Environmental learning and studying

Have you ever taken a test sitting in a different desk than you usually do? It tends to feel weird, and it can throw you off. Now, imagine if the test room was changed at the last minute. Likely, the test would seem harder. That's because it would be harder. Many things can prime our memory, especially the environment. That's why the most efficient studying is done in the same (or at least a similar) environment. For many major tests, it's hard to simulate such an environment, but there are ways to simulate it.

First, study in the same format. If the test (such as the GRE) is given on a computer, you probably want to study on a computer screen. If you own a Kindle or Nook, this is fairly easy. You can purchase electronic versions of these study guides. If you don't own a Kindle, that's okay. There is a free Kindle option for PCs: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000426311. Electronic versions are usually cheaper too. For other tests in a paper format, it's better to study with them.

Second, figure out when your recall is best. Take a couple of different practice tests at different times. You want as many advantages as you can get, so figure out when you are at your best. This is the prime time to take a major test unless there is only one time option. Take practice tests only during that time.

Third, study in a similar room and similar body position. Study sitting in a chair with the material on a desk. This is fairly obvious, but you want as many memory primes as possible.

These are the environmental tips. A future post will address state learning.

Recommended study guides:

Thirteen more words

accost: to approach with a greeting or remark

accouter: to equip or outfit

accretion: increase by growth or addition

accrue: result from natural growth

accumulate: to gather or collect; amass or mount up

accurate: free from error; carefully precise

acerbate: to make sour or bitter; to exasperate or embitter

acerbic: sharp or bitter as in expression

achromatic: without color

acidulous: sharp; caustic

acme: highest point, summit

acquiesce: to comply silently; submit.

acquisitive: tending to seek or acquire, often greedily 

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Ten Words A Day

aberration: deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course

banal: commonplace

capacious: roomy

egalitarian: belief in equality of all people

fastidious: hard to please

hubris: excessive pride or self-confidence

languor: lack of energy, vitality

miasma: a dangerous or corruptive influence or atmosphere

obstreperous: resisting control in a noisy and difficult manner

pensive: dreamily or wistfully thoughtful

Cricklers

Studying for the SAT and the GRE is not thought of as being fun, but it actually can be. One resource that I've found is Cricklers. It's a game similar to a crossword created by Michael and Barbara Crick. It has a specific vocabulary game, and it's pretty helpful. There's a new one everyday, but it does recycle eventually.

The web address is http://www.crickler.com/. It also contains other games about current events which may also be helpful.