[Adobe Stock]
In Singapore’s education system, many students use memorisation or rote learning to study. This is especially so for subjects like the Sciences, History and Maths. After all, this passive learning method is known to be quick and efficient.
However, it lacks critical thinking, and students may have trouble applying what they’ve learned to real-world or practical situations.
This is why students should use active studying. It is more engaging and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while still helping students retain information and prepare for their exams adequately.
What is Active Studying?
[Techinnovationlive]
Active studying or active learning is when students actively engage with the information they’re learning. This could be through various methods like taking notes, summarising points or participating in discussions (more on that later).
Studies show that active learning helps students perform better because they learn more when participating in the learning process.
In fact, active learning encourages students’ brains to activate cognitive and sensory networks. This helps them to better process and store new information, promoting retention.
How to Study Actively?
[iStock]
There are many tried and tested techniques for students to follow to study actively. For example, the ‘The Leitner System’ which uses flashcards and ‘Active Retrieval Quizzing’ which uses self-quizzing methods.
But some of them can be confusing to follow because there are many steps and variations. Instead, here are some easier ways for students to study actively.
Write down what you know
[iStock]
Before starting their revision, students should write down what they know first. It could be key points, relevant questions or even bits and pieces of information they remembered from lessons.
This allows students to be more aware of what they know and don’t know. This helps them to concentrate on patching up holes in their learning.
Ask questions while reading
[iStock]
As students read or go through their textbooks, they should ask themselves questions. Especially questions that start with the 5W1Hs – Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
Not only does this encourage independent and critical thinking, but it also helps to improve their memory, growth mindset, social support and concentration.
Here are some questions students can ask themselves:
1. Which parts of this are new to me, and which parts do I recognise?
2. How does this connect with what I already know? How and where does it ’fit’?
3. What stands out to me?
4. What does this remind me of?
5. How might others use information like this in the ‘real world’?
6. What real-world examples relate to this that can help me understand this further?
7. What follow-up questions does this suggest I ask?
Make notes
[Adobe Stock]
While studying content from their textbooks, students should jot down notes. It could be on a notebook or on flashcards. As long as students write down important information that they should be mindful of.
This is because note-taking forces their brain to process information better, which improves their retention and memory of what they’ve studied. It also allows students to compile and organise information for a quick revision.
Summarise what was read
[iStock]
Students should always summarise what they read from a chapter or text. Summarising teaches them to discern key points and to ignore irrelevant information.
This helps them save time and energy and makes it easier to remember the crucial points. It’s also an excellent opportunity for students to practise their O level comprehension summary.
Take part in discussions
[iStock]
Students are often encouraged to not study with friends because it could distract them. But if they discuss topics and teach each other what they know, it’ll help them to better understand and gain more insight into what they’re learning.
When students are involved in conversations, discussions, and even debates, it lets them exchange information, gather new points of view, think, and reflect. As a bonus, they’ll also feel more energised to learn too!
Conclusion
[VistaCreate]
Although Singapore’s education system might still revolve around rote learning, it seems that now, there is more emphasis on encouraging active studying.
This is especially so with independent learning and the increased awareness of making lessons and education engaging for students. Hopefully, it won’t be long before active studying becomes the new norm and more students are encouraged to practise it.
Facebook