Studying for Exams: Crash Course Study Skills #7

Summary

In this Crash Course Study Skills episode, Thomas Frank emphasizes the importance of preparation for exams, suggesting creating a study schedule and reviewing effectively. He advises incorporating study sessions into a calendar, replicating test conditions during study, and actively quizzing oneself. Frank also recommends seeking practice tests, understanding test details, and using techniques like flashcards and cheat cards for focused studying. He stresses the importance of taking breaks to maintain focus and concludes with a teaser for the next episode on test anxiety.

Takeaways

• 📅 Plan your study schedule well in advance and integrate it into your existing calendar to manage time effectively.
• ⏳ Space out your study sessions over 3-4 weeks for major exams or 2 weeks for smaller ones to allow for encoding and retrieval of information.
• 📍 Replicate test conditions as much as possible during study sessions to enhance memory recall.
• 🔎 Gather as much information about the test as possible, including format, question types, and allowed materials.
• 📚 Obtain practice tests or old exams to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and to practice under test-like conditions.
• 🏫 Study in the actual test location or a similar environment to leverage context-dependent memory.
• ⏱ Use timers and self-quizzes to simulate test conditions and to actively engage in the recall process.
• 📝 Create your own study materials, such as flashcards and practice questions, from lecture notes or study guides.
• 🤔 When asking for help, be specific about your confusion and show effort by attempting to solve the problem on your own.
• 🧠 Engage in active learning techniques like 'Rubber Duck Debugging' to clarify your thought process and potentially uncover solutions.
• 🛑 Incorporate regular breaks and relaxation time into your study schedule to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Crash Course Study Skills video presented by Thomas Frank?

The main focus of the video is to guide viewers through the process of creating a study schedule, reviewing effectively, and mastering the material for exams without succumbing to stress or procrastination.

Why is it important to prepare for exams according to Benjamin Franklin's quote mentioned in the video?

Benjamin Franklin's quote emphasizes that failure to prepare leads to failure, which is especially true for exams. Proper preparation is crucial for success.

How does the video suggest creating a study schedule?

The video suggests building a study schedule directly into your existing calendar, balancing time between studying and completing assignments, and scheduling study sessions several weeks before the exam.

What is the significance of studying in the same conditions as the test according to the video?

The video highlights that memory is context-based, so studying under conditions similar to the test makes it easier to recall information during the actual exam.

What resources does the video recommend for gathering information about the test?

The video recommends asking the teacher for details, reviewing the syllabus, and using resources like practice tests or tests from previous semesters, including online test banks like Koofers.com.

How should one study effectively according to the video?

The video suggests actively studying and focusing on recall, replicating test conditions, and using techniques like flashcards, practicing problems, and quizzing oneself.

What is the 'Rubber Duck Debugging' technique mentioned in the video, and how can it help with studying?

Rubber Duck Debugging is a technique where one explains their code or thought process to a non-expert, like a rubber duck, to reveal solutions by thinking about the problem from a different perspective.

Why is it important to take breaks while studying as suggested in the video?

The video emphasizes that taking breaks is crucial for maintaining focus and intensity during study sessions, which in turn affects the quality of learning.

What is the 'cheat card exercise' mentioned in the video, and how can it aid in exam preparation?

The 'cheat card exercise' involves creating a small index card with the most important information, forcing one to be selective and interactive with the material, thus aiding in memorization.

How does the video address the issue of test anxiety?

The video hints that good preparation, especially replicating test conditions, is one of the best ways to alleviate test anxiety, which will be further discussed in a future video.