Some students consistently fail their tests and exams because they take the wrong approach to studying. Some well-known study techniques are not effective. These study strategies can cause you to get a failing grade rather than helping you to ace your tests. Millions of students are guilty of doing these techniques due to a lack of awareness. From cramming at 3 AM to highlighting paragraphs in textbooks, these strategies are the worst when preparing for exams. In this article, we will explore some of the worst study techniques.
1. Studying All Night
Taking the top spot for the worst studying technique is cramming overnight. This technique is used by students desperately hoping to prepare themselves for an exam a few hours before it’s scheduled. While it may seem like you might remember the information you stayed up and read since the exam is close, pulling an all-nighter actually makes your retention worse. Sleep deprivation disrupts your cognitive function. It interferes with decision-making and retention, making it difficult to pass an exam. Consider implementing the spaced repetition technique instead.
2. Multitasking During Studying Hours
Some students prefer to study while listening to music with lyrics, and some study while intermittently checking their social media. Studies show that multitasking does not go well with studying because it divides your attention. With your attention shifting to something else, you will not study efficiently. The best way to study is by focusing on your lessons alone. Adding music to the background is only good if there are no lyrics to distract you. Consider playing instrumental music or white noise.
3. Studying From Your Classmate’s Notes
Some students rely on their classmate’s notes to study for exams. While your classmate may be great at taking notes, their notes will be less effective than your own. Using someone else’s notes creates a shortcut in which your brain skips the process of condensing and organising information. When you take your own notes, your brain will be very active as it processes the information and filters key details for you to retain the information better.
4. Simply Rereading Your Notes
Students who re-read their notes will find it difficult to remember what they read during the exam. Reading only makes the material familiar but not memorable. You must be able to understand the information thoroughly for you to remember it when the time comes. You can try engaging in activities like a short quiz with a relative or friend. You can also cover the notes in your hand to try to recall key points or write summaries of what you read.
5. Highlighting Paragraphs in Textbooks
Highlighting words comes off as productive, but it does not reinforce what you learn. Mindlessly highlighting paragraphs in your textbooks might only make the information familiar, but you will struggle to recall it when sitting in an exam. Rather than falling for this trap, summarise the information in your own words. You can also engage with the material by making annotations.
6. Prolonged Studying Without Breaks
Studying for several hours without a break will not make you remember the information. Studying marathons will only lead to exhaustion and wasted effort. Taking breaks is necessary for your brain to function efficiently, enhancing focus and retention. Consider using the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break.
Final Thoughts
Studying should effectively require you to focus on how well you understand the material rather than the speed. Avoid sabotaging your studying with ineffective techniques, which made it to the top of Med School Insider’s list. Multiple strategies would be a waste of your time and effort. Replace them with smarter techniques that will help you to have a complete understanding of the topic. Active recall, spaced repetition, and well-structured study sessions are praised for effectiveness.
