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Thread: Tips on how to study and best retain infromation

  1. #1
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    Tips on how to study and best retain infromation

    I was hoping someone or more than just one, could give me tips on how you studied? So much information...what helped you retain all of it?

  2. #2
    Bad address email on file kelanor's Avatar
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    Are you studying for the ABO?

    I used flashcards for things that needed to be memorized and had my lab manager give me the lab math to figure out.

    It really helped me to have the actual job in my hands when I was learning the formula to tell me if a lens would make cut out, or prentice rule, etc.

    I also used the OpenOptix practice tests.

    Hope that helps

    I was going to try and fix my grammar but I give up. Sorry.

  3. #3
    Master OptiBoarder
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    I am a big visual learner.

    It helps me to do things like:

    *Flash Cards
    *Write out the equations-several times
    *Drawing diagrams
    *Using trial lenses and the lensometer to understand things like with movement/against movement, prism direction, power cross, etc!
    *Mentors-it often helps me to talk with smart people directly and have them explain it

    Keep leaning on us! We are here to prop you up!

  4. #4
    Rising Star
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    -I have found that repetition was key for me. I am also a visual learner on top of that. Seeing it done as its being explained helps. So after I learn it, I practice it over and over and over......
    -As far as retention, when you are setting aside time to study, I found that studying for no more than 30 minutes at a time works best for me. Short periods of study of a longer period of time worked wonders for my retention.
    -And the day before a big test, my mid-terms and finals, I found that not studying at all the day before or the day of the test improved my test scores. So before I sat for my certification exams I did not open a book or review a set of notes. The point here is that whatever you are doing while studying that is working, DO NOT CHANGE IT!!!!! when it come time for your ABO test.

  5. #5
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Barry Santini's Avatar
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    Google/look-up "optimized learning" or "optimizing retention/memory"

    I had a chapter on this exact subject in my Psch 101 freshman class in college, back in 1970.

    I was a "b+" student before.

    I applied all the rules and suggestions in this chapter, and, really from then on, became a 4.0 student.

    When I prepared for my Master's exam, I applied all the rules in studying for it.

    I am a firm convert in the basic principles, many of which have now been substantiated in how the brain's neuron-firing chemestry works.

    B

  6. #6
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    A problem with ABO prep is studying the wrong information. Much of the material out there covers topics that have a 0% chance of being on the actual exam.

  7. #7
    Master OptiBoarder
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    To be honest I kind of studied for a few months then crammed the night before. Math is not my native language so I memorized all the formulas and the rest was fairly easy if you have been in the business a few years. The ABO is not a difficult exam.

  8. #8
    Master OptiBoarder AngeHamm's Avatar
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    Cramming. Does. Not. Work.

    Do your work in 30-45-minute spans and take breaks. And work right before you go to sleep, night after night. Your brain takes the information and files it into long-term memory when you sleep. Take it from a professional actor who specializes in large swaths of Shakespearean language: this is the best time to do memorization work.

  9. #9
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Barry Santini's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by AngeHamm View Post
    Cramming. Does. Not. Work.

    Do your work in 30-45-minute spans and take breaks. And work right before you go to sleep, night after night. Your brain takes the information and files it into long-term memory when you sleep. Take it from a professional actor who specializes in large swaths of Shakespearean language: this is the best time to do memorization work.
    Learning subject "A" just before you got to sleep, and "reviewing/relearning A" when you wake up, is a central tenant of optimized learning.

    B

  10. #10
    Master OptiBoarder AngeHamm's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Barry Santini View Post
    Learning subject "A" just before you got to sleep, and "reviewing/relearning A" when you wake up, is a central tenant of optimized learning.

    B
    Perfect.

  11. #11
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    Try using online flashcards like Cram.com. It helped me a lot during my ABO prep.

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