A Guide to Increasing Your GPA!

Hartwig and Dunlosky's research study dives into some practical strategies to increase your performance on tests, making it one of a kind.The research was conducted by recruiting a large sample of 324 undergraduates, who were surveyed on their preferred study habits and current grade point average (GPA). The survey mainly consisted of self-testing strategies, scheduling one's study time and a list of other conventional approaches used by students. Most students tend to engage in rote memorization, such as re-reading text materials and cramming for tests. These techniques and many more can prove to be efficient, as demonstrated by this study. Self-testing, re-reading, and scheduling of study, seems to be the most convenient approaches, showing a positive correlation with GPA.

Evidently, students don't realize the value of the self-testing method, but almost always engage with this form of learning to test their knowledge. However, self-testing only helps to a certain extent. Although study strategies matter, students' attitudes towards tests also impact their GPA. Low achievers are more concerned with upcoming deadlines and are less organized, along with studying late at night. In summary, scheduling may help as it allows flexibility for using various study techniques and seeing what works best.

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Source:

• Hartwig, M. K., & Dunlosky, J. (2011). Study strategies of college students: Are self-testing and scheduling related to achievement? Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 19 (1),126-134. doi:10.3758/s13423-011-0181-y.