An introductory text reads, some of us highlight; others make elaborate outlines or reread sections of text we find difficult. We all have our favorite study methods, but are we using them to our advantage? Summarized below are four of the most popular strategies among students and evidence-based guidelines on how to use them effectively (Miyatsu, Nguyen, and McDaniel, 2018).
The first panel titled rereading shows 2 open books, one with a rightward arrow and the other with a leftward arrow. Text reads: Effective when you have a comprehensive exam in a couple of days; if this is the case, make sure you space out your reading sessions. Effective when you have a test coming up very soon; here, it’s less important to space out the first and second readings. Effective when you are prepping for a test that involves a lot of memorization. Effective when you quiz yourself between the first and second readings. Ineffective when you are cramming for a comprehensive exam and are studying for a test that asks you to make inferences and integrate knowledge.
The second panel titled highlighting (or underlining) shows a tablet that displays a page with highlighted texts. Text reads: Effective when you highlight/underline important information and main ideas. Effective when you mark up the text during your second read-through. Effective when you think carefully about what should be marked. Ineffective when you mark up the text during your first read-through. Assume that reviewing your mark-up will lead to high performance on an exam.
The third panel titled note-taking shows a note pad with text: notes. Text reads: Effective when you review your notes. Use this approach to retain material you have read in the text or heard in a lecture. Effective when you take notes by hand. Effective when you summarize, paraphrase, and outline as opposed to simply recording everything verbatim. Ineffective when you type notes on a computer, as you are more likely to copy word-for-word rather than use your own words. Ineffective when you have no opportunity to review the notes.
The fourth panel titled outlining shows a paper with the following numbering pattern: 1, which is subdivided into A and B; A and each have three and two sub-headers underneath which are numbered. Text reads: Effective when you fill in an incomplete, or "skeletal," outline during class. Effective when you use an outline created by your instructor, especially if it is before you have read the material. Effective when you organize your outline by identifying the key points of the reading. Effective when you use your outline to test yourself; for example, looking at each main heading and trying to recall the supporting information. Ineffective when you have not received any instruction on how to outline successfully; if you are uncertain about your outlining skills, ask your instructor for guidance.