Cramming may seem like the fastest way to prepare for an upcoming test, but science says it’s one of the least effective ways to learn and retain information. When pulling an all-nighter before your big exam it can temporarily give you a short-term boost in learning, but truth is that the information you ‘crammed’ is actually going to disappear in days or in some cases, even hours!
In contrast, spacing is a more effective way to review materials while studying and can actually lead to better learning and memory! So let’s discuss why spacing is more effective and why cramming is actually doing more harm then good.
What is Cramming and Why Do Students Do It?
So what is cramming then? Cramming is the practice of trying to memorize or learn a large amount of information in a short amount of time. This is usually spurred on by an approaching deadline or can happen right before a test. Many students resort to cramming because:
- They procrastinated their studying
- Feel pressure to perform well
- Believe that more time spent in one sitting equates to better results
So what’s the problem? Cramming is ultimately overloading the brains short-term memory without giving the brain rest and repetition that’s needed for long-term recalling.
The Science Behind Why Cramming Fails
A research study cited by Dr. Sukru Burc Eryilmaz at Stanford University said the following:
According to a 2011 study conducted by Time.com, students that cram for tests and exams typically only pass their examinations with an average score. Additionally, the majority of the information gained through cramming sessions ends up being forgotten not just over a period of time but even during the actual test itself.
So when we try to memorize a load of information at once, it creates a kind of mental “traffic jam”, that actually overwhelms your working memory.
Why Spacing Study Sessions Works Better
The spacing effect is a great way for students to review materials and retain information longer. It requires that the student has short study sessions over a course of a couple days or weeks. Doing this helps with:
- Better encoding – It gives multiple exposures that strengthen the student’s neural connections
- Reduced cognitive overload – Learning is more approachable and easier in small doses
- Stronger recall – The brain can retrieve more information after having periods of rest
How Students Can Break the Cramming Habit
Cramming can be a tough habit to break. No matter how long a student has engrained cramming into their academic life, there are simple, yet powerful ways to overcome it. Students can start by:
- Daily mini-reviews – The student spends around 10-15 minutes each day per subject reviewing material that was covered in class.
- Active recall – Practice “retrieving” information without looking at notes (flashcards, quizzing, etc.)
- Spaced repetition tools – Certain apps like Quizlet can help gamify the learning experience and motivate students to engage routinely
- Study calendars – Map out review sessions and craft a plan at least a week out from a test
The Bottom Line: Spacing Wins Over Cramming Every Time
While cramming might give students a short-term learning and confidence boost, the fact is that it’s not a truly effective way to learn. Incorporating spacing into your routine not only helps you learn and retain information, but it’s also a valuable skill after graduation. When a student graduates and moves onto college, having skills like spacing set them up for immense success. All too often do you hear about students beginning college without proper study skills and their grades suffer because of that! I highly recommend incorporating spacing into your routine now so you can see the benefits!
If you’re interested in a school that encourages smart learning strategies like spacing, check out our program at The Tenney School. Our program teaches all students in grades 5 – 12 in a one-on-one academic setting where students move at a pace that’s right for them. This means if the student is struggling the pace can slow down, if a student is excelling, it speeds up. It engages the student on a level that they can’t get anywhere else! Schedule a call today and discover how we can help your child reach new heights and achieve their full academic potential!