waste of time, since most exams are open note anyways. However, I think this is actually one of the most efficient ways to use your study time. Below are a few benefits that I have found from using the condensed study sheet method. 1. Repetition of material At least for me, rewriting material helps me learn and remember it more than just reading through it. If you are going to spend an hour studying, it will be a lot more effective to use that time actively, through making a "cheat sheet", rather than spending it passively, and just reading your notes. 2. Helpful with homework Homework is a great way to learn class material, as it gives you hands-on practice. However, when you aren’t familiar with the material, homework can take a long time to complete! I have found it helpful to make my condensed sheet before I start my homework. This way, I have already gone through the material once, and have a better understanding of it. It also makes it easier to find equations or specific details that I need, since I can look at my sheet instead of looking back through all of my notes. 3. Helpful during open note exams Since we have been online, all of my exams have been open note. When you have the important information all on one piece of paper, this will save you the time of flipping through all of your notes during an exam. Instead of spending time trying to find something in your notes, you can spend your time actually thinking about the problem. Efficiency is key! I have found my physics "cheat sheets" especially helpful during exams. With all of the equations and constants in front of me, I don’t have to waste time looking for them. 4. Great for midterms and finals If you save all of the "cheat sheets" you make, when it is time for the midterm or final exam, studying will be so much easier! You already have condensed notes for each unit and can quickly review the main points. If you’re looking for a new way to study, I hope you will give this method a try. It is simple, but effective, and a great way to work smarter instead of harder.
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January 2022
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