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Using Six Sigma to Study for Your Class or Exam

Last Updated May 3, 2019

A woman sitting at a desk with a lamp and a cup of pencils working on her laptop, learning about DMAIC.

Six Sigma is a process of continuous quality improvement. Its core elements are summed up in the acronym DMAIC: define, measure, analyze, improve and control. 

Courses of study involve defining objectives for learning, measuring understanding of the material, analyzing test results for effectiveness of instruction, ongoing improvement of instruction and controlling the results. 

The goal of taking a course is successful comprehension of the material. A student’s comprehension of the material is based on test and exam performance. Adopting the DMAIC approach of Six Sigma to studying is one way to help enhance performance.  

Follow the DMAIC Approach

First, clearly define the objectives of the course. Review the syllabus and the areas of emphasis for course work. Talk to the instructor to learn the format of tests and exams. Then, create a study plan listing the tools needed to complete the course. This may include texts, notes, flash cards and digital media resources. It’s also important to have a clear purpose for taking the course. Ask how mastering this course material will enhance your career goals and aid in your path of continuous improvement?

To study effectively, it’s typically wise to map out a strategy, and allow for the ability to measure the results of your efforts. Your map should be the tool you use to document your habits and techniques during periods of study. When creating your strategy, take into consideration factors such as when, where and how long you study. As the course proceeds, using test and exam results as your measurement, note if there are any factors which influenced your performance results. 

Analyze, Improve and Control

To study effectively, students should gather the relevant information for each component of the course. One way to measure comprehension is to use existing sample questions. For example, take a pre-test prior to studying the material. Then, set aside a specific time when you will complete a chapter and test your knowledge again. 

To verify the study methods are working, make sure to analyze your results. For example, if you have given yourself three days to pre-test, read a chapter and post-test, then answer these five questions:

  • What were the results?
  • Was there enough time to comprehend the material?
  • Do I need to give certain areas of study more time?
  • What about when and where I studied?
  • Did it have any bearing on my results?    

Throughout the course, students should continuously analyze their results to see where their study strategy can improve. This may help determine if the study environment has any effect on test results. Other questions may include:

  • Do I need to find a quieter place to study?
  • Do I need a specific time or day to study?
  • Do I retain more information with sample testing, flash cards or a different technique?

When a study strategy consistently yields positive results on tests and exams, you have a master control plan. This ensures a continued improvement in terms of knowledge gained, and success, in terms of passed tests and exams. To sustain the success throughout each course, create scheduled checkpoints for recalling and reviewing the information learned.   

Your goal should be to continually evolve your study strategy to maximize your ability to learn and retain knowledge. Using the Six Sigma method of DMAIC as the foundation of your study strategy can give you the tools to create a focused plan for successfully passing your tests and exams.    

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