Throwback Thursday: Midterms
Coverage by Kinley Cardinal
As midterms are coming up, students use different ways to study to help them pass. Freshman Courtney Cooper has used a study technique of reviewing her notes she has made throughout the semester since seventh grade. "I study this way because it helps me remember and understand what I wrote," she says. By breaking down her notes and asking herself questions, she deepens her understanding and retains the material long-term. This method has helped her consistently pass her tests, proving the effectiveness of being organized and reviewing notes constantly.
Sophomore Cadie Critchfield uses a different method than Cooper. She relies on study guides provided by her teachers, constantly reviewing them throughout the semester. This technique helps her remember everything she's learned and stay organized. “Studying with study guides has helped me pass my exams with higher scores,” said Critchfield. She has been using this method since middle school, and it has proven to be an effective way to prepare for tests. This approach not only helps her retain key information but also ensures she’s fully prepared for any exam.
Unlike Cooper and Critchfield, Junior, Cassidy Mammay creates flashcards with the problems and vocabulary on them so she can study. Mammay also uses her textbook to further explore and better understand topics she feels less confident about. “The repetitiveness of seeing a problem or vocabulary word repeatedly helps me remember the answer. Plus, psychology shows that handwriting information improves memorization, so I always make my flashcards on physical index cards. This method has really helped me deeply memorize the material,” said Mammay. She typically creates flashcards based on a study guide or notes, and this approach has worked well for her over the years. Mammay has been using this technique since middle school.
Another way to study is using the scribble method, like senior Liliana Gomez. This technique helps students who may have scattered minds by keeping their focus on one task at a time. “I write down notes with one hand while scribbling on a piece of paper with my other hand,” Gomez said. Gomez has used this method since her sophomore year when she discovered it on TikTok. It helps her channel her energy and stay engaged with the material. Over time, it has become an essential part of her study routine. This method allows her to better process and retain information while also relieving stress.
Each student has developed their own unique study methods to prepare for exams, showing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to studying. Whether it's reviewing notes, using study guides, creating flashcards, or employing the scribble method, these diverse techniques have proven effective for students in different grade levels. The key is finding a study method that fits one's individual learning style and consistently sticking with it. By doing so, students like Cooper, Critchfield, Mammay, and Gomez are able to enhance their understanding, retain information, and ultimately succeed in their academic goals.