It's the beginning of a new semester, and you're ready for a fresh start. In my case, a fresh start that involves doing the least amount of work in the most efficient way possible, but I digress. If you're shopping for the latest and greatest study fad to try out, look no further. This interesting approach is easy, relatively painless and much more effective than "my dog ate my homework" (or these actual exam answers).
According to an article recently published in Science, students who studied using only practice tests (i.e. memory retrieval) retained up to 50% more information than those using concept mapping (integrative diagrams) or repetitive memorization!
By practicing retrieval, students can apparently better prepare themselves for the actual test-taking experience while being made aware of what they should study more. That is, by seeing what they get wrong on the practice tests, students will know what they should learn in more extensive detail.
Ironically enough, though the students using the retrieval method outperformed the two other groups, they predicted they'd remember the least amount of information come exam day. This is probably because the students using repetition and concept mapping never actually asked themselves what they knew without having direct access to the information (as is done in the retrieval method); thus, they felt they knew more than they actually did.
So in the end, school is no different than any sport, instrument or video game (Super Mario Bros. 3, anyone?): practice makes perfect.
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