Last night before the exam? Still not ready? Still not able to memorize formulas for chemistry or definitions in economics? What next?
From where I sit you have three options:
- fail the exam, which is not the best way of dealing with your problem
- learn hard and try your best, or
- make yourself a “cheat sheet”
A cheat sheet is mostly a small conclusion of most important information of some topic. It can help you memorize your topic even better and structure your knowledge.
Example of a cheat sheet.
Let´s take look on how to make one:
- take a small piece of paper and a narrow pen
- check your whole topic for most important information
- write the most valued information as narrow as possible on the piece of paper, thereby divide your notes into clear structure, so that you are well oriented
- add helpful charts and graphics to memorize the topic even better
- read the paper through and make corrections
that´s it. Now its in your hands – just read it few times through and your exam should go well. Why?
Cheat sheets can significantly reduce the stress before exams (a) because, if they are handwritten, they provide a structured knowledge. By scanning the topic we are forced to find the facts in the text and thereby we learn it. Additionally, writing the facts down helps our brain to memorize the topic. That´s why it is recommended to make an own sheet other than to print out some from the internet.
From my own experience – a cheat sheet is always helpful. It is like taking notes in the class, just instead of professor you get a book.
I would not recommend cheating on the exams, because this is too risky – or are willing to risk your career just for one exam?
If you are more interested in why and how does the learning with the cheat sheet work, make sure to subscribe and stay ready for my next post.
Thank´s
DV
Sources:
(a) Brigitte Erbe, “Reducing Test Anxiety While Increasing Learning: The Cheat Sheet, College Teaching 55, no. 3 (2007): 96-98, DOI: 10.3200/CTCH.55.3.96-98
tomorrow´s INNOVATIONS 