Cramming: Does It Help? | Real Experiences

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of cramming as a study method for exams, with participants sharing personal experiences and opinions on its impact on learning and grades. The scope includes anecdotal evidence, reflections on study habits, and considerations of exam design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that cramming has led to average grades and question its impact on long-term memory.
  • Others argue that while cramming may help in achieving passing grades, it does not facilitate deeper understanding of the material.
  • One participant suggests that their success with cramming might be due to familiarity with the method.
  • Another participant mentions that a sense of urgency during cramming could be beneficial if applied earlier in the study process.
  • Some participants share that they do not need to cram due to consistent practice throughout the term.
  • There are differing views on the appropriateness of exams that allow for cramming, with some suggesting that such exams may not effectively test understanding.
  • One participant highlights that the effectiveness of cramming may depend on the subject matter, noting that it might work better for subjects requiring memorization rather than problem-solving.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of experiences and opinions regarding cramming, with no consensus on its overall effectiveness or appropriateness. Some believe it can lead to satisfactory grades, while others contend it undermines true learning.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various study habits and their outcomes, but there are unresolved questions about the relationship between cramming and long-term retention of knowledge. The discussion reflects a diversity of experiences and perspectives on effective study strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering different study methods, educators interested in exam design, and individuals reflecting on their own learning strategies may find this discussion relevant.

limitkiller
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hi everyone

the thing is I crammed through school and usually got average grades.

I always thought if I studied weeks before exams I would get better grades but as it turns out it is not the case.

anyone with similar experience?cramming killed my long term memory or what?
 
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Cramming is not conducive to learning and understanding. It might get one by on one test, but if one does not learn the material, one will not advance much beyond the test or course.
 
But cramming seems to result in better grades for me.Is it because I am used to it or its like this for everyone?
(I am talking only about grades)
 
It could be you are working on more difficult material and it's just harder.

I can't really see how not cramming is worsening your exam scores.
 
One of my friends kinda crams before his exams...

Well its more like this, he doesn't study until pretty much a few days before the exam. When he finally does study its more like a quick read through the material rather than a madd all nighter with 10 cups of coffee and some motivational youtube videos on a constant replay. He still manages to get marks above average somehow... I think its because he's got a relaxed "yolo" attitude.
 
Jorriss said:
It could be you are working on more difficult material and it's just harder.

no its not that.I still get average grades when I cram.

studying before math related exams seems to help a little but otherwise it doesn't help.Its like the answers are on tip of my tongue...
 
It's like there is that sense of urgency that appears when you cram. Imagine if that same sense of urgency was present weeks in advanced, then you can sleep easy the night before the exam
 
Tommy1995 said:
One of my friends kinda crams before his exams...

Well its more like this, he doesn't study until pretty much a few days before the exam. When he finally does study its more like a quick read through the material rather than a madd all nighter with 10 cups of coffee and some motivational youtube videos on a constant replay. He still manages to get marks above average somehow...

that's kinda like me(except for yolo part) .
if possible please ask him if he ever tried preparing properly for an exam?
 
Woopydalan said:
It's like there is that sense of urgency that appears when you cram. Imagine if that same sense of urgency was present weeks in advanced, then you can sleep easy the night before the exam

I usually sleep the night before the exam(when I don't I get really bad results)
 
  • #10
I don't really have to study for exams. I do review before but I do enough practice consistently to not have to cram.
 
  • #11
limitkiller said:
that's kinda like me(except for yolo part) .
if possible please ask him if he ever tried preparing properly for an exam?

LOL he's never properly prepared for an exam in his life haha
 
  • #12
Then you can give him the bad news.he won't do better even if he did prepare.
 
  • #13
Tommy1995 said:
One of my friends kinda crams before his exams...

Well its more like this, he doesn't study until pretty much a few days before the exam. When he finally does study its more like a quick read through the material rather than a madd all nighter with 10 cups of coffee and some motivational youtube videos on a constant replay. He still manages to get marks above average somehow... I think its because he's got a relaxed "yolo" attitude.

This sound like me as well. I don't really study a lot. I also don't do all night studying like some people.
 
  • #14
I think that exams that allows people to cram are badly constructed exams. Exams should test real understanding.
 
  • #15
The best way for me is to keep a good pace trough the term then at the end do a really intense review session for a few days/ weeks.
 
  • #16
I'd say that most students just cram for an exam, and in most cases it works out fine. Of course, this forum is hardly representative of most students.

micromass said:
I think that exams that allows people to cram are badly constructed exams. Exams should test real understanding.

Meanwhile in the real world...
 
  • #17
Depends on the material imo. If you're cramming for a history exam, sure, just pure information. Cramming for a calculus exam I wouldn't think would work as well.
 

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