From the teachers: what's the best way to study?

By Emily Junaedi, 2027

Published 12/20/24

Studying for a test can be stressful and tough, especially when your current method doesn’t seem to be working. Testing out different study techniques is important because it helps find which one is best for you. Everyone has different levels of difficulty in recall or understanding the concept, this is why testing out different study techniques is important. It will help you find which method works best for you, they can range from flashcards to rewriting notes. Here are some teachers’ tips for studying.

For science, Ms. Landro recommends limiting distractions, like not having your phone in your working space. It may be helpful to have at some times but it is easier to focus without having the temptation to use it. She also finds rewriting and reorganizing notes helpful. This way, you can also add to your notes with a better understanding and also make new connections. She also suggests looking up whatever you don’t understand after class, especially if you just copy off of the board in class without actually processing the notes.

In history class, Ms. Griffiths emphasizes the importance of repetition and long term memory and the ability to think critically. She describes a process of making sure you understand what you are reading and writing it down by hand. Videos also help after you study, making sure you understand the concepts and fill in the gaps where you are confused. Study groups can be done effectively after you have studied most of the material on your own. They provide opportunities to discuss what you have learned and can be especially helpful when you teach the material to each other. If you wish to do flashcards, Ms. Griffiths suggests handwriting them, which is best for recall, and always go over both sides. If there happens to be an essay question on your test, focus on sharpening your critical thinking skill and practice in class using complex questions. She also recommends ordering a practice book for AP classes.

When it comes to math, Mr. Faggella recommends using available resources for practice and guidance, such as the math lab, Khan Academy, iReady, YouTube, and AP classroom for AP classes. He also highlights the benefits of AI, which can generate practice problems at personalized levels along with an answer key and explanations. It could also generate a study guide for several different sections which would be helpful for preparation before an exam. This being said, this AI method could also be utilized for several other subjects.

Mrs. Redford stresses avoiding a common mistake while studying for literature: just reading over your notes. Lots of times you think you can remember, but simply reading over notes fails to aid recall. Instead, she suggests teaching someone about the topic. Explaining the concepts and themes tests your memory and understanding while also identifying areas that need improvement. Additionally, she recommends having someone quiz you or rewriting your notes, both engaging in active recall.

Incorporating these diverse study tactics can greatly improve your learning process. From practice problems to study groups, each teacher provides valuable methods for enhancing your understanding of the subject. But remember that each approach is not restricted to a specific subject. By experimenting with these strategies, you can find what works best for you and optimize your study routine.