How to prepare for an exam? 12 tips for success
There is no need to fear: for this reason, neuroscientists, psychologists, nutritionists, professors, teachers, and students have gathered around a large amount of research that gives us strategies to improve memory, levels of concentration, and even mood.
With the above three tools, it is possible to study more effectively, learn more efficient study techniques, and maintain a positive mood to face the test challenge.
1. Breakfast and brain foods
Our body needs energy to function properly. The brain requires an adequate and constant supply of energy in the form of glucose.
Students who eat breakfast do better on tests, according to research, because they have an easier time concentrating and remembering information.
Therefore, it is good to start the day with carbohydrates that release energy slowly throughout the morning, such as whole-grain bread or low-sugar cereals.In addition, it is necessary to increase the intake of proteins to obtain greater stimulation, such as the egg.
Other foods can also include stimulating proteins like sardines, salmon, whole grains, cabbage, Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli , tomatoes, and avocados.
Foods full of antioxidants and anthocyanins can help improve short-term memory and mood.
2. Start earlier
Starting to study well before the test date helps you feel calm and in control of the situation.
Studying in the morning , when the brain is rested and fresh, is also a way to better stimulate learning. It is also better if this becomes a routine.
3. Establish what it takes to focus
Depending on the type of exam you will be facing, there are different topics that you should focus your attention on. The format of the exam will help you determine how much of the study programme has to be reviewed.
It might not be required to cover every subject in an essay-type exam. Then, it will be more beneficial to concentrate on and thoroughly study a certain topic.
On the other hand, a multiple choice test will demand a broader, albeit less in-depth, comprehension of the subject matter.
4. Plan
Making a study plan will save you time because it only requires one session of work and, if you have one, it will help you keep track of your progress and know what to review each day.
For this, the easiest way to do it is to make a calendar that is as detailed as possible, including the most relevant documents and notes that you should review.
If all the goals are achieved, the study will be short-lived, and you will unknowingly have access to all the data.
5. Space out study sessions
Dispersing study periods is a tactic that can significantly enhance learning capacity. It is more preferable to study for one hour per day for ten days than for ten hours in one day. When study sessions are spaced out, the material is lost and then more thoroughly learned when it is later reviewed.
One of the most effective methods in the history of experimental studies on learning and memory was said to be this one.
6. Self-assessment
Self-evaluation, in the opinion of psychologists and neuroscientists, may be one of the most efficient strategies to enhance memory.
The method also makes it easier to comprehend a subject rather than merely memorise it; it also provides a chance to check for any knowledge gaps. Some of the best ways to test yourself are to do summaries or just quiz yourself at the end of a study session.
7. Help someone else evaluate themselves
Becoming a teacher is a technique known as the ' protégée effect ' that stimulates memory, since to teach another person it is necessary to learn and organize knowledge in a clear and structured way.
8. Avoid distractions
Telephones have advantages, although they are not very helpful when you are studying in a traditional way. Social networks and interaction lead to distraction or torment with different phenomena, such as FOMO ( fear of missing out ), which in English is an acronym for 'fear of missing out on something important'.
This has been proven: the more time you spend on the phone, the lower your ratings and performance.
9. Less music, more silence
Quiet environments help students remember better than those who review while in a noisy place or with music. Introverts, in particular, should heed this tip: They're more likely to be distracted by background music than extroverts.
10. Take regular breaks and exercise
Studying effectively also includes time to take breaks between study sessions, as the brain will have a better chance of assimilating what is working in memory. Exercise is also crucial because it improves brain function by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the brain.
In addition, interacting with nature brings many cognitive benefits, as it helps reduce anxiety and promotes self-esteem.
11. sleep
By sleeping at a reasonable hour, the next day the body will be able to wake up early, well-rested, and ready to tackle the study plan for the day.
Staying up all night and perfectionism can interfere with cognitive rest and can confuse the brain. Sometimes studying at night is unavoidable, but it is important to try to keep these instances to a minimum.
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