How does one improve with a Wrong Answer Journal?

I don't think that there is one correct way to use a WAJ! but I like to use WAJ to identify the question types that I get wrong, as well as any common patterns in my weak spots. Here is how I WAJ:

I used to write it down in an actual journal (it took too long), but I just type it down in the notes section of each question.
I also don't do WAJ for each question I get wrong anymore; I prefer to do blind review first, see if I can figure it out without the time pressure, and if I still can't figure it out/get it wrong again, then I will write an entry in the notes section.
I go through each nitty gritty step of mapping out any conditionals, doing process of elimination, and rereading each word before I look at the explanations. If I really really can't figure it out on my own, then I look at the explanations and work backwards on how I could recognize these mistakes on future exams. Then I bookmark it to look back at later.
The bookmarked ones are the questions I look back on the most, usually with uncommon question stems or maybe a curve breaker. I look back on it if I come across a similar question or if I commit a similar mistake.

The more important thing is that you are doing a WAJ! It's hard to see improvement from a WAJ at first, so it may take some time. I hope this helps!

1 comments

haena
Thursday, Dec 11 2025
I don't think that there is one correct way to use a WAJ! but I like to use WAJ to identify the question types that I get wrong, as well as any common patterns in my weak spots. Here is how I WAJ:
I used to write it down in an actual journal (it took too long), but I just type it down in the notes section of each question.
I also don't do WAJ for each question I get wrong anymore; I prefer to do blind review first, see if I can figure it out without the time pressure, and if I still can't figure it out/get it wrong again, then I will write an entry in the notes section.
I go through each nitty gritty step of mapping out any conditionals, doing process of elimination, and rereading each word before I look at the explanations. If I really really can't figure it out on my own, then I look at the explanations and work backwards on how I could recognize these mistakes on future exams. Then I bookmark it to look back at later.
The bookmarked ones are the questions I look back on the most, usually with uncommon question stems or maybe a curve breaker. I look back on it if I come across a similar question or if I commit a similar mistake.
The more important thing is that you are doing a WAJ! It's hard to see improvement from a WAJ at first, so it may take some time. I hope this helps!
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How does one improve with a Wrong Answer Journal?

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