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Are you moments away from a test and realising there are a few crucial facts you haven't quite nailed down? You're not alone. Whilst you can't cram an entire semester into the last ten minutes, you can absolutely give yourself a tactical advantage. By using short-term memory strategically, you can pack a tiny emergency kit of must-know information that might just earn you those extra marks.
Pick Key Facts
Your short-term memory is brilliant—but it's also limited. Think of it as a small pocket rather than a backpack. Research shows it can hold only a handful of items at once, so this technique works best when you're ruthlessly selective.
Look through your notes and identify 5 to 7 high-impact facts: a crucial formula, a key definition, an important date, or the main steps in a process. Don't try to memorise everything—focus on the bits that are most likely to appear and most likely to slip your mind under pressure.
Create a Short List
Once you've identified your essentials, write them down on a small index card or piece of paper. This isn't about making elaborate notes; it's about clarity and focus. Keep your list concise and legible.
The act of writing helps reinforce the information, and having it in front of you means you can review it efficiently. Think of this list as your personal cheat sheet—except it's entirely legitimate because you'll be using it only until the test begins.
Rehearse Repeatedly
Now comes the active part: rehearsal. As you wait outside the exam room or sit in your seat before papers are distributed, cycle through your list again and again. Whisper the facts aloud if you can, write them in the air with your finger, or tap them out rhythmically on your leg.
The goal is to keep these items circulating in your short-term memory right up until the moment you're allowed to write. It's like juggling—you won't keep everything in the air forever, but if you're actively rehearsing, one or two critical facts will be there when you need them.
Write Them Down
The instant you're permitted to start writing, jot down your rehearsed facts on a piece of scrap paper or in the margin of your test booklet. This brain dump transforms your fragile short-term memory into a reliable reference.
You'll feel an immediate sense of relief knowing those facts are safely recorded, and you can refer back to them as you work through the exam. This simple act can make the difference between a blank mind and a confident answer.
Remember, this technique is a safety net, not a substitute for proper study. Real learning takes time, repetition, and deeper engagement with the material. However, when you're in that final countdown and need to maximise every advantage, leveraging your short-term memory is a smart, ethical strategy that can help you catch a few extra points that might otherwise slip away.
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