6. Practice tests

Problem sets are arguably the single greatest resource you could utilize in preparation for an exam. However, they are often misused. It is common to see students simply read a question, make one attempt, check the correct answer, and quickly move onto the next question.

Similar to the passive techniques mentioned before, this creates an illusion of knowing rather than promoting any durable learning.

 

The appropriate method would be the following:

1. Put away all notes.

2. Read the question.

3. Attempt to answer thoroughly in writing on the exam itself or on a separate blank sheet of paper.

• In the case of multiple-choice questions, don't solely concern yourself with why an answer is correct. Instead, take another minute to explain why the others are incorrect.

4. If you are stuck initially, give yourself a few more minutes to actively work through the problem creating linkages between related concepts as you would in the blurting method.

5. If you are still stuck, go back to the questions you created during and after class in an attempt to retrieve the correct answer with more familiar cues from your studying.

6. If you remain stuck, then this is when you pull out your lecture or textbook and search for the information utilizing neighboring concepts to thoroughly provide the best answer possible.

7. Check the correct answer and explanation. If your answer choice closely matches, then great! You have successfully studied the material necessary to 22

correctly answer other similar questions and can use your explanation for future revisions.

 

If your answer choice doesn't match, also great! You have identified gaps of knowledge that you know to cover before the actual exam day.

 

Either way, the difficult retrieval practice you had just undergone will certainly lend itself to better long-term retention than if you had simply utilized a passive technique.

I understand this process can seem very time consuming and it's likely that you are questioning its sustainability while managing other classes. I would urge you to view this method along with the others that I have mentioned with a wider lens.

 

Yes, they are more challenging and tedious at first, but you won't need to revisit the material as many times nor for as long each time. Therefore they will actually save you a number of hours, perhaps even days when preparing for your cumulative exams (i.e. midterms and finals).

 

*Pro tip. Ask your teaCher for past papers. There is nothing more effective in norrowin,q your scope ofstudy than seeinq a previous year's exein for thut speciJ’ic clues. Gf c’‹1ur.ve, the questious weii ’t hu iclenticul, hut ut the vury leu.vt they will yr‹i vide you with valuable clues such aS COR tent emphasis, eXaiTl StrtlCttl be, ORd potential mi'stakes.

 

IJ you cipply the 7-step revision process outlined above to a past paper, you will be settiny yoursel) up to have tremendOHS SH CCCSS COITi e exam day.

 

*Additional pro tip: Have at least one sessiOR that closely mimics the Conditions you'll have during the exam. Anxiety oJ’ten stems)rom laCkiRp COntrol, and that applies certainly for test takin,q. If you have experienced similar conditions prior to exam dny, you will be mc re comfortuhle uncl f‹ cused on the thiiiys thut mutter. Here ure sc›me hey eleinei7tS to Consider simulating:

 

• Time constraints

• Testing environ ment

• Materials allowed

• Tools and stationery (i.e. hlue pens, calCtllators, rulCrS)

• Scheduled breaks

 

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Principle Two: Spaced Repetition

Defining Spaced Repetition

In an earlier section, we explained that “forgetting about the forgetting curve” is one of the grave mistakes you are likely making. So how do we combat this? Spaced repetition.

 

No matter how great of a student some of us are, we have all experienced cramming at one point or another. Perhaps you did okay on the exam or maybe you even did well, but how much of that information did you retain afterwards?

 

In other words, how much did you have to study that material again prior to your finals? Probably a lot. Only to forget that material again immediately after the exam.

 

This may have gotten you through high school but won't have the same success in university especially in medicine, engineering, law, and other demanding studies as you will be expected to recall information accurately and thoroughly from years prior.

This is a very serious matter as the repercussions of failing to do so in the real world can be as severe as death of patients or permanently losing your license to practice.

Spaced repetition is an evidence-based method that promotes long-term retention and ultimately has you study less. Here's how it works: SpaceD RepeTiTlOn