Cramming is adopted mainly by people who want to prepare for exams within a short time. It is not an effective way to study, but sometimes it helps. In this blog post, we will answer some questions about cramming.
What does cramming mean?
Cramming is a process of acquiring instant knowledge, after which you might never remember it.
Is cramming effective?
To some extent, some indulgers see cramming as effective, especially if they have been applying it and getting results, but generally, cramming gets things done in a shorter time. And yes, it is effective only for those who know how to apply it to emergency exams.
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Is cramming good for studying?
There are different ways to study, and cramming is definitely not one of the best studying techniques. Please don’t use it for your studies. Those that use cramming as a study method have no understanding, and there is no memory of what they cram after some time.
Is cramming better than studying?
Those who see cramming as the only option even though they have enough time to study do not truly know what it means to study. Understand what you are learning, practice note-taking when studying, and be willing to teach others when they need to arise. Studying has and will always be the best method to become intelligent and is better than cramming for those wishing to have an academic career.
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What exactly is reading cramming?
In reading, applying the method of cramming helps to memorize, which is recommended for difficult definitions and subjects that don’t need your understanding to pass. To cram such a subject, you read continuously and recite as much as possible until it sticks to your brain.
Why do students cram to study?
The major reason students cram to study is the lack of time, but some students do cram to study because of a lack of interest in studying. Studying takes interest and purpose; no one can genuinely study without interest and purpose. On a few occasions, students tend to cram because they can’t comprehend what they are studying. And if this happens to be your case, refer to our previous article on how to study and see yourself studying better with understanding.
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What are the advantages of cramming?
Even though cramming is not recommended for study, especially when you know that you have all it takes to study and still choose to cram, someone might ask, Does cramming have advantages? Well, there is one fact you ought to know. Not everyone can master the skill of cramming, so not everyone knows how to cram, but those who are perfect at it and those who have carried out the act before realize that the only advantage it has is just the instant acquisition of information they get.
The connection between procrastination and cramming
In most cases, a student who procrastinates in studying will end up cramming for an exam. There are no two ways, so the key to avoiding cramming for those who love to study should be to avoid trying to study late because eventually, you will end up cramming. So, in essence, students who procrastinate in their studies will end up cramming.
Cramming’s disadvantages
Honestly, the disadvantages of cramming begin with the name itself. It is challenging for a student addicted to it to sit down for long hours and begin to study, especially if cramming helps them get the job done, making them lazy in their studies. Other academic activities require you to study, and a student who has adopted the method of cramming all through his stay in school ends up being even more ignorant because of the lack of understanding absent in their study period.
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Why is cramming for a test bad?
A student who crams for a test will definitely cram for exams. Test time is the period a student is supposed to get to know if additional study or effort is required for the exam. And a student who sees cramming as the only way to get through a test will not even bother to study.
Also, cramming is bad for tests because even though you may score high on your test, you won’t possess much understanding and knowledge about the subject.
How to avoid cramming when studying
Can one avoid cramming, especially those who are addicted to it? Yes, anyone can avoid cramming if they desire to. It is the desire that gets the job done. So stop cramming and do this:
1. Determine you want to stop cramming
First of all, it’s not healthy. Cramming doesn’t allow you to take in enough information, and it can lead to problems down the line. For example, you might forget important details or struggle to learn new material because you don’t have enough time to process it. So, you need first to decide that you want to stop cramming.
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2. Start studying early
Don’t wait until the last minute of the exam before you start studying. Start studying early. Study a bit each day. Studying one hour every day is better than pulling an all-night. When you spread out your study, you are more likely to remember things for a long time.
3. Develop a study plan and follow it religiously
To avoid cramming, you will need to develop a study plan. A study plan outlines what you will do daily to improve your academic performance. It also helps you stay organized and on track.
To develop a successful study plan, start by creating a timeline. This timeline will help you determine when you will start each study session and how long each session will last.
By following a study plan, you will be able to do better in school and stop procrastination.
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4. Quit procrastinating
Procrastination is the primary reason why students indulge in procrastination. The hardest aspect of studying for an exam is getting started. Quit waiting for the right moment, pick your note and start studying immediately.
5. Use an effective study method
Some students may start studying early but will still end up cramming at the last minute. If this is your case, you will need to reassess your study method and choose the one that works best for you.
Check out our article on effective study methods you can choose from.
6. Conduct a full review prior to the exam
Do a final review before the exam in order to pass your exam well. This will help solidify what you have learned and improve your recall of information. Review the material you have covered in class and the material covered in your textbook. If there are any questions, you have not been able to answer, look online or ask a classmate for help.
7. Rest well the night before the exam
The night before the exam is a time for reflection and relaxation. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast. You will be feeling rested and ready to take on the test.