Study techniques from a international school student

1. Active recall

This method is useful since you pull information out of your memory instead of passively reading notes. There are multiple ways you can use active recall : 

• Practice questions : Ask for extra practice sheets or ask your study buddy to make a couple of questions in the format of the exam you're preparing for.
• Feynman technique : Teach the material to a family member or your study buddy. Like this, you are forced to understand the subject. I like to use this 3-4 days before the exam so i still have time to learn material that i didnt understand that well ^^
• Blurting : Rapidely write everything you know about the subject. Reread your notes out loud and do this again until you have written down everything you wanted to memorize.

If you think you understand everything after a class, you most likely don't. If you spend 20 minutes after each class reviewing the subject and making a list of questions to ask your teacher, you  eliminate your chances of confusion in your future study periods.

3. Applying information

Take the activity books seriously and ask for exam papers of the previous years. Simulate the exam by sitting down in a distraction free area (library, quiet coffee shops, ect...) and put a timer (if the exam is 2 hours long, put a 2 hour long timer). Do the exam as if it was the real thing.

4. Spaced repetition

There is a great free flashcard app for this called Anki. To have a good experience with flashcards, make sure you practice daily and that your questions arent too broad. Here is a link to help you use flashcards efficiently.

https://medschoolinsiders.com/medical-student/anki-flashcard-best-practices-how-to-create-good-cards/

5. Helpful study context

You won't succeed by studying hours after hours, it will drain your energy and your well-being matters. These methods will only work if the larger context facilitates learning. I like to alternate physical and mental labor by studying, then working out and studying again. You might not notice it but your environment impacts your energy levels. Do you like the cozy atmosphere of a coffee shop? Do you get distracted at home or does studying in a private area feel more enjoyable? Tailor your environment to your needs.

Your hard work will be rewarded!! It will take some patience, but you will get there ^^