Why might cramming the night befor cause a problem when taking exams?

Trust me, you don't remember everything becasue it goes in ya brain, and then the next peice of info pushes it out.

cramming is working on the area of knowing, but not understanding. We learn understanding by repetition spaced over time. We learn knowing from memory by cramming, not spaced over time.

I agree. You need to read and re-read the material sometimes before fully understanding the "big picture".

I used to cram when I was younger and it only got me C's and sometimes the unthinkable...yikes!

Cramming the night before an exam can cause several problems that can negatively impact your performance. Here are a few reasons why cramming can be problematic:

1. Lack of retention: When you cram information the night before, you are more likely to forget it quickly. Cramming relies on short-term memory, which is not as effective for long-term retention. As a result, you may struggle to recall the information during the exam.

2. Limited understanding: Cramming often involves superficially skimming through a large amount of material in a short time. This approach may prevent you from developing a deep understanding of the concepts. Without a solid foundation of understanding, it can be difficult to apply the knowledge effectively during the exam.

3. Increased stress and fatigue: Cramming can be stressful and mentally exhausting. Trying to absorb a vast amount of information in a short period can leave you feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. This can negatively impact your focus, concentration, and overall performance during the exam.

4. Inefficient time management: While cramming may seem like a quick fix for studying, it can lead to inefficient time management. Instead of distributing your study time over an extended period, cramming forces you to dedicate a significant amount of time to a single session, leaving little room for breaks or thorough understanding of the material.

To avoid these problems, it is generally recommended to study consistently and plan your study schedule in advance. Distributing your study time over several sessions allows for better retention, understanding, and reduced stress levels.