It was Gregor Mendel and those pea plants.  I couldn't figure it out.  I sat and stared at the book for what seemed like hours.  I recorded the entire chapter onto a cassette tape and listened to it over and over.  I think my grade was a "D" on that test.  I have since learned that I wasn't trying to "understand" what Mendel was demonstrating.  Memorization is certainly valuable but it is easier when accompanied by understanding.  I understand those George Jones songs so it is easier to remember them (and belt them out at inappropriate moments).

But back to studying.  We too often pass off studying as review - big mistake.  Review is a task performed after studying.  Studying involves understanding.  Aristotle described understanding as "makeapath"; we may know enough to "follow a path" but understanding allows us to make one.  "Makeapath" is a key element of studying.  Important steps:

1.  Know what you are studying - I was once in the middle of a presentation and paused because of the strange looks I was getting.  I was presenting on the wrong topic because I hadn't confirmed.  It is quite easy to study the wrong things so take some time and confirm what you are supposed to be understanding.

2.  Understand - Read to understand.  Try to get the main points.  Can you explain those points?

3.  Write it down - Outline important points even if they are outlined for you.  The act of writing (not typing) puts the subject into the brain in a more permanent way.

4.  Assess - What parts of the subject do you know?  What parts are giving you trouble?  What parts are utterly confusing?

5.  Collaborate - AFTER you have performed the above steps you may need to collaborate - with a teacher, professor, smart colleague or fellow student.  Have them explain the troubling areas so that you understand.  Take notes and check against the source (books, articles, research materials). 

6.  Quiet - Throughout the process, things will be made more effective if that person from that band is not screaming in your ear.  I know you think that you are that one person who learns better with screaming but you aren't.  Study requires quiet.

7.  Review - Now we can review.  Review can be performed by yourself or with someone else.  Review is confirmation that you understand the subject to be studied. 

See why the night before a test is NOT the time to start studying?  Congratulations.  Now go and makeapath.