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Cramming

HOW TO CRAM...EVEN THOUGH YOU SHOULDN'T

CRAMMING IS NOT LEARNING. There is nothing that will take the place of truly learning the material.

CRAMMING HAS LIMITS.If you haven't opened a book all semester, cramming won't help. It might help raise a grade if you've been reasonably attentive in class, taken fair notes, and read or skimmed most of the course material.

THE KEY TO CRAMMING IS SELECTIVITY. You have to decide which information is most important to remember and concentrate upon those facts and ideas. Resist the temptation to try and learn all of the important-looking material. You'll need to use as much time as you have to remember the material you've chosen.

THREE STEPS TO CRAM FOR A TEST:
  • Make a summary sheet of the information contained in your textbook and lecture notes
  • Write the topic heading on the top of a sheet of paper
  • Write everything you already know and can remember about the specific topic just under the title
  • Skim your notes and textbooks and outline the important information on the summary sheet
  • Be selective; don't write every word. Include:
    • definitions of major terms
    • list of all major theories and events
    • information concerning important people
    • any multi-step processes or lists
    • important details including names, examples, and dates needed to support the information listed
  • Highlight the important information and add whatever helps you have a clear idea of what's contained on the summary sheet (e.g., notes and stars). This will help you remember the information contained on the sheet.
  • Use a multi-colored pen or high lighter to emphasize major divisions of the topic. Add tie-ins, wavy lines, or whatever helps you have a clear, visual image of this condensed information. These sheets which you try to get on a single page are called "one-page wonders" because, on them, you have all concepts analyzed and condensed to one page.

Recite, recite, recite. Recitation will burn facts into your mind like no other study method. Recite the material out loud until you're sure that you'll be able to recall the information selected.

Relax before the test. Since the material learned while cramming is not learned well, you're more likely to freeze or forget it under pressure. During the test, don't become disappointed about being unprepared. Give yourself permission to do the best you can.>