Study Skills?

k9handler · 12-12-2006, 10:18 AM

What are some tricks to improve general memory of things we read?

I am in the military and really working at getting ready to test for E7 this year...and well I am looking for some tips. Last year I missed it by 4 points so I am not taking chances to miss it again.

We are tested on Professional Military Education (PME) and our career field knowledge (SKT)...if only this was just K9, I have to know everything from the cop career field and the PME for the Air Force. So 200 questions pulled from a test bank of about 15,000 (according to the study tools computer program I purchased).

The first chapter of the PFE is on basic study skills, but I am just thinking someone may have a nice trick that works for them.

So watcha got?

masraum · 12-12-2006, 10:21 AM

I've heard that it's a good idea to study for 45 mins, relax for 15, repeat. Something about the 15 min relax period gives the brain a chance to "digest" the stuff that it's just studied, and then it's ready to move on again.

Lots of repetition seems to help as well.

Burnin' oil · 12-12-2006, 10:25 AM

What is it you needed again?

k9handler · 12-12-2006, 10:26 AM

ha ha less time on the internet might help me as well.

legion · 12-12-2006, 10:33 AM

I think what works best depends on the person.

In college, one of my roommates and I were both finance majors. He learned by rote and had to work problems repeatedly. I learned by figuring out the underlying principals. He would study 3 hours a day and all night before a big test. I would study more in the beginning and taper off. The night of the test I would do a quick review if anything at all.

My roommate needed to constantly remind himself of all of the concepts. I needed to learn them early and if I didn't know them by test time, it was too late for me.

legion · 12-12-2006, 10:34 AM

Just a thought...

Is this really a question of motivation rather than study techniques?

k9handler · 12-12-2006, 10:39 AM

no...I wake up at 5 am, get to my office early to study at least 1 hour. In the evening I relax and then study for another hour at least, sometimes 2. My question is I recognize questions and answers as I have seen them before, but the true ability to recall the information verbatem just seems to be lacking. The test is written with 2 answers that just seem wrong and easy to spot...the other two seem right as rain but which one is more correct?

Does this make sense?

dd74 · 12-12-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k9handler

So watcha got?

Sleep. It's astounding how memory and learning is dependent on sleep. Don't overstudy, either. I approached mathematics this way. Now I'm able to multiply.

masraum · 12-12-2006, 10:42 AM

I'm with legion, if I really understand a concept, I will do well, but that works best with stuff like math and science. For other things it's more about memorization.

dd74 · 12-12-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k9handler
no...I wake up at 5 am, get to my office early to study at least 1 hour. In the evening I relax and then study for another hour at least, sometimes 2. My question is I recognize questions and answers as I have seen them before, but the true ability to recall the information verbatem just seems to be lacking. The test is written with 2 answers that just seem wrong and easy to spot...the other two seem right as rain but which one is more correct?

Does this make sense?

Yes. Sounds like any multiple choice exam, really. Do you have a study guide, with answers and an explanation of why one answer is "more correct" than another?

Also, if your test is what I imagine, I wonder if they try to trip you up with language or minute details. That's where you have to be careful.

Can you post one of the questions?

k9handler · 12-12-2006, 10:47 AM

Sure I can post one. Just a few while I load the program.

k9handler · 12-12-2006, 10:50 AM

The Air Force organizes, trains, equips and sustains itself according to the air and
space expeditionary force (AEF) concept by creating a mindset and culture that
embraces what unique characteristics of aerospace power?

A: Range, flexibility, precision and speed
B: Flexibility and precision
C: Precision, range and flexibility
D: Range and speed

artplumber · 12-12-2006, 10:53 AM

Sounds like you have two questions. For memory, you have to figure out how you learn best. Eg/if I read it I'm asleep. However, if I listen to a lecture (and take notes) I can do well on a test without ever buying the textbook. Doing questions is also helpful. You have to find what's best for you. BTW research suggests that listening to something with a rhythm (like rock) helps one remember better.

Test taking is a completely different skill. Thing that works the best is boiling the question down to it's essential elements, and asking yourself what the tester "wants". Safety above all else, lower costs, multiple redundancies etc.

k9handler · 12-12-2006, 10:57 AM

Yeah you all seem to have the idea and thank you for your replies. I think it's just such a broad range of information that I am having a problem going from 1 chapter to another and retain the information from the other chapters.

dd74 · 12-12-2006, 11:03 AM

Smithy - I pick "C." But I have to go to lunch now. Don't tell me the answer. I want to read the question again, and answers, and figure how I came to that conclusion.

Damn good question - and sort of tough as I'm not in the Air Force.

legion · 12-12-2006, 11:04 AM

Ah...multiple choice tests. Fortunately, I was born a good test taker.

BTW, for your above question, I would guess "A". However, if speed is specifically excluded for some reason, I could see why that answer was put in to trip people up.

I find on those kinds of questions I have to get in a mindset where I neither underthink nor overthink the answer. I have to make sure to not fall into the easy traps, all the while not ruling out the right answer because I'm looking too hard for a trap. Make sense? I also have to accept that I will misjudge a few questions...

pookie · 12-12-2006, 11:13 AM

Multiple choice test, don't overthink/overanalyze the question. Go with your first choice, as it is usually the right one.

Study tips, find someplace away from where you watch tv or work on the computer. Kitchen table is good at the house, desk is good at work, it will focus your mind on studying and not those other options. The 45/15 set up given earlier is the one that I have heard the most about.

For me studying is finding the motivation to do it. I am hoping to finish my masters in May of 07. My new motivation is to be finished. I assume your motivation is to get promoted. Always keep that in mind. I recently took a test for a new job I studied more in the two weeks for that test then I believe I have studied all year for my masters. But that is because I want that new job so bad and used it as motivation to study more.

Good luck with the promo.

k9handler · 12-12-2006, 11:18 AM

Thanks, yeah my motivation is to be an E7 for my return to the US next summer. I am at a point where I likely won't be in a K9 job because of being an E6, so better be an E7 where I can set up for retirement and put up with a little less BS. =o) $$$ is a good motivator as well.

Ok I am off to study, will give the answer to the question above tomorrow unless Leland or another AF guy beats me to it.

cmccuist · 12-12-2006, 12:48 PM

More often than not, on multiple choice tests, the longest answer is the correct one. Shouldn't use that as a substitute for studying, but may work if it comes down to a coin flip.

dd74 · 12-12-2006, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k9handler
The Air Force organizes, trains, equips and sustains itself according to the air and
space expeditionary force (AEF) concept by creating a mindset and culture that embraces what unique characteristics of aerospace power?

A: Range, flexibility, precision and speed
B: Flexibility and precision
C: Precision, range and flexibility
D: Range and speed

So, as I said, I select C.

Of course, not being in the AF, I'm guessing, but here's how I figured out my answer, whether right or wrong:
Keywords like "culture" or phrases like "according to..." tell me there's a deep-seated notion of the AF that coincides with the AEF, so I wonder "What is it the AF and AEF share?"

I think space exploration is complicated and intricately planned. It is never rushed, and if the AF is like the AEF, it also isn't rushed. However, space exploration has to involve sharpness (precision), often involves great distance (range); and things can go wrong in space, which may involve adjustment (or flexibility). Speed goes against all these attributes because sometimes speed can create sloppiness that would effect precision, range and flexibility.

I don't know, though. That's just my layman's point of view. At least I gave it more thought than saying "Eeney, meany, miney, mo."