Active Studying
This method means explaining ideas out loud in your own words as if you are teaching the class.
Become a teacher (or "Teach" / "Explain aloud").
The Study Cycle includes previewing, attending class, reviewing, studying, and this last step where you test your understanding.
Checking
True or False: The quietest place is always the best place to study. (One-word answer)
False
On the same day each week, you should do this to prepare for the coming week (two-word answer).
Plan weekly (or "plan your week")
Creating these on paper or apps and reviewing them across days helps memorization; often made from terms and definitions. (One-word answer)
Flashcards
Name one active studying strategy that involves organizing ideas visually (two-word answer).
Concept map (or "concept map" / "concept map/diagram").
Spacing out study sessions over many days is called this two-word strategy.
Distributed practice
Name one tool or action to remove digital distractions during a focused study session
Turn off phone / Use apps to block sites / Turn off notifications
f you find you don’t have enough hours to finish everything, and you have one test after another, you should do this to your readings and tasks (one-word).
Triage, Skim important reading, and make sure to at least glance over the most important topics.
For technical classes, this activity is usually more useful than re-reading the textbook (one-word or short phrase).
Practice (or "working problems" / "doing problems")
True or False: Highlighting alone is an example of active studying that strongly improves long-term learning. (Answer in one word.)
False
If you skip a reading before class, you miss the benefit of studying the same content in two different modes. Name two of those modes.
Reading and listening (or "reading and attending/lecture")
Some people concentrate better with background sound. Give one example of a background sound mentioned that some students find helpful.
Classical music
Suggest a realistic daily plan for studying three classes in one day.
You can study some topics on the car ride to the exam, during free periods, you can review certain topics, and you can test your friends throughout the day.
When you make a study guide, what is one question you should ask yourself to think like your professor? (One-sentence answer)
"What would the professor most likely ask about this concept?"
When studying non-technical classes, you should focus on identifying these big items so you can explain and compare them. (Two-word phrase)
Big Ideas
How many short study sessions are usually better than one long marathon session for retention: one, two, or several? (Single word)
Several
Why is saying material aloud often part of active studying? Give a one-sentence reason.
Saying material aloud helps reveal confusion and strengthens memory by forcing you to organize ideas.
What is one benefit of using downtime (easy weeks) wisely? Provide one clear example.
You can get ahead on big tests or projects.
Ex. If you study 15 minutes a day, you will be prepared for the exam in one week.
Explain in one sentence why re-doing problems you struggle with improves learning.
Re-doing problems builds understanding of steps and reveals gaps so you can correct mistakes and remember the process.
Write a short study task (one-sentence) that shows you are using “question, evidence, conclusion” to study a reading. (Student answers; teacher judges)
Question: What is the author's main claim? Evidence: I list two quotes supporting it. Conclusion: The claim is supported because the evidence shows X.
Give two specific ways to schedule spaced practice for a math class across a week (each answer one short sentence).
Example answers: "Do 3 practice problems each day (Mon–Fri)." "Review flashcards for 10 minutes every evening." (Teacher to accept similar plans.)
List three study locations students might try on campus (three short answers).
Library first floor, coffee shop, study lounge
Describe a weekly planning routine with time estimates (3–4 short bullet points or one short paragraph).
Example: "Sunday 1 hr — review lecture notes (2 classes, 30 min each). Monday–Friday — 30 min per class nightly. Wednesday — 1 hr on long-term project."
You forgot that there is an exam, and you have to study the material before 4th period, what do you do?
- Skim through the content once, in between your classes.
- Spend your lunch memorizing highlighted terms. Do not get distracted by friends.
- Before the test, ask your friends about important facts to know, to cover any information you may have skimmed past.