Studying doesn’t have to look like sitting in front of computers and books at a desk for hours on end, with little progress made each day. Many students study like this, just reading over content learnt in class without actively learning, which prevents this knowledge from entering their long term memory where it can be used in an exam situation. The answer to this issue is studying smarter, not harder using study techniques that work for you.

The main study technique I used to memorise for content heavy subjects during the HSC was active recall. I used different flashcard websites and created by own sets based on the content learnt in class. By doing this, I made sure that I was revising everything that I needed to know in a format that I could understand. Flashcards are a great way to practice active recall so that the brain can form the connections that are necessary for remembering information when it comes to a stressful exam situation. This prevents you from having ‘mind blanks’ during exams because you are used to recalling the content quickly and easily. Additionally, many websites involve spaced repetition which ensures that context is embedded into the long term memory, which makes revision in the weeks leading into the exam less stressful as you are not memorising information for the first time.

Past papers are also an essential tool when studying as they replicate an exam situation and the types of questions that you are going to see when you are sitting in the exam room. Doing these papers in test conditions makes them even more valuable to practice time management and anxiety that can be experienced on exam day. Doing this often can reduce this stress and allow you to feel more prepared when you are stepping into the exam.

Trying these study techniques may help your study days move a little bit faster and allow you to learn more in a shorter amount of time, giving you more time to yourself and to rest!

Maddie Manins