This week I got a question that was one of the tough ones that I really hate to try to answer. I wasn’t planning on posting this response but after completing it I thought it could help clarify a few things.
I’ve been using (removed. It’s a flashcard study program.) to study for classes. I’ve found it pretty useful. It’s nice to have something organized to ask review questions regularly. Studying and memorizing has never caused me much trouble. It’s always been trying to find a good review schedule that sucks. I’d learn all the material I need but I’d avoid review it as often as I’d have to to actually remember it. I was wondering, how often should I review study material to ensure I don’t forget it.
-Anthony
That is one of the best things about using a flashcard program for studying. Organizing a review schedule is one of the most challenging parts of creating a good study routine. There are so many different ways to do it but it’s hard to do it correctly. If you review something too soon after studying it then it won’t really help you learn it. If you wait too long then you might just end up having to relearn it completely.
Flashcard programs take that responsibility and pull it out of your hands.
The programs take that responsibility and that alleviates you from having to worry about it. The reality is a little more complicated than that though. While it may take the responsibility from you, the programs are rarely calibrated in any deeply efficient way. Most of them are just regular wing it intervals.
The amount of time between first studying information and reviewing it is unbelievably personal. Some people need to review things sooner and some need to review them later. There is no one size fits all formula. These programs are designed to provide one size fits all strategies (or in some of the better programs, offer you enough settings to adjust it for your own personal preferences.) A one size fits all review will always be less efficient than a personalized solution.
The programs are great because they can get a person to start studying instead of worrying about perfect efficiency. They give the illusion that they’re using some kind of a secret formula for remembering information. There is no secret formula and if there were it would have more to do with the individual using it than the actual program.
How often should you review the material you’re studying? The stubborn answer is “how often do you need to review it and still remember it?” On that note you might enjoy learning about The Secret Of Stubborn Study Tactics.
Do you want to know how to study in less than 15 minutes a night? That’s what this blog is all about. Be sure to follow and check out the archives for all the details. Also, the ebooks in the sidebar can help you increase your grades while investing less time in school. Want to learn more? Be sure to read them.
Leave Procrastination In The Dust! Never EVER let it stop you again.
Doing stuff is easy – sometimes, right?
You only procrastinate the stuff that sucks. You don’t say, “Ahhh… I’ll read that text from my crush later.” Nope. Now… Any pause is intentional and coordinated to respond better.
Here is the problem with academics:
You probably think most academic stuff sucks – at least a little. (Especially compared to other things you could be doing.)
And the thing is:
FORCING YOURSELF TO STUDY JUST MAKES IT WORSE!
You’re slowly hardening your association of school and being miserable.
You need to create positive associations with academics. You want your brain to be getting hyped up and positive when you’re thinking about studying and giving into this internal oligarchical instinct to force yourself to studying – ain’t helpin’.
Chill the internal dictator for a moment…
A big secret: You need to STOP forcing yourself to study so much.
But, if you’re not forcing yourself then how are you going to see those killer straight-a’s that you’re always pining over?
It’s not difficult but it can sound weird to unfamiliar eyes.
Get your copy of my book about How To Get Happier Straight A’s.
It only costs $4.99 (and if these strategies don’t work like magic like it has for thousands of other students then you can get a full refund.)
thanks for sharing
I think this is among the most significant information for me.And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on fewgeneral things, The site style is ideal, the articles is really excellent : D.Good job, cheers
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your
blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later on.
Many thanks
I just want to say I am just all new to weblog and seriously enjoyed your web-site. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You surely come with good articles. Bless you for sharing with us your website.
Thanks for finally talking about >Q/A – How Often To Review Study Material –
Smart Student Secrets <Liked it!
After going over a few of the blog posts on your site, I really appreciate your
way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will
be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site too and let me know how you
feel.
Thanks for that! I found this page has some additional content regarding the same topic. Hope it helps the ones who are in search of in-depth information.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast due to the fact that I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this issue here on your web site.
Being a student, I can completely relate to the stress of test taking. With all of the responsibilities on a student’s shoulders, for example extra-curricular activities, sports, music, etc. And the constant need to do well in school, it is easy to get overworked and stressed. This article gave so many beneficial techniques to work through the stress and be successful. I think all students could benefit from reading this.
In my experience in higher education it is imperative to study at least everyday. I like to read over the lesson for that day and write any notes or add on to whatever notes my professor gave. Some things you may not remember after one lesson, keeping that in mind I would encourage students to at least read the chapter and look over the notes daily. This way you will not have to cram as much the night before the test or even the week before the test.
Quizlet is a free flashcards site for anyone looking and i’ve found it really helpful. Will definately be following these tips.
I remember being in a first class of high school and promising myself that I will review all the lessons on the same day. Needless to say that I haven’t done it even for a week. I’m more of a fan of starting to study a week before an exam and doing it every day, but not earlier. Even if I reviewed stuff, I know that by the time the exam was close, I would remember nothing about topics from months ago! It just doesn’t work for me.
This was a great read. I understand how difficult it can be to determine what kind of schedule to make when it comes to studying. I personally try to look over my materials for the week at least two times to make sure I understand it. It usually takes me a couple hours a day but it is worth it as I end up doing extremely well on tests and quizzes.