To Cram or Not to Cram

Why is cramming frowned upon, yet so popular amongst college students? Is it wrong? If the goal is to get a good grade on an exam and cramming can help you "learn" large amounts of information, what is the harm? Read on, then you can decide whether to: Cram or not to cram!

What is cramming? Cramming is defined as hurried, last minute studying (Power Learning 2003). When students cram, the most common technique used is memorization. Memorizing is a good technique for learning terms and dates, but for complex concepts it doesn't work as well. In order to learn a concept, you have to spend quality time studying and reviewing the material, gaining an understanding of the relationship among the concepts such that you can manipulate the information. Even with exams that are True/False or multiple choice, information is presented in such a way to test your understanding, not memory (you recall, two answers usually seem right - that's to test what you know, not what you remember). Perhaps the biggest difference between learning and memorizing is seen over time. Information that is memorized tends to fade from short-term memory, as opposed to information learned, which will stay with you.

Tips for Extended Study periods or "all nighters":

DO NOT USE OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) STIMULANTS: No-Doz and other OTC stimulants may seem harmless. They are sold legally and you do not need a prescription. Truth is - they are not healthy. They raise your heart rate and blood pressure.

DO NOT ABUSE CAFFINE : Drinking gallons of soda or coffee is not recommended. Sure, you get a jolt of energy, but the come-down crash is more severe and leaves you more drained than if you stayed up the natural way. You will wind up more tired, which will negatively affect your memory and cognition.

STAY OFF THE SWEETS : So you want a sugar rush. Again, not a wise idea. It's bad for your teeth, not to mention the stomach and hips! As with coffee, the crash may prove worse than the natural tired feeling of staying awake.

Healthier Alternatives are:

NATURAL SUGARS : Try fruit instead of chocolate. It is healthier for your body and has less of a crash afterwards.

EXERCISE : Need to get the blood pumping? Try exercise. Run around the block, up the stairs, or do some jumping jacks. That will wake you up and help your re-focus.

THE POWER NAP : This is not recommended for those inclined to hit the snooze button. Set your alarm for a 15-30 minute nap. Wake up and get back to studying.

Your body needs sleep - do not deprive it. You may think that you need to pull and all-nighter, but not if you practice proper planning! The use of appropriate study skills and time management will help you get the most out of your academic experience.

Last Minute Study Suggestions:

  • Go through your flash cards one last time.
  • Focus on critical concepts (don't go over the text page by page).
  • Create a last-minute study sheet with the key facts, definitions, formulas, and so forth.
  • Arrive early and study in your seat until you are asked to stop.
  • Use Mnemonic Devices - connect information you are trying to lean with simpler information you know. Instead of learning by rote, associate the work to something familiar - this will give you familiar cues to retrieve the information while under the stress of the test.
  • Create visual images - turn the information into mental pictures to help improve memory.
  • Create acronyms - create a word from the first letters of a series of words to help you remember the series.

 

Russell Conwell Center

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