Shapes and Color: The Underrated Approach by Tanisha

Shapes and Color: The Underrated Approach by Tanisha - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

For most students, finals week becomes a very stressful time. We need to be able to learn a lot of information for each course within an established period, and try to remember it in order to answer each exam accordingly. I understood immediately after my first semester in college that I would have to try different studying methods to make the process easier and less frustrating. This is what has helped me survive the dreaded week.
First, I select the most relevant information to make a review for the test. When arranging the review, I use different ink color to write down each concept and mark key terms. I outline the text with a shape, which will help me recall in which part of the paper the information was. This way, I can visualize each component of my review if I’m trying to remember a term during the exam.
For example, let’s say I need to learn the concepts “animal cell” and “plant cell”. Imagine a blank sheet of paper with an invisible line in the center. At the top portion I write down “animal cell” with its description below in black ink, I highlight key words in the definition, and circle all of the text. On the bottom half of the page, I write down the second concept and description in a different color, highlight any important words, and use another shape to outline the information. Since I learn visually, the use of color and shapes is very helpful in the studying process.
The next step to retain the information is read and repeat until I fully understand and take in the concepts. During this phase, my mind is associating the text with the shape and color. I should be able to remember that the concept “animal cell” is located at the top portion of the page inside the circle, and its designated key words in the description. If it’s a process or many concepts within another that I must commit to memory, I create a conceptual map or diagram. I apply this technique along with the use of shapes and color and it always helps me grasp the material faster and more efficiently. By practicing this, I always remember the information when taking a test.
This method has spared me time and frustrations; it could work for other students as well. There are many study methods that can suit each student; the person must figure out which approach fits them in particular. Once it’s mastered, studying for exams will be less troublesome or time consuming.