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Introduction
Elementary through graduate school students are frequently having exams throughout
their education. Most individuals do not utilize their time properly, leaving their studying for the
night before the exam, but researchers have discovered that it is not an effective study technique.
When one crams the information is not absorbed, rather you forget it after a couple of days.
There are numerous study techniques in use by students and teachers, but limited numbers of
them are tested to be efficient. Researchers have evaluated many different methods and
discovered that "some study methods work in many different situations and across topics,
boosting test performance and long-term retention" (CITATION). Study techniques that enhance
memory include self-testing, distributive practice, and elaborative interrogation.
Self-testing
Self-testing is one of the most useful study strategies that is not being used enough by
students. Self-testing involves studying then using flashcards or practice questions to test the
students' knowledge of what they just read. (CITATION) ....explains, "practice testing triggers a
mental search of long-term memory that activates related information, forming multiple memory
pathways that make the information easier to recall." Students should implement self-testing into
their study schedule since it improves one's ability to remember information. Self-testing is most
effective when individuals need to memorize factual information. Using this technique allows
the knowledge to be retained for years.
Distributed practice
The distributive practice technique involves spreading out the material one needs to study
over a specified period. When having an exam, individuals study a couple of nights before and
believe they know the information. In reality, the information they were tested on is forgotten
right away. Dulonsky et al. (2013) reported, "Long delays between study periods are ideal to
retain fundamental concepts that form the basis for advanced knowledge." The longer one wants
to retain the information, the longer the intervals need to be. When students study over a
specified time span, they can retrieve the information quickly when needed and retain it in their
memory for longer.
Elaborative interrogation
Elaborative interrogation is a study strategy that provokes one's memory to retain the
information. Dulonsky et al. (2013) pointed out that explaining the simple information one needs
to study, helps one to memorize the information easily. Elaborative interrogation is most useful
when studying factual information. One takes the prior knowledge they know and adds an
explanation of "why?" to help keep the knowledge accessible. By producing reasons for basic
facts and expanding on the information, it makes it easier to recall the material.
Conclusion
Individuals of all ages can benefit from useful study techniques. Whether it be
memorizing biology terms or a grocery list, knowing how to study is a valuable tool to have.
Self-studying, distributive practice, and elaborative interrogation are effective study methods to
increase memory retention. Teacher aren’t incorporating study techniques in the classroom for
students to learn. The teachers themselves may have never been taught effective study techniques
themselves (CITATION). Individuals using these beneficial techniques will be able to learn
more efficiently.