how to CRAM for an exam (the right way)

Summary

This video offers a strategic guide for last-minute exam preparation. It emphasizes prioritizing topics based on a 'cram matrix' that considers both topic weight and personal strengths. The presenter suggests starting with a high-level understanding, skimming chapter summaries, reviewing vocabulary, and using YouTube for clarification. Practice problems are crucial, and the video recommends various resources for them. Lastly, it advises on leveraging remaining time for peer quizzes or rest, underscoring the importance of sleep for memory consolidation.

Takeaways

• 📝 Prioritize topics based on a 'Cram Matrix' to decide which to review first, focusing on strengths and weaknesses in relation to how heavily tested each topic is.
• 🎯 Start with a high-level understanding of topics by asking priming questions to establish significance and key principles before diving into details.
• 📚 Use chapter summaries and vocabulary reviews as efficient ways to grasp the main points of a topic, as they tend to be concise and informative.
• 🤔 Utilize online resources like YouTube for clarifying confusing concepts, but ensure to review these alongside textbook materials for a comprehensive understanding.
• 📉 Practice problems are crucial for reinforcing learning, especially in STEM subjects, and should be the primary focus when time is limited.
• 📘 Textbook exercises, old exams, and AI-generated questions are valuable resources for finding practice problems to test your knowledge.
• 🗣️ Engage in active learning by teaching the material to a friend or explaining it out loud, which can help solidify understanding and identify gaps in knowledge.
• 💤 Prioritize rest before the exam, as sleep is linked to memory consolidation, and avoiding burnout can lead to better performance.
• 🔄 If short on time, focus on the most critical topics (Priority 1 and 2) and practice problems to maximize the effectiveness of your study session.
• 📝 Note-taking tools like Paperlike Pro can enhance the studying experience by providing a paper-like feel and reducing grip fatigue, which may improve focus and retention.
• 🔍 Use tools like Google Bard for summarizing lengthy videos or generating tailored practice questions to meet specific study needs.

Q & A

What is the first step in the cramming strategy mentioned in the video?

The first step is to strategically decide what to review by looking at the exam guide provided by the teacher and identifying which topics are tested heavily and which ones are tested lightly.

What is the 'cram Matrix' mentioned in the video?

The 'cram Matrix' is a method to prioritize exam topics by asking two questions: whether the topic is a strength or a weakness and whether it is tested heavily or lightly. Based on the answers, topics are reviewed in a specific order of priority.

Why is it important to prioritize exam topics when cramming?

It is important because when cramming, there isn't enough time to review everything. Prioritizing ensures that the most crucial topics are reviewed first, improving the chances of doing well on the exam.

What should you do before diving into the details of each topic?

Before diving into details, you should establish a high-level understanding of the topic by asking priming questions such as the significance of the topic, key principles, and how you would explain it to a 5-year-old.

What are the three suggested actions to further understand a topic after priming your brain?

The three suggested actions are: skimming the chapter summary, reviewing vocabulary, and patching any gaps by watching YouTube videos.

Why is rereading notes or textbooks not considered the most effective way to study?

Rereading notes or textbooks is not the most effective because it often involves passive learning. Instead, focusing on chapter summaries, vocab review, and interactive learning methods like videos can lead to better comprehension.

What is the primary method recommended for studying STEM subjects when cramming?

The primary method recommended is doing as many practice problems as possible, as this helps identify knowledge gaps and reinforces understanding.

What resources are suggested for finding practice problems?

The suggested resources for practice problems are textbooks, previous exams, and AI tools like Google Bard that can generate custom practice questions.

What should you do if you have extra time after covering all the prioritized topics and practice problems?

If you have extra time, you should call up a friend and quiz each other on the material, or pretend to teach the topics to reinforce your understanding.

What is the final piece of advice if you are short on time and need to cram for an exam?

The final piece of advice is to prioritize the topics and do practice problems. If possible, also ensure to get enough rest as sleep is linked to memory consolidation.