Efficient Cramming Techniques for Exams

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Justin Sun, Learning Coach, Head of Learning at iCanStudy, former medical doctor
• Purpose: Teach how to study a large volume in a short time (3 days) effectively
• Disclaimer: Cramming is not ideal, but knowing how to manage it is a useful skill

Background and Personal Experience

• Dr. Sun’s personal cramming experience in medical school
  • Forgot about an exam paper, crammed 60 hours in 3 days, got a C+
  • Lucky due to fact-heavy exam relying on memorization
• Lesson learned: Understand effective study techniques

Understanding Exam Creation and Strategy

• Examiner's Perspective:

  • Exams are often based on frameworks like Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy
  • Tests assess different orders and levels of thinking

• Learning Objectives:

  • Exams legally based on course learning objectives
  • Become strategic by targeting relevant objectives

Levels of Questions

• Lower Order: Fact recall, isolated information
• Mid Order: Compare and integrate ideas
• Higher Order: Evaluate, analyze significance and impact

Cramming Strategy

1. Identify Learning Objectives: Understand what levels they test
2. Logical Deduction & Reasoning
   • Use existing knowledge network to infer missing information
   • Focus on information with the highest 'logic points'

Planning Your Study Schedule

• Day 1:

  • Spend 1-2 hours scoping topics and objectives
  • Prioritize lectures with higher order objectives

• Day 2:

  • Focus on mid-level logic points missed on Day 1

• Day 3:

  • Identify gaps
  • Use memorization techniques (e.g., flashcards) for details

Strategy Benefits

• Improved Reasoning: Enhances logical deduction skills
• Adaptability: Strategy can be extended to longer study periods
• Cognitive Benefits: Supports deep processing and information discernment

Recommendations

• Use the Program: Consider Dr. Sun’s guided learning program for more efficient methods
• Cram Effectively: If cramming, employ tactics to optimize learning and retention

Conclusion

• While cramming isn't ideal, using structured methods can maximize efficiency and outcomes
• Become a more discerning learner through strategic cramming