If you think studying sucks, failing sucks more

It's the day of the results for an exam you studied for. You are not nervous (or so you think), but as your approach the required avenue to collect your results your heart begins to beat, your palms get sweaty and swallowing becomes a burdensome chore. Flashback... the day before your exam... you are confident, you know the requirements and the materials. Besides, you had enough practice with your teacher during classes. Who needs to study..

On a more positive note, Evidence claim that both studying for and taking exams deeply increases learning. Studying is exercise for the mind. It grows and strengthens the muscles. Likewise, the retrieval of pertinent information from the memory moves information from the short-term segment of the student's memory to the segment for long-term making future recovery simple. This means that when your teacher or colleague produce the answer to a difficult question –it is as a consequence of having practised previously – now the answers are easier to access.

So, how can we best make use of this “practice effect” for memory? Research tells us that learning is particularly strong when students self-test.

1. form appropriate questions,

2. search your memory for relevant responses,

3. and construct an appropriate answer.

The benefits to studying are quite exciting. Don't forget it has the power to enhance self esteem.

#thepowerofstudying