With exams, college application, SAT’s and top of that schoolwork piling up, students are finding strategies. HHS students are already finding study techniques that keep them focused and ready for success.
We spoke to students about their favorite ways to study, and here the top three techniques that are helping them:
- Active Recall: focuses on retrieving information from memory instead of just reading over notes. A good way to do this is by writing everything you remembered on a blank page, or teaching the material to an individual.
Senior Patrice Mason said, “When I started using Active Recall, the topics such as biology clicked better. I would write everything I could remember on a piece of paper right after school. My grade improved so much.”
Mason said her score had improved so much when she started to integrate this type of study technique during her junior year. Mason also explained she uses color-coding notes to organize information and remember details more easily. She used apps such as Quizlet and Khan Academy to help her with memorization or extra help.
- Pomodoro Technique: intervals of 20-30 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5 or 10 minute break. Usually it can be modified for one’s liking and the amount of time willing to spend on a topic.
Pomodoro helps avoid burnout and keep away from distractions. “I realized that by putting my phone in a different room helped me focus more on my work. I’m not tempted to grab it, for a ‘quick’ look” Ruchita Parekh said. Parekh quickly realized this works best for when there is limited time. “I recommend this strategy for students who have extracurriculars or a part-time job since it keeps them on track during long nights of studying,” Parekh said. After she finishes her tough assignments or study sessions, she treats herself with a snack or a quick walk.
- Feynman Technique: Pretend you’re teaching a 5th grader or a little sibling, you want to try and make it understandable using simple language. If you get stuck, go back to the specific topic and read over the notes.
This method works best since it forces you to understand a topic completely and identify improvements and what needs to be reviewed. “It’s helpful, organized, and a fast way to spot things I need to improve on,” Senior Kelly Vargas Ramirez said. “I usually use it when I need to review notes before a test. If I can’t explain something clearly, I go back and review.” She said using the Feynman technique benefited her in subjects like math and science.
Switching back to a school mindset is tough, but adopting these new strategies can help you have a strong academic year. HHS students are finding ways to stay motivated even with their extra-curriculars and part-time jobs. Remember: it’s not just about studying more, it’s about studying smarter.
