Studying is a very important step to preparing for a quiz, test, or an exam. There is no worse feeling than walking into a class unprepared because of forgetting about a test that day. Having a specific routine is very important in order to do well and to keep track of specific dates for assignments.
A common belief is that there are different types of learners, such as visual learners or auditory learners. The Saint Mary’s Resource Program Director, Mary McAndrews, shared that this is not true.
“There is no evidence that different learning styles actually exist. What we do know, however, is that multi-sensory instruction is valuable for all learners and assists in forming strong neural pathways in the brain,” McAndrews explained. “By doing so, students build stronger memories of learned information enabling them to access it more easily.”
McAndrews works with students with learning differences, so when it comes to studying, she has many tips.
“I would say to try to teach the information to someone else,” McAndrews advised. “This helps a student identify what they know. More importantly, it helps them identify what they don’t know.”
When it comes to what apps students use for studying, everyone has preferences.
“Quizlet mainly. I use more paper,” senior Catherine Della Rocca commented.
While it can be more of a distraction than helpful for some students, music can help others with studying. Della Rocca falls in the second category. Interestingly, she does not listen to instrumental music while studying.
“Just my normal music. Rap and pop mostly,” she said.
Like Della Rocca, sophomore Angel Cobbold also listens to music while she studies.
“A wide majority, it depends on the day,” Cobbold commented on her listening genres.
Holy Cross has several areas around campus where students can work on assignments and students have their favorites.
“Media Center,” Cobbold stated. “The printer is near and in the mornings it’s quiet and during the day it’s quiet.”
The Media Center has tables designed for working on projects, comfortable chairs that spin, laptops, and a couch, which can help students feel relaxed as they work. The center is usually full with students working on all sorts of assignments.
Going over material many days leading up to a quiz or test is essential to doing well. It is also important to implement multiple strategies. It can be hard for students to know the most effective way to study, but McAndrews offers advice.
“Much like the most effective way to teach is multi-sensory, the most effective way to study is the same,” McAndrews informed. “When you study a student should employ active techniques. They should see it, say it, and write the information they are learning.”
