Spaced Artefacts: What You Should Keep for Exams

Introduction

Preparing for exams can often feel like an uphill battle. With countless hours spent poring over textbooks, notes, and various study materials, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. One effective study method that has gained popularity in recent years is spaced repetition, a technique that utilizes the forgetting curve to enhance memory retention. However, to implement this method effectively, you must create and keep specific 'spaced artefacts' that will aid your revision process. In this blog, we will explore what spaced artefacts are, why they matter, and what you should keep for your exams to ensure your success.

What are Spaced Artefacts?

Spaced artefacts refer to any study materials or tools that can be reviewed over increasingly longer intervals to reinforce your memory. They help to consolidate knowledge and improve recall by creating a structured learning pathway. These artefacts can take various forms, including:

• Flashcards: Simple cards with questions on one side and answers on the other.
• Summaries: Concise accounts of broader topics or subjects distilled into essential points.
• Diagrams: Visual representations of concepts that can simplify complex relationships.
• Practice Tests: Sample exams that help you familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you may encounter.
• Mnemonics: Memory aids that can help you remember information more easily.

By collecting and managing these artefacts, you can effectively use spaced repetition to enhance your study routine.

Why Keep Spaced Artefacts?

1. Enhances Retention: By reviewing spaced artefacts at set intervals, you reinforce the information in your memory. This spaced repetition combats the forgetting curve, making you less likely to forget what you have learned.

2. Organizes Learning: Maintaining a collection of spaced artefacts allows you to systematically approach your studies. It helps to declutter your mind and focus on what truly matters.

3. Encourages Active Engagement: Creating these artefacts often requires active participation in the learning process. This engagement increases your chances of retaining the material compared to passive reading or highlighting.

4. Provides Context for Review: Having structured artefacts allows for more meaningful review sessions. Instead of skimming over chapters, you can focus on specific areas where you need improvement.

What Spaced Artefacts Should You Keep?

Now that you understand the value of spaced artefacts, let’s delve into which ones will serve you best during your exam preparations.

1. Flashcards for Key Concepts

Flashcards are versatile and highly effective tools. They can be used to drill vocabulary, definitions, formulas, and important concepts. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Create Them from Key Materials: As you study, compile key terms and concepts onto flashcards.
• Use Visual Cues: Incorporating images or colors can help reinforce memory.
• Employ Digital and Physical Options: Depending on your preference, you can create physical flashcards or use digital alternatives.

2. Summaries for Topics

After completing each topic or chapter, summarize the main points. This practice distills the information and reinforces what you've learned.

• Be Concise: Focus on essential information that captures the core ideas.
• Structure Your Summaries: Use headers, bullet points, and numbering for better organization.
• Update Regularly: With each revision, enhance your summaries based on new insights or understanding.

3. Diagrams and Visual Aids

Creating diagrams can clarify relationships between concepts and enhance understanding.

• Mind Maps: Use mind maps to visually connect different topics and ideas.
• Flowcharts: Great for outlining processes and sequences.
• Infographics: Design infographics to represent data or complex information visually.

4. Practice Tests

Taking practice tests helps to reinforce your learning and familiarize you with exam-style questions.

• Draft Your Own: Create questions from your study materials to test your understanding.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: Time yourself and minimize distractions during practice tests.
• Review Your Answers: After taking a test, spend time reviewing both correct and incorrect answers to identify areas for improvement.

5. Mnemonics for Memory

Developing mnemonics can make memorizing complex information easier.

• Acronyms and Acrostics: Create words or phrases where each letter represents a term you need to remember.
• Rhymes and Songs: Transforming information into a catchy tune can make it stick in your memory.

6. Notes from Class and Readings

While it may seem obvious, the notes you take during lectures and as you read your texts remain invaluable artefacts.

• Review Regularly: Don’t just write them and forget them; schedule periodic reviews.
• Organize Them by Topic: This facilitates easier accessibility and ensures coherent learning.

Conclusion

While studying for exams can be a daunting task, incorporating spaced artefacts into your routine can transform your preparation process. By keeping flashcards, summaries, diagrams, practice tests, mnemonics, and organized notes, you are setting yourself up for success. Not only will these artefacts assist in reinforcing your knowledge through spaced repetition, but they will also create a structured approach to your studies.

Remember, quality trumps quantity. Focus on creating meaningful artefacts that synthesize your learning instead of drowning in an ocean of information. With thoughtful preparation and the right strategies, you’ll be well on your way to acing your exams. Happy studying!