Hey, 8 Globemaster! Since exam week is just around the corner for Grade 9-12 students, here are some studying techniques to help!

1. Active Recall

The active recall involves testing yourself on the material instead of passively rereading. By forcing your brain to retrieve information, it strengthens memory and improves retrieval skills. You can use flashcards, quizzes, or write everything you remember about a topic from memory.

2. Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition helps transfer knowledge into long-term memory by reviewing material at increasing intervals. Tools like Anki or Quizlet can structure a study schedule, ensuring you revisit topics after specific time gaps, such as 1, 3, or 7 days.

3. The Feynman Technique

This method involves teaching a concept in simple terms, as if to a child or a friend. By doing so, you identify gaps in your understanding and deepen your grasp of the material, ensuring you truly know the topic.

4. Mind Mapping

Mind mapping creates a visual representation of information, starting with a central idea and branching out with related topics. This technique helps you connect ideas and see the overall structure of the material, making it easier to understand.

5. The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique breaks study time into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. This approach helps maintain focus, prevents burnout, and ensures consistent progress throughout study sessions.

6. SQ3R Method

SQ3R improves reading comprehension by breaking the process into steps: survey the material, form questions, read actively, recite key points, and review. This method ensures you engage deeply with the content and retain information effectively.

7. Chunking

Chunking simplifies large amounts of information by grouping it into smaller, manageable units. By organizing related concepts together, such as key terms or formulas, you make it easier to memorize and recall them.

8. Study Groups

Study groups foster collaborative learning by encouraging discussion, clarifying doubts, and offering new perspectives. Setting clear goals for each session ensures the group remains productive and focused.

9. Highlighting and Annotation

Highlighting and annotating focus your attention on essential details in notes or textbooks. By marking key points and adding brief notes in the margins, you create a quick reference for revision.

10. Visualization

Visualization uses diagrams, charts, or other visuals to represent information, engaging your visual memory. Drawing timelines, flowcharts, or images can make processes or events easier to understand and recall.

11. Interleaving

Interleaving mixes different topics or subjects in one session, improving understanding by challenging your brain to switch between ideas. For example, study math for 30 minutes, then science, and return to math later.

12. Mnemonics

Mnemonics turn complex information into simple, memorable aids, like acronyms or rhymes. For example, “PEMDAS” represents the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction.

Remember to always prioritize yourself above all else and take breaks when needed. For extra support, you can contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.

(Artwork by FCpl Aziz)