The Study Technique You Should Be Using for NBEO® Part 1 and Beyond
As you prepare for the NBEO® Part 1 exam, understanding the most effective study strategies is crucial. While you might already have preferred study methods, the comprehensive nature of the NBEO® exam demands a more efficient approach.
The most effective strategy I’ve encountered for this type of exam is called Active Recall.
What is Active Recall?
Active Recall involves continuously testing yourself on the material throughout your study process, enhancing retention and understanding. This method is straightforward and significantly more effective than repeatedly reading the same material.
How to Implement Active Recall in Your Study Routine:
Here are my favorite ways to use Active Recall for students studying for NBEO® Part 1 and beyond!
Closed-Book Recall: Have you ever read a chapter and then felt like you had to read it again? Try testing yourself on the material first. Close your book and try summarizing what you’ve learned, either verbally or in writing. You can also keep your book/notes open and look only at the headings to give you a clue on what you can test yourself on. Though you may feel like you don’t remember much, this method helps reinforce and connect various pieces of information, making your second read more focused and productive.
Strategic Note-Taking: Many students take their own notes and study guides as they are going over lecture notes or reading textbooks. Next time, try a different approach. After completing a topic, write down notes from memory, leaving gaps for parts you’re unsure about. This process of recall, rather than direct copying, significantly boosts memory retention. You will immediately notice a difference in the amount of information you retain.
Question-Based Learning: Inspired by the Cornell note-taking method, rewrite your notes as questions. After finishing a reading session, attempt to answer these questions without referring back to the material. This method is incredibly effective for recalling complex information quickly and efficiently.
