Memorizing notes is usually an important step in preparing for exams in your educational career. However, just sitting and reading notes over and over again is not enough to really learn the subject matter being tested. There are several useful note-taking techniques and study methods to keep you focused and retrieve the information you need. This way, you can memorize the exam material effectively.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Take Good Notes
Step 1. Keep all your notes in one place
If the notes are scattered or separated on different sheets of paper, you will have a hard time finding them when you have to memorize them for the exam. Therefore, prepare a notebook for one subject and write all your notes on it. This way, when you are ready to study, all the notes are neatly written and you can start studying right away.
- Also, include the date at the top of the page when you write notes. This way, the notes are written in chronological order, making it easier for you to conceptualize the circumstances or situations when you wrote the notes and help the learning process.
- If you're writing notes on a computer, include the date on each document or note file. Create a different directory for each subject. After that, save the task files, notes, or other files in the appropriate directory.
Step 2. Think before you write notes
Do not immediately write down every sentence spoken by the teacher or lecturer. This will not make it easier for you to remember the notes that were written. Instead, think for a few minutes about what your teacher or professor said. Find the main idea of his speech, then write down the idea. This way, you can absorb the information the teacher gives you instead of just writing what he says.
Step 3. Develop abbreviations for yourself
Writing complete words and sentences can be a waste of time. You will be busy writing whatever the teacher or lecturer says instead of absorbing the information he provides. By shortening words or phrases, you can absorb more information clearly and in an easier way.
For example, if your teacher says “The folk tale of Malin Kundang describes a child who is disobedient to his mother,” you might write it as “Malin Kundang = disobedient”. The short notes include all the useful information your teacher has in your speech
Step 4. Write down different ideas with different colored pens
The visual stimulation produced by the various colors on the page can keep your brain focused as you study. You can use different colors for different ideas or concepts. For example, blue can be used to indicate new vocabulary, red to indicate important formulas, and green to indicate a teacher's speech or explanation that you need to pay attention to. With a color lock like this, your notes will appear more organized and coherent the next time you study. In addition, you can immediately find out the topic you are looking for before you read the entire note.
Step 5. Write down what your teacher or lecturer notes on the board
Usually, if the teacher or lecturer writes something on the blackboard, the writing is considered important and is likely to appear on the exam. You can even underline some of the note points you took from the board to show what to focus on as you study.
Step 6. Ask questions if you are not sure
If you do not understand what your teacher or lecturer said, ask him to repeat or explain it again. Otherwise, you may write down incorrect information so that you will write down the wrong answers when taking the exam.
Step 7. Reopen the note and add information if needed
It is often easy to miss certain information when taking notes. Maybe your teacher is using a word you've never heard before and doesn't have time to ask for the definition of the word. Write down or remember the word and look up its definition after the lesson. After that, add the word and its definition to a note so you can read it again when you study.
Step 8. Ask the teacher or lecturer for permission to record a learning session or lecture
If you're having trouble keeping up with your lessons and can't write quickly, ask your teacher or lecturer if you can record lessons or lectures. This way, you can listen to recordings again and take notes from them.
Make sure you ask permission before recording. Some teachers or professors do not allow students or students to record and may think that you are cheating if you are caught recording without permission
Part 2 of 4: Reviewing Notes
Step 1. Reread your notes within 24 hours of you writing them
Even if you won't be taking the exam, you will need to reread your notes the same day you write them. This can give you a big advantage when you finally start studying for the exam. The brain will begin to absorb information when the information is still 'fresh' and you have just learned. After that, when you study for an exam, you can recall the information better than when you don't reread your notes after you've written them.
Step 2. Start studying a few days before the exam
Staying up late and studying all the exam material the night before the exam is a less effective study method. In addition to feeling tired when the exam takes place, you will not be able to master the material well because you memorize too much material in a short time. Therefore, try to study at least 3 to 4 days before the exam. By reviewing your notes a few days before the exam, you can better absorb the information.
Step 3. Break the note into two parts
If you try to study one chapter at a time, you will likely feel overwhelmed. At first, you may feel strong and capable of studying the early parts of the chapter, but towards the end of the chapter you will start to lose energy and be unable to concentrate. Therefore, break the note into two parts. Choose a few sub-chapters that you can study for an hour, then take a break. This is done to ensure that you thoroughly study all the sub-chapters.
Step 4. Read the notes written aloud
Instead of just reading it silently, read it aloud. Several studies have shown that reading notes aloud helps the memorization process. Reading aloud also keeps you focused than reading notes silently. You can hear back the information so that the brain can process it again.
When you're speaking, try to paraphrase the spoken sentence rather than just reading it directly. By paraphrasing sentences and reading them aloud, you encourage your brain to do more work so you're more likely to remember what you're learning
Step 5. Focus on one section or sub-chapter first before you move on to another section or sub-chapter
When you break notes into sections, start studying them gradually. Apply the system below to memorize each section before you move on to the next:
- Read (aloud) each line of notes 3-5 times.
- Try repeating each line in as much detail as possible without looking at the notes. You don't have to memorize every single word, but make sure you pronounce the same information as what's on the line of the note.
- After you finish memorizing one line, move on to the next line.
Step 6. Rewrite your notes without looking
After you've read the entire passage and repeated it, try rewriting the passage without looking at the notes. Write down every line and anything you can remember. Again, you don't need to write it down word by word, but just all the information from the notes that you have memorized through rereading that has been done. When you've finished rewriting the section, compare the new notes with your old notes. Pay attention to the mistakes so that you can correct them and make sure you can give the correct answers for the exam.
Step 7. Make a flashcard
The use of flashcards is considered effective for learning a variety of information. You can create a set of flashcards for vocabulary, dates, scientific concepts, math formulas, and anything else you need. Not only practical, preparation for making it (eg writing formulas or information on cards) is a form of learning. Make flashcards whenever you have information you need to learn to make it easier for you to memorize.
Additionally, use different colors to denote different concepts or ideas when creating flashcards. Visual stimulation of color can improve the ability to remember information
Step 8. Use a reminder device
A mnemonic device is a mental device used to store memories and help you remember things. There are a variety of tools that can be used to improve memory and improve test scores. Below are some of the most popular devices:
- Make a song. Lyrics with pleasant tones are easier to memorize than notes in a book. Try making a song out of the things you need to remember. You don't need to make a long or full song. Just replace certain words in song lyrics that you like with important concepts or terms. This way, you can easily remember the concept or term.
- Use the first letter of each word in the sequence to make a name (or sentence). For example, you can make sentences to memorize chemical elements. For group 1A (alkali), for example, you can abbreviate each first letter (or element abbreviation) and combine them into: HOLIDAY NAti We Rebut Friska's Prospective Husband (H-Li-Na-K-Rb-Cs-Fr).
- Make up rhymes to memorize different pieces of information. As with composing songs, rhyming also helps you memorize information. For example, when you need to memorize the diatonic major scale interval pattern (1-1-½-1-1-1-½), you don't need to memorize the sequence; You can abbreviate it and rhyme, like “two-and-a-half-three-and-a-half.”
- Make silly associations. For example, when you need to memorize esters (chemicals that give off a sweet smell, like a fruit or plant), imagine a woman whose name is "Ester." In your mind, imagine she is a woman who sells fruit and, when you meet her, her perfume smells of fruit. This way, you won't forget the concept.
Part 3 of 4: Keeping the Brain Focused
Step 1. Do some physical activity before studying
Your brain and body need to be in the right atmosphere or condition for optimal learning activities. Several studies have shown that moderate exercise can encourage brain activity. By stimulating your brain, you warm up before studying so your brain can absorb information more effectively. Try taking a 10-20 minute walk or doing calisthenics (jumping jacks, sprinting, jumping rope, etc.) before studying to activate learning areas of the brain.
Step 2. Change your study place
Sitting in the same place every time you study is boring. The same thing can tire the brain so that you can't focus again. Therefore, try studying in a different room or, at the very least, sit on the couch if you normally sit in a study chair.
Step 3. Keep distractions away
With social media and email, it's easy to get distracted while studying. Resist the temptation by setting your phone to silent mode and placing it at the far end of the room. Also, don't study in a room with a television so you won't be tempted to turn it on.
If you can't turn off your phone for one reason or another, take a special time to check it out. For example, you can say to yourself “I won't be checking my phone for 20 minutes” and then set a timer. Study seriously until the timer stops, then check your phone. This way, you can stay focused without being distracted, but you also don't feel like you're pushing or 'punishing' yourself
Step 4. Rest
When we are tired, we will lose focus and start to get confused. When you feel like this, your state is no longer effective for studying. Your brain is 'tired' and you can't absorb information well. When you start to find it difficult to focus, take a break. Go for a walk, watch television, listen to a song, take a nap, or do anything else that makes you feel more relaxed. After you rest, your brain is calmer and ready to start learning again.
Step 5. Eat when you feel hungry
When we are hungry, the first thing we usually lose is brain power. Your mind will begin to wander and focus instead on hunger. Get rid of the hunger immediately. When you start to feel hungry, take a break to enjoy a snack or snack. After that, you will feel better and be ready to go back to studying.
- Foods that contain complete carbohydrates are usually the best choice for a quick energy boost. Whole grain products such as bread or English muffins can provide the energy needed continuously during study hours.
- Consumption of foods containing sugar within certain limits. It's true that sugary snacks or drinks can increase energy and alertness in the short term. However, there is a side effect of this energy 'burst' that you may end up feeling more tired, even before you finish studying. It's better if you eat foods that produce energy continuously rather than foods that produce energy on a large scale in a short time.
Part 4 of 4: Preparing Physically for the Exam
Step 1. Get enough sleep
Never study all night. If you have enough time and have started studying early, you don't have to study hard the night before the test. This only makes you unable to understand the exam material properly and lack of focus when taking the exam. The best thing you need to make sure is that you should get enough rest before facing the exam.
Your brain sends the necessary information into long-term memory when you sleep. By getting enough sleep, you help your brain retain all the information it's learned so you can recall it later
Step 2. Eat a nutritious breakfast in the morning before taking the exam
Just like when you study, make sure you eat a nutritious meal before taking the exam. Try eating a larger or more nutritious breakfast than usual in the morning to keep your brain fresh and focused during the exam. If the exam is scheduled for the afternoon or evening (not the morning), bring a small bag of snacks such as granola or oat crackers with you. Eat these snacks before the test so that your brain can focus properly.
- Eat foods that contain complete carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread or oatmeal. These types of foods are digested slowly so you won't have an upset stomach in the middle of the exam.
- Eggs can also be a good breakfast menu choice. Eggs contain protein and choline which can improve memory.
- Have a whole grain bagel with smoked salmon. Research shows that eating fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can improve brain function.
- Have a cup of coffee or tea if you like. According to some studies, caffeine is useful in maintaining memory.
Step 3. Study a little or briefly the material that will be tested on the day of the exam
Rereading notes several times can do you some good. You can recall previously forgotten information and, therefore, can answer questions correctly. However, don't force yourself to read all day long notes. If you've been studying effectively, you don't need to do anything like that (eg keep reading your notes until exam time starts). Instead, you will feel stressed and, when the test begins, your brain will be too tired to concentrate. Therefore, reread your notes at breakfast and, perhaps, just once before the test starts. If you study hard too often, your brain will feel tired even before the test starts.
Step 4. Go to the bathroom to pee before the exam starts
As silly as it sounds, the urge to go to the bathroom can be a huge distraction during an exam. Your brain will have a hard time focusing on the exam if your mind is distracted by it. In addition, you may not be allowed to leave class to go to the bathroom during the exam because there is a suspicion you might be cheating. Therefore, relieve the anxiety by going to the bathroom before the exam starts.
