Matt Kuykendall • 25/03/2025 • 3 min read
What does effective exam preparation look like?
Preparing students for exams is one of the most crucial tasks educators face. However, not all study methods yield the same results.
IB educator and Kognity author Matt Kuykendall has explored what quality exam review looks like and how teachers can maximize student learning using research-backed strategies.
Just as muscles grow in response to resistance, the brain encodes information more deeply when it struggles to recall it.
The science of effective review
Drawing from cognitive science, we know that effective learning requires cognitive effort. Students need to engage in activities that activate prior knowledge, consolidate new information, and receive timely feedback.
Studies have shown that traditional study methods like re-reading notes or highlighting text are far less effective than techniques that require active recall and retrieval practice.
One study featured in a recent New York Times article highlighted that students who simply re-read material performed well on immediate recall tests. However, those who engaged in retrieval practice—by taking a test after studying—demonstrated significantly better retention a week later.
Similar findings from research at Purdue and Washington University confirm that testing enhances long-term memory and understanding.
Helping students understand why these methods work
Many students default to inefficient study habits simply because they are familiar. Educators must explain that strategies like retrieval practice are not about grading, but about strengthening memory and comprehension—akin to weightlifting for the brain.
Just as muscles grow in response to resistance, the brain encodes information more deeply when it struggles to recall it.
How Kognity supports effective exam preparation
Kognity’s platform is designed with these research-backed principles in mind. Here’s how:
- Checkpoint Questions: At the end of every subsection, students answer quick, targeted questions that reinforce key concepts. These encourage active recall and ensure students are engaging with the material meaningfully.
- Strength Tests: Available for both student self-assessment and teacher-assigned practice, these tests help identify knowledge gaps and strengthen understanding through repeated retrieval.
- Real-Time Insights: Teachers can track student progress, see what material has been read, and identify areas where additional support is needed—making parent-teacher conferences and targeted interventions more effective.
Empowering students with better study strategies
By using tools like Kognity’s checkpoint questions and strength tests, educators can help students develop effective study habits that go beyond memorization. Encouraging retrieval practice, providing timely feedback, and fostering metacognitive awareness of learning strategies empower students to take control of their exam preparation—and ultimately, their academic success.
Want to see these strategies in action? Watch the full webinar to learn more about how Kognity can transform your students’ approach to exam preparation!
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