8 ways to make effective study notes and excel in exams

8 ways to make effective study notes and excel in exams

1. Active Recall from the Start:  Don't just passively copy. After each section, try to rewrite the key points from memory before looking at your source material again.

2. Structure with Hierarchy: Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to organize information logically. This makes it easier to navigate and review later.

3. Color-Code for Memory: Use different colors for key terms, definitions, examples, or different topics. This visual cue can aid recall during exams.

4. Visual Aids are Your Friend: Incorporate diagrams, charts, mind maps, and other visuals to represent complex information concisely. Visuals can be more memorable than text alone.

5. Summarize in Your Own Words: Paraphrasing information in your own language forces you to process and understand the material deeply, improving retention.

6. Connect the Dots: Draw connections between different concepts or topics. Explain how they relate to each other. This helps you see the bigger picture and develop a deeper understanding.

7. Leave Space for Additions:  Don't cram everything onto the page. Leave margins and space between sections so you can add extra notes, examples, or connections later.

8. Regular Review is Key:  Review your notes regularly, even before exam season.  Spaced repetition is highly effective. The more you review, the better you'll remember.