As exams are hurtling towards us, Yorkies are always confused about the best ways to study, and the real dos and don'ts. Hopefully, this article clears up any confusion you have and sets you up for exams! Backed by credible resources, scientific studies, and some anonymous advice from senior school students, we really hope you enjoy this article.

1. Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is the practice of studying the same material repeatedly, at gradually increasing intervals. The scientist Herman Ebbinghaus created the forgetting curve, which explains that we gradually forget more and more of a material when we don't see or study it repeatedly. Spaced repetition combats the forgetting curve, which is why this strategy works so well.

2. Goal Setting

Goal setting is a foolproof way to track your progress as you study. It can help you stick to a schedule so you can map your progress. Goal formulas such as SHMART (Specific, How, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-specific) are also really helpful when setting a goal.

3. Don't Cram!

Cramming is not necessarily the best way to go when studying for a test. You might have a good mark when cramming for a test, but will have little to no long-term retention. As the practice of cramming is the opposite of spaced repetition, the forgetting curve still applies. Some topics we learn in school build off of each other, and cramming won't give you a good foundation for a topic, causing you more trouble both now and in the future.

4. Flashcards, Flashcards, Flashcards!

Flashcards are one of the most timeless study tips, and are still proven to work fairly well. If you're using paper flashcards, writing your information down will help solidify your understanding of the material, and flashcards also use spaced repetition and active recall, which will help you remember your study material in detail. A scientific study even shows that students who use flashcards do better on tests!

5. Colors Galore

Any Yorkie can tell you that they love to make cute color-coded flashcards or notes, and I'm here to tell you that this practice actually improves studying! Color coding will strengthen your connections between concepts, and therefore improve your notes. Colors in general help because they stimulate your brain, lengthening your attention span.

We hope you find these tips helpful and good luck on exams!