HOW TO STUDY FOR TESTS: Getting 90% On Every Test Using Active Recall; Pro Study Tips!!

Summary

In this video, Marcus shares his efficient study method, aimed at achieving top grades. He emphasizes the importance of a consistent study structure to avoid gaps in knowledge. His technique, known as 'UMPR' (Understand, Memorize, Practice, Reflect), involves understanding concepts deeply, using active recall and flashcards for memorization, practicing with past exam papers, and reflecting on weak areas to ensure complete confidence before a test. Marcus encourages viewers to adapt this evidence-based approach to suit their own learning style for optimal results.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Structure Matters**: Marcus emphasizes the importance of having a consistent study structure before each test to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• 🧠 **Understand Before Memorizing**: The 'Understand' phase is crucial as it lays the foundation for memorization, stressing the need to comprehend key concepts before attempting to memorize them.
• 📈 **Active Learning Over Passive**: Active learning techniques, such as active recall, are advocated over passive methods like rereading or highlighting for better memorization.
• 🔍 **Use Diverse Resources**: Employing a mix of resources like textbooks and note forms can cater to different learning paces and familiarity with the material.
• 🗣️ **Test Yourself**: Active recall involves self-testing, which Marcus practices by creating flashcards and quizzing himself to reinforce memory.
• 📝 **Read with Intention**: Reading should be active and purposeful, with an aim to visualize and explain concepts to ensure deep understanding.
• 📑 **Flashcards for Recall**: Flashcards, particularly using apps like Anki, are an effective tool for active recall and memorization.
• 📝 **Practice with Past Papers**: The 'Practice' phase involves working through past papers to apply knowledge and understand marking schemes.
• ⏱️ **Time Management**: Marcus suggests aiming for 30 seconds per question during practice to enhance speed and efficiency for the actual test.
• 🤔 **Reflection to Identify Gaps**: The 'Reflect' phase is about identifying areas of uncertainty or weakness to focus on before the test.
• 💡 **Confidence Through Consistency**: Using the same study structure for every test can boost confidence by ensuring no knowledge gaps are left unaddressed.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Marcus' video?

The main focus of Marcus' video is to share his study techniques for achieving top grades on tests, emphasizing efficient and effective study methods.

Why does Marcus believe in having a specific study structure?

Marcus believes in having a specific study structure because it provides a tried and tested approach, which increases confidence and ensures there are no gaps in knowledge.

What does the acronym UMP R stand for in Marcus' study method?

The acronym UMP R stands for Understand, Memorize, Practice, and Reflect, which are the four parts of Marcus' study method.

How does Marcus approach the 'Understand' section of his study method?

In the 'Understand' section, Marcus uses two different resources, one in long form like a textbook and another in note form, to actively engage with the material and ensure deep understanding.

What is the importance of reading with intention according to Marcus?

Reading with intention is important because it involves actively visualizing and explaining concepts to oneself, leading to better retention and deeper understanding.

How does Marcus ensure he has covered everything in a chapter?

Marcus ensures he has covered everything in a chapter by having a syllabus by his side and marking off parts as he goes through them.

What is active recall and why does Marcus use it for memorization?

Active recall is the process of testing oneself with questions to actively engage with the material, which strengthens neural connections and aids memorization. Marcus uses it because it's scientifically proven to be more effective than passive reading.

Which app does Marcus recommend for creating flashcards?

Marcus recommends the app Anki for creating flashcards as it allows for different types of questions and has useful features for active recall.

How does Marcus use past paper questions in his study routine?

Marcus uses past paper questions topic-specifically in the 'Practice' phase to apply his knowledge and understand the rationale behind the mark schemes.

What is the purpose of the 'Reflect' section in Marcus' study method?

The 'Reflect' section is for identifying and addressing any gaps in knowledge or understanding that were discovered during the practice phase.

How does Marcus ensure he is fully prepared on test day?

On test day, Marcus reviews a sheet of bullet points of areas he is not completely sure about to ensure he has no knowledge gaps.

What advice does Marcus give for creating a personalized study technique?

Marcus advises taking the evidence-based learning tips he provided and adapting them to create a personalized study structure that suits one's own needs.