Studying Methods?

[Jade Harley]

I know that a lot of you people are super flippin' smart, or at least read a lot of Wikipedia articles, so I'm making this thread. Long story short, I have finals next Monday and Tuesday for an online Spanish course. My study methods thus far have included squinting at my scribbled notes and praying it will be enough. Also taking frequent depression naps. Please, if you have any suggestions for how to retain knowledge within a short time frame.. throw them out there.

[PepsiYuuka]

When it comes to language I find the best way to memorize it is probably to write in it, even if it's only a sentence or two just to contain each vocabulary term or what have you. Knowing what a word means is one thing but realizing how it's used is different.

As for just short term, you're probably right to take a nap between studying sessions. It helps the brain sort things out. Try to skim over some of the material right beforehand too.

[Gaston]

It's been proven that flashcards work best. I'd recommend making your own (do not get them from a friend or anything, I have no proof except anecdotal but personally making them myself helps more) and looking them over whenever you can.

[Mark]

I've heard great things about Anki. From what I understand it's basically flash cards but better. The example I read was if you get a card wrong it will put it randomly in the deck but closer to the front than ones you get right to prioritize the stuff you're rusty on. I think it's slightly more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it. You can make your own deck or download premade decks for various subjects.

[Jade Harley]

Thanks guys! Fortunately, the program I downloaded for this class has a built-in flashcard system for the vocabulary. Unfortunately, this doesn't include the grammar topics. GWAH

[Mark]

Another method I've used/seen used is to give someone an overview of the topic and have them ask you questions. Having to explain it to someone else tests your knowledge of the subject as well as how to express it.

[Gamzee Makara]

So
hear me out here, and I know this may be a glaring "no" for some people, but have you tried studying in a busy environment like a cafe or park? For some reason, I had a shit ton of trouble studying my first and second semesters, but then i went over to a friends apartment and actually got shit done. Surprising I know. But people were drinking and playing videogames and generally making a ruckus but I got so much shit done.

Anyways. Give it a try.

[Jade Harley]

Hey, that's a thing that works for me kinda. Like studying super hardcore out of spite!

[Victor Wolfe]

From what I remember you only really learn for like 50 minutes at a time , so it's best to split up your study with short breaks, I tend to do 50 minutes of study then a 15 - 30 minute break to let it all settle. Also reading notes is one of the least efficient ways to learn , the above mentioned method of getting other people to ask you questions works well, and getting together with people on your course and helping them learn stuff works too.

[Alex]

It's a final for an online class?

Like, can't you just have your flash cards next to you? And your text book? >_>

I've never understood online classes.

[Jade Harley]

The exam is proctored, so I gotta go to a place on campus to take it! It's like any other final pretty much, but you're definitely not allowed to use your notes, bring in electronic devices, or have bags. Test proctors look over your shoulder and make sure you don't have multiple tabs open.

[Alex]

*nod*

Study the least the night before. Go to bed early and eat a decent, balanced breakfast the morning of the test.