Finals are coming up and some students are in search of better study skills. Many students have a tendency to frantically make flashcards, anxiously review notes, and cram the night before a test.
But is this really a good strategy? Skyline Learning Center teacher Alaina Feliks doesn’t think so.
“Studying in smaller chunks over longer amounts of time rather than just cramming all the night before a test,” says Feliks. “I think that’s probably a universally effective strategy.”
This tip can be used by students who tend to only study when there is an upcoming test, which is a common thing that students do.
“I just study for a test… one to two days before,” says Ellie Chang (‘29). “I only study when there’s…a hard test.”
One popular method among students is using flashcards. Some students use index cards, but an additional resource is Quizlet, a website that allows you to create your own online flashcard set. Either way, flashcards are a helpful tool for studying.
“I like making paper flashcards. Writing them out helps me learn better.” says Penelope Shefferly (‘28). “Flashcards help me with memorization. When a question comes up… it’s easier to understand what the question is [asking], because I memorized what goes with it.”
Methods like flashcards might work for someone else but are not guaranteed to work for you.
When asked what is the most effective study method, Feliks says “It’s really dependent on the person, because there’s a lot of different techniques. It kind of depends on what works best for you.”
Another good way to get some studying done is to visit the Learning Center to get help from a student tutor.
“Tutors can offer suggestions for different ways to study,” says Feliks. “Sometimes it’s really helpful to have a study partner that can help… quiz you, or you can talk through what your concepts are.”
Other students have a different approach to understanding material. Reviewing past mistakes can help you improve in the future.
“[I] like redoing old work,” says Chang.
Finding the motivation to study can also be a struggle. Students have found ways to stay entertained while also staying focused.
“I play music in the background,” says Shefferly. “How motivated I am depends on what kind of music I play.”
Brabec agrees that music creates a good studying environment and increases motivation. “I turn on music and then I lock in,” says Viviann Brabec (‘27).
Studying might feel difficult and you may feel inclined to procrastinate until the last minute but consider this advice: “Don’t procrastinate,” says Brabec. “Get it out of the way as soon as possible.”
