Studying effectively to ensure exam success, 4 ways how

Avoid cramming in lots of information into a short space of time at all costs

(Rex)

Exam season is well and truly upon us, and most of us have probably been there with the late nights cramming in as much information as possible - usually at the last minute - as disorganisation ends up taking over.

However, if you’ve found this is the way you’re studying and feel like your exam performance isn’t going as smoothly as you thought it would, there is a better, and more effective, way to turn things around - thanks to one psychologist.

Writing for the Guardian, Tom Stafford, a cognitive scientist at the University of Sheffield, has emphasised the importance of how the memory works during study periods, and has shared handy tips on how to ensure students can get the best out of their minds come exam day.

Overall, the academic has highlighted how students tend to revise in a way they perceive to be effective when, really, their ‘feel-good’ method ends up having the total opposite effect, resulting in poorer performance when it comes to sitting exams.

Firstly, he says students should ensure they’re able to recall full details as opposed to just looking and relying on recognition when it comes to a particular subject area. By doing this, on exam day, you’ll most likely surprise yourself and feel more satisfied knowing you were able to remember information on a particular subject area, rather than just recognising the area, but not being able to fully answer a problem.

He also urges students to space their studying out instead of cramming it all into a short space of time. Why? Because “memories are more fragile,” he says, than you may think. Definitely one to try out so you can see for yourself how you’ll reap the fruits of your labour when you turn that paper over on the big day.

Thirdly, he says students should really test their minds by concentrating on studying the facts and information they’re less familiar with, rather than just focusing on an area they’re already confident in. It’s too easy to take satisfaction from the fact you’ve looked over something you already know, so really focus on your weaker areas and make them stronger. This may not sound as fun, but, again, it’ll pay off.

Finally, what is it exam markers are ultimately looking for? How well students can answer a problem. Therefore, it’s crucial to practice writing out and attempting to answer questions before an exam, rather than just concentrating on taking in information and then waiting until the actual day to get writing.

Tom Stafford is a lecturer in psychology and cognitive science at the University of Sheffield. For more detailed advice and tips from him on studying effectively, visit the Guardian