You can increase your long term memory and spend less time when reviewing for exams if you use concept mapping to take notes while you are studying. My students tell me that while there is more time spent "up front," they remember more and review better. Cramming is minimized. Here are some simple directions.
Constructing a concept map (See example below)
1. Select the topic to be studied. Since it is going to be subdivided, the size of the topic is not critical. It can be part of a lecture or material that is covered in several lectures.
2. Identify the major concepts by listing or highlighting them in the text, paying particular attention to material in lecture notes that was especially emphasized.
3. Rank the concepts (and facts) from most general to most specific.
4. Arrange the concept map with the most general, or inclusive, concept at the top level, enclosed in a circle of other shape. Link it to more specific concepts placed on the next level and enclose those as well. Label connecting lines with linking words that explain the relationship, if needed. Arrowheads can show direction, cause-and-effect, etc.
5. Try to branch out at each level with more than one link.
6. Identify and draw cross-links between related concepts. This is a powerful step in developing integrative thinking.
7. The top down type of diagram shown in the illustration is far more useful for sensing types (preference for learning specifics) than a "cluster" pattern that spreads out from the center like a spider web. Intuitive types (preference for learning big picture) can use either pattern.
More examples of the cluster type are on page 9 in a handout at <a href="http://www.ttuhsc.edu/success/training/studenthandout.pdf" target="_blank">student workshop handout</a>
One other strategy that has produced very good results is at <a href="http://www.ttuhsc.edu/success/Survival.htm" target="_blank">Survival Strategy</a>
Hope this helps.
jwpelley