MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

ABSTRACT:
Study habits have the ability to define student success in college and beyond. Good study habits are not just a means to an end, such as passing an exam, they also increase the likelihood that an individual remembers important information in the future. While these skills are important, students are never explicitly taught how to study. Research on memory and cognition suggests several strategies for effective studying that can help students. In this document, I outline seven areas of research on effective study strategies: encoding specificity based on context and mood, distributed practice, the testing effect, interleaved practice, drawing, and levels of processing. Encoding specificity suggests that congruent context and psychological state during studying and recall increases memory performance. Students who space out their studying and have a longer delay in between study sessions also show higher memory recall. I acknowledge research on the testing effect, which states that retrieving to-be-remembered information during study sessions increases long-term memory. Memory is also enhanced if topics within a subject and between subjects are mixed during studying. Lastly, drawing concepts and definitions has shown to have a significant positive effect on retention of studied material, as drawing cues a deeper level of cognitive processing. The college environment is fast paced, holds a lot of content, and requires a high level of analysis. However, if students follow these strategies and the tips provided in this document, they will experience a significant decrease in psychological distress and higher retention of the studied material.

WC= 248

READER PROFILE:
I imagine a reader who is in college, stressed, and sleep deprived. This individual has turned to my document because they are studying for finals and are wondering if their study strategy is effective. This individual does not want to change their method of studying, but if the evidence is strong enough, they will consider.

READER’S RESPONSE:
My current study habits consist of studying three days in advance for a test, and studying for eight or so hours at a time. I have received good grades on my tests this semester using this strategy, however this paper says that it is better to space out studying and to take a longer break in between. This could be why I am so stressed out and tired right now. I would like to try this strategy, but I usually do not have extra time during the semester to study far in advance. I wonder how I can apply this strategy? Having some guidelines to follow would be very helpful. Since I only have a few days until my first final, I may try another strategy, such as drawing. I really don’t want to waste my time if this will not work, though. Also. I’m really struggling with my self-care right now and I wonder if this is affecting my ability to retain information? I wish the author had included resources I could turn to for advice on how to maintain self-care during stressful times.

R, one possible response would be to suggest that students try these techniques NEXT semester, when the stakes are lower. Try during midterms or set up your study patterns early on, then they will be "habits" by the next finals time. That is one way to address this audience.