By the time you’re actively learning for NBEO^® Part 1, you’ve most likely already discovered the examine strategies that work greatest for you and those that don’t.

Since the pool of knowledge is quite a bit bigger than commonplace course examinations, you might need to think about altering issues up with a purpose to examine extra successfully.

The best technique I’ve encountered for such a examination known as Active Recall.

It sounds fancy and sophisticated, however Active Recall is definitely quite simple. All it actually means is that as a substitute of re-reading materials, you take a look at your self on matters at each step of your examine course of. This technique is proven to be far more productive than going again and re-reading materials time and again!

So how do you employ energetic recall? It’s truly fairly easy. Though Active Recall is a common time period, it may be included in your present examine routine in a couple of methods. Here are my favourite methods to make use of Active Recall for college students learning for NBEO^® Part 1 and past!

Closed-book recall: Have you ever learn a chapter then felt such as you needed to learn it once more? Try testing your self on materials first. If you possibly can, shut the e book/notes and summarize all the things you keep in mind, both out loud or on paper. You also can hold your e book/notes open and look solely on the headings to present you a clue on what you possibly can take a look at your self on. Though you might really feel such as you don’t keep in mind a lot, the entire items of knowledge will construct upon each other. That means once you’re going over the fabric a second time, you’ll know precisely what you missed the primary time round.

Take notes: Many college students take their very own notes and examine guides as they’re going over lecture notes or studying textbooks. Next time, attempt to take your notes after you’re achieved studying, leaving gaps for belongings you don’t keep in mind and coming again to them. You can do that one matter at a time or divide it nevertheless you’d like, however the secret’s to not be copying the fabric however recalling it and writing it down. You will instantly discover a distinction within the quantity of knowledge you keep. 

Ask questions: This idea goes again to the previous Cornell observe taking technique. Instead of taking notes while you’re studying, formulate the notes into query format. Then, return and reply the questions if you end up achieved, with out trying again on the materials. This easy technique will allow you to recall even essentially the most elaborate processes within the shortest period of time.

Though tangible examine supplies reminiscent of textbooks, lecture notes, and powerpoint shows are crucial, don’t allow them to be a safety blanket. Step away from them a couple of occasions a day to see if you happen to’re capable of recall the matters you’ve frolicked reviewing. If not, use one of many strategies above for efficient recall!

~ Dr. Amadian