One of my all time best studying memories (if that’s even a thing) was junior year in college when I took History of Rock ‘N Roll. To prep for my second pre-lim (Cornell-speak for “midterm”) on 60’s and 70’s music, I called my dad. I discussed my notes on Creedence Clearwater Revival and Bob Dylan songs with him, and he told me about going to Woodstock and hearing many of the performers I was studying perform live. I remembered the details from our conversation well and got a 97 on the exam.
This memory popped into my head last week as I thought back on the past seven weeks of the semester. I’m doing well and learning a lot, but there are a couple of classes in which I would like to improve. I realize that one of the things that distinguishes the classes I’m doing the best in is that I tend to study with other people for those tests. It doesn’t always occur to me to leave the comfort of my green living room couch to find my classmates, but I realize that going forward, group studying is something I should prioritize. Each person understands things slightly differently, and sometimes a classmate picks up on something I missed and vice versa. Additionally, I believe that being forced to verbalize content either strengthens it in your mind or forces you to confront material you need to study harder.
That’s definitely what I’ve found while studying with various partners for practicals, and I’m proud that so far I’ve been acing those tests. I really enjoy being able to physically demonstrate all that we’ve learned, and since 50-something question multiple choice tests will only be around for another two years, it’s reassuring to know that I’m developing the actual skills I’ll be using for the rest of my career.
So here’s to a successful second half of my second semester!