Retrieval Practice: Below are some ways you can implement the retrieval process into your study routine.
- Utilise practice tests: Use practice tests or questions to quiz yourself, without looking at your book or notes.
- Make your own questions: Be your own teacher and create questions you think would be on a test. If you’re in a study group, encourage others to do the same, and trade questions.
- Use flashcards: Create flashcards, but make sure to practice your retrieval technique. Instead of flipping a card over prematurely, write the answer down and then check.
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Spaced Practice: Enhance your memory retention by reviewing material at spaced intervals, as outlined in the schedule, to reinforce learning over time.
Day 1: Learn the material in class.
Day 2: Revisit and review.
Day 3: Revisit and review.
After one week: Revisit and review.
After two weeks: Revisit and review.
PQ4R Technique: PQ4R entails a six-step process:
- Preview: Preview the information before you start reading to get an idea of the subject. Skim the material and read only the headers, subheadings, and highlighted text.
- Question: Ask yourself questions related to the topic, such as, What do I expect to learn? What do I already know about this topic?
- Read: Read the information one section at a time and try to identify answers to your questions.
- Reflect: Did you answer all of your questions? If not, go back and see if you can find the answer.
- Recite: In your own words, either speak or write down a summary of the information you just read.
- Review: Look over the material one more time and answer any questions that have not yet been answered.
Colour-Coded Notes: Incorporate colour-coded notes into your study approach, aligning with research ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6794354/ ) that indicates colour enhances memory performance. Utilise warm colours for key points and organisation.
Writing in colour may seem like a no-brainer, but keep these tips in mind:
- Write down key points in red.
- Highlight important information in yellow.
- Organise topics by colour.
- Don’t colour everything—just the most important information.