As we approach finals, think about the difference between knowing and understanding. When you just review and reread your lecture notes and textbook, you will “know” the material. You may be able to recognize the information on an exam if it appears in the same words as your notes or textbook. But if the information is restated in different words, appears in a different order, or if you are asked to apply the information learned in class to a new situation entirely, you will not be able to do it.
You need to learn the information past the point of knowing and to the point of understanding. You can do this using several strategies:
- Recitation – can you restate the information in your own words?
- Teach someone else – can you explain what you have learned to someone?
- Manipulate the information in various study guide formats
- Relate the information to what you already know
- Apply the information to a new and different situation
This is especially important in courses like Psychology and Business. The exams in these courses usually give you new scenarios and ask you to apply the information that you learned to the different situations.
Knowing this, you can adapt your study strategies so that you understand the material!
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