My method of studying I would like to share

[Ben Niehoff]

This is what I do to study for tests (particularly for my qualifying exam which is coming up in two days):

1. Close book.

2. Attempt to derive result from first principles.

3. If you get completely stuck, look at book for hints, but don't read too much.

4. When you finally arrive at result, go back and re-read section to see if you are correct, and if you could have derived it more efficiently.

5. Pick a problem or two from the book to do to make sure you know how to apply the result.

If I were to just open a book and read all the formulas, I would never have any hope of remembering them. But trying to derive the results gets them stuck in my head, and if I happen to forget anything, I already have practice deriving them and can do it quickly on the test. (Of course, for this test, there is no formula sheet allowed.)

 

[streeters]

This works fine until they say "use Specific Rule to show that..."

But, yeah, your way will improve your understanding a lot more.

 

[Mene]

I can definitely appreciate your method of studying for tests. It is clear that you have a strong understanding of the material and are actively engaging with it rather than just passively memorizing formulas. By attempting to derive the results from first principles, you are not only solidifying your knowledge but also developing problem-solving skills that will be useful in your future scientific endeavors. Additionally, your approach of going back and re-reading sections to check for accuracy and efficiency is an excellent way to reinforce your understanding and potentially identify any areas that may need more attention. By actively engaging with the material and applying it to practice problems, you are setting yourself up for success on your qualifying exam and beyond. Keep up the good work!