I wanted to elaborate a bit more on the way to use the learning techniques. I have to start out by saying that I wish I knew this info when I was in college. It might have made calculus, genetics, and all those fun classes so much easier. Well, maybe.
A couple of caveats to start out. Again, I’m approaching this from a non-wine perspective. I’m on the science side of this question. But it’s valid nevertheless whether its’ the CSW or a MOOC that you want to ace.
Work with Your Mind
As I discussed before, the traditional techniques of cramming give you a false sense of security. You’re going to retain some info in short-term memory.
Then, confirmation bias will set in and let you believe that you’ve mastered it. Would that it were so. There are two problems with that premise.
First, it’s a false hope. You may have it for a bit of time, maybe even for the exam. But, then it’ll float away unless you actively recall it.
The second problem is that you may not get the best scores that you could on the test. Traditional methods don’t fall through with the scores. Other methods are more effective.
So, how can you use this info to your favor?
Studying to Learn
Distributed practice and flashcards are excellent ways to find a home for the information in your mind to make it last.
You could use distributed practice to study your flashcards. Do a few topics at a time once. The next time, do the next set, and continue going through your deck.
You can create separate practice quizzes using blank maps one time, recalling regions and stats with another, and then, doing your dates and other data in yet a third session.
Creating Your Flashcards
There is growing evidence that supports the benefits of handwriting versus computer use for taking notes in better cognitive activity and memory retention. It makes sense because you’re engaging more of your brain. It also creates stronger neural pathways for more effective recall.
What I propose is this: Write out your flashcards preferably with cursive writing. I can hear the moans from here. It is harder but only because you likely haven’t used those muscles since grade school. Your hand will probably get tired, but you’ll help yourself learn.
I have a handy project notebook with columns where I write questions on one half and the answer on the other. I nerd out and create a random pattern of asking questions so that I’m not just memorizing the order of answers. That’s an essential part of the practice.
Make It a Daily Practice
The next critical factor is to make it something you do every day. Even if it’s five minutes in the morning, it works. And some evidence suggests that it’s more effective if you’re trying to learn new material when doing it before you go to bed.
Use information like this study to your advantage and make your learning the best that it can be when you need it most.
After all, jumping back into the study habit is tough if you’ve been out of the saddle for a while. You lose that sense of discipline and urgency. The CSW exam will change all that for you.
Final Thoughts
You may find starting your journey daunting. It is, and I’m just a third into it, more or less. But having the reassurance of making your studying work for you is heartening and empowering.
Yeah, it’s hard. You don’t have to get too deep into it to figure that out for yourself. But make it a challenge with a kick ass reward at the end of it. I don’t know as I can think of a better occasion than to pop for a nice Burgundy or vintage port.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
