Learning Strategies: ‘Regular review improves information recall’

One general misconception of the students and their parents is that emphasis on just two subjects—Mathematics and Science — is enough for the improvement in overall results. This again is based upon the perception of the so-called ‘prestige’ and ‘importance’ associated with these subjects. However, the result is the learning is unbalanced, and it may not necessarily yield the best overall results, especially in those graded tests that are very important in one’s life, such as the board exams.

A high grade in absolutely all fields requires a comprehensive approach to learning. Every subject substantially adds to the cumulative percentage: Humanities, Languages, and Social Sciences all help to develop a versatile, well-rounded intellect. Besides, subjects like English foster communication skills — something that is very critical for success both in academics and professional performance. Thus, a student is required to divide his efforts and time equally between all subjects in order not to leave any sector of his education undone.

According to Amarjot Kaur, TGT History at Apeejay School, Nerul, when it comes to Board exams, every subject counts. Students can’t ignore any subject or topic. However, some students may find the syllabus vast. To make it easy for them, they need to follow a few strategies,” the educator said.

Sticky Notes for the Critical Facts and Dates: These are very helpful in jotting down those little, significant pieces of information that are so useful for an exam, such as important dates and key facts. Small, square, and bright, they can be stuck around a study space or in textbooks to remind one of things at a glance. These very notes thus become rapid memory refreshers during revision periods, where one can recall bundles of information efficiently by merely glancing at them.

Flowcharts and Mind Maps: Flowcharts and mind maps are excellent tools for summarising a chapter for visual learners. These tools break down complex information into manageable, interrelated components that are easier to understand and remember to grasp the core concepts.

Voice Notes: Auditory learning techniques, where students record their voices while revising topics are ideal for those who memorise things they hear better. These recordings can be replayed as many times as one wants, thereby allowing revision during commutes, exercises, or even during a break from screen time.

Practice Writing: Getting into the habit of writing practice is extremely important for developing appropriate content and its proper presentation. By working in this way, you will begin to set your thoughts in order, frame answers, and enhance clarity and brevity.

Setting and Achieving Targets: For systematic learning, it is highly desirable to set up short and long-term study targets. This will guarantee that the whole syllabus is covered at a measured pace with sufficient revision time.

Practice in Mock Tests: Students must practice mock tests as much as possible to familiarise themselves with the format and conditions of the test. This improves time management skills and familiarise students with the kind of questions that can be anticipated, besides improving the precision of the answer under time-bound conditions.

Multiple Revisions: Prepared topics should be visited several times to make sure that the information is genuinely journalistically embedded within your memory.

“More frequent revision has the effect of solidifying knowledge in such a way that anxiety at exams decreases and possibilities of retrieving information correctly increase at times when it matters. This method reinforces learning and tells you that it ensures a better preparedness level,” Kaur shared in conclusion.