Memory skills? Test recall? Help!

[datsa]

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Hello,

Does anyone have any tips on trying to recall information (especially stuff like math and physics formulas, chemistry reactions, etc.) during exams? I have no trouble understanding the material but I have a very difficult time trying to recall it during a test. My grades have already slid precipitously because of my inability to remedy this situation. I've been to memory workshops and have tried memory systems; they work, except under test conditions. Then I can't recall the mnemonics or tricks that I've set up. I'm doing relatively poorly in my summer class despite dedicated studying and review; I understand how to do the problems, but can't seem to remember anything after doing them as homework. Then they show up on exams, and I blank out. I keep having to read and look at examples in the book over and over again.

This is a new problem for me; in the recent past, I did very well in these same type of courses and no trouble recalling the material. But lately, nothing sticks; on an exam, I just stare at a problem and get anxious about not being able to work it out, even for problems identical to the homework problems.

My counselor thought that perhaps outside events were interferring with my recall ability, but nothing has changed in my personal or public life, except this ?!@!## mental block.

 

[NoPatients]

Anxiety during a test is known to affect recall. Try learning relaxation techniques, and remember, it's just a silly test which is part of the bigger academic "game." No one is going to die if you give a wrong answer. 😎

Quiz yourself under pressure on the material, or have an overbearing, threatening friend do it. 😀

Also, your study environment and state of mind should be as similar to test conditions as possible. If you study with the TV or radio on, you've automatically made the cognitive environment significantly different. If you drink 4 cans of Mountain Dew and stay up late studying, but take the test with no caffeine at all, your brain's in a different state of activity.

 

[JamieMac]

Hello,

Does anyone have any tips on trying to recall information (especially stuff like math and physics formulas, chemistry reactions, etc.) during exams? I have no trouble understanding the material but I have a very difficult time trying to recall it during a test.

I found myself in a similar situation last year when I started back up, but was able to remedy the problem rather quickly. I, too, understood the concepts in class, but the application of the concepts was the key to it all sinking in. If you're not able to easily apply the concepts - add the unknown of how a prof might test you, and the time constraint of an exam...it might be sending you into a little bit of a panic. You may want to change the way in which you prepare. Be sure to review AND understand the sample problems (that are relevant to the material covered) provided in the text even if your professor doesn't assign them. Don't just scan them...write them on paper and work them out. Another important point is to focus on your professors teaching/testing style. Do they stick to lecture material? Or is it more representative of the text. I had a professor last year that gave exams that were NOTHING like his lecture. Unfortunately, it is sink or swim with many, and you have to adjust. So, don't give up on it. You already realize that what you're doing now isn't working well, so start making changes. Good luck.