How do you study? (Interview question)

[CodeBlu]

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In response to the thread about how many hours you study?

This has been posed to me in an interview setting for academic jobs/tutoring jobs.

Some of my friends that interviewed this past cycle were asked this question.

Do you need to talk outloud? Use a whiteboard? Write stuff out? Read it once and know it? Etc.

 

[orthomyxo]

After I read something, I pretend like I'm trying to teach it to someone else. I probably sound like a freak talking to myself in my room, but hey, it works.

 

[MrBananaGrabber]

If I'm memorizing something I like to keep writing it out until I can do it without help.

 

[generator]

i like to use sheets of printer paper and make "cheat sheets" of everything i need to know. it helps me organize the info in a way my brain can digest.

 

[CodeBlu]

Do you guys use the computer (read off a screen?)

Or... do you print it out?

I know I kill trees a lot... but I HAVE to print my notes out. I use onenote for Mac type thing, or sometimes I copy and paste the ppt. slides into a word file. Put 2 slides to a page and then write underneath them.

But I have to physically highlight my notes/write on them. It's soothing for me.

 

[Stumpyman]

It differs for ever course. Since most of my classes are Bio, I have the same emthod for them. I tend to first read the chapters "passively." And then I read them again, but take extensive notes and while i do that, I act like I'm explaining them to someone oer and over again. After that I go over the chapters again and take light notes on whatever I missed.
And yeah, I have to print out stud guides, powerpoints, etc. I like to write all over them.

 

[merde]

I avoid studying from my computer if I can. I can't learn anything by simply reading a textbook or my notes either. I am a visual learner so I study by drawing pictures or making flowcharts for new concepts. I also like studying with groups of friends because we teach each other the material. If you understand something well enough, you should be able to teach it!

 

[Nguyen]

How do I study? It depends on the type of class I take. Lets say I'm taking a class that is based on memorization (reading) such as History or Biology. I'd take notes during lecture and at the same time write my own questions pertaining to the chapter/notes. After class I'd go home to read the chapter/notes that was presented for that particular lecture day, afterwards, I'd go to the questions that I've written and answer them based on what I've learned in a timely manner (time yourself, about 15-30 seconds for each short answer question written, because it's either you know it or you don't). If I fail those questions, I would make new ones up and go back to those old questions after I've read my notes over again.

If I was taking a Math class, I'd just do as many problems as I can in the book and/or study guide that the teacher has provided. If I'm weak on a particular area then I'd make up my own problems or go google some more to practice on. My goal is to solve as many problems as I can and at the same time be exposed to a variety of topics. Also, consider getting a small chalk board or white board to solve math problems on as well. It's what I use to study insanely and not to mention that it saves trees.

Classes are either memorization (history, biology, ochem) or problem solving (math, gen chemisry, physics). You get the drill.

This is how I study and so far I've maintained a B+ average for my first 2 years of undergrad as a six-year BA/MD student.

EDIT: Insane coursework during summer dragged my GPA way down below average. Nobody has time to take OCHEM1W/LAB, Cell Biology, and gain "Hospital Team Experience (a class that exposes you to patients in a hospital, my med school is connected to a hospital)," all in just 8 weeks.

 

[Camy99]

Flashcards and whiteboards are my best friend. And that invisible person I explain things to.

I've learned highlighters do nothing for me, I just end up highlighting everything.

Oh and some good ole Coldplay.

 

[CaliGirl14]

with a bottle of scotch.

 

[CodeBlu]

with a bottle of scotch.

Correction.... bottle of jack.

Ke$ha would be proud.

 

[aviendhae]

After I read something, I pretend like I'm trying to teach it to someone else. I probably sound like a freak talking to myself in my room, but hey, it works.

👍 this 👍

 

[FattySlug]

Highlighting textbook and write down things that are not intuitive. Make summary of important concepts and highlight key words; if I see that word in a test it will trigger my memory of the related concepts.

I went to seminar some time ago and was told highlighting is the worst way to study but it works for me so I just ignored that.

 

[BMEN]

Kill a tree or two. Outlines. Practice problems. Teach

 

[paul411]

All my notes are in OneNote. I try to stay paper-free, too messy for my taste. Textbooks (essentially never used) were either in the library or ebooks.

Oh and giant whiteboards before tests.

Learning method: first run through material to learn (slow). Go over old testsn practice problems to identify weak areas. 2-3 review runs (faster).

 

[orthomyxo]

Do you guys use the computer (read off a screen?)

Or... do you print it out?

I know I kill trees a lot... but I HAVE to print my notes out. I use onenote for Mac type thing, or sometimes I copy and paste the ppt. slides into a word file. Put 2 slides to a page and then write underneath them.

But I have to physically highlight my notes/write on them. It's soothing for me.

It's funny how I know for a fact that typing notes out will be a lot quicker than writing, but I just don't feel right studying off of a computer screen.

 

[CodeBlu]

It's funny how I know for a fact that typing notes out will be a lot quicker than writing, but I just don't feel right studying off of a computer screen.

Yeaaaah. It's just not the same.

 

[BMEN]

Yeaaaah. It's just not the same.

Writing muscle memory. I swear i dont know how to do anymore PDE's, but my hand does

 

[ppfizenm]

Kill a tree or two. Outlines. Practice problems. Teach

I take notes on the chapter and/or power point (on paper, I can do it on the computer but it takes me longer overall to memorize for some reason). Then I read over it a few times a day and always before I go to bed. Sometimes notecards for something like the amino acids or glycolysis ect. Quick review before the exam

 

[Drogo]

In my room I have a huge white board and it's perfect for solving problem after problem effortlessly. Yet for the most part, sitting at my own table with all my material out, in the quietest area of the library works best for me. Of course it's best to space out the studying as this helps retain material a lot better versus just cramming which I do all I can to avoid. (cramming overly stresses me)

I also read and re-read many times. I go online and find different interpretations of material so I can get a really good idea of the topic or problem at hand and I also ask the tutors or other students who excel. Afterall you have to learn from the best any chance you get!