How to Study Effectively for School or College [Top 6 Science-Based Study Skills]

Summary

This video script outlines six proven study strategies from cognitive psychologists to enhance learning efficiency. Spaced practice, interleaving, asking 'how' and 'why' questions, using concrete examples, combining verbal and visual information, and practicing retrieval are the key techniques to unlock your full academic potential. By applying these methods, students can improve memory retention, reduce stress, and achieve better results with less effort.

Takeaways

• 📅 Spaced Practice: Spread out study sessions over time to enhance learning and reduce stress.
• 🗓 Make a Study Plan: Schedule short, consistent study sessions to avoid cramming.
• 📝 Review and Recirculate: After covering new material, review older information to keep it fresh.
• 🔁 Interleaving: Switch between topics or problems to highlight differences and improve problem-solving approaches.
• 🤔 Ask Questions: Self-generate 'how' and 'why' questions to deepen understanding and connect new ideas with existing knowledge.
• 📚 Connect to Daily Life: Explain concepts with detailed descriptions and relate them to everyday experiences.
• 🌰 Use Concrete Examples: Enhance memory retention by linking abstract ideas to tangible, real-life scenarios.
• 🎨 Combine Verbal and Visual: Utilize both text and images to understand and remember information more effectively.
• 📝 Practice Retrieval: Test your knowledge by writing or sketching what you remember without referring to notes.
• 📉 Identify Knowledge Gaps: Use retrieval practice to uncover areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
• 🔗 Free Resources: Access free downloadable posters summarizing these strategies for easy reference.

Q & A

What is the most effective way to study according to cognitive psychologists?

The most effective way to study is by using six essential strategies: spaced practice, interleaving, asking 'how' and 'why' questions, using concrete examples, combining verbal material with visuals, and practicing retrieval.

Why is spaced practice considered better than cramming all study into one intensive session?

Spaced practice is better because it allows for more learning and better retention with the same or less amount of time, reduces stress, and minimizes the need for re-learning the same information in the future.

What is the recommended approach for scheduling study sessions using spaced practice?

Make a plan and schedule short study sessions into your calendar, review information from each class starting a day later, and leave 2-3 days between study sessions on the same subject.

How does interleaving help in studying?

Interleaving helps by encouraging the mind to switch between different ideas, highlighting similarities and differences, and making links between topics, which strengthens understanding and problem-solving skills.

What is the purpose of asking 'how' and 'why' questions while studying?

Asking 'how' and 'why' questions forces you to understand and explain what you're learning, connect it with what you already know, and organize new ideas for easier recall.

Why are concrete examples important in the learning process?

Concrete examples are important because they help demonstrate and explain abstract ideas, making them easier to understand and remember by providing real-life context.

How can combining verbal material with visuals enhance learning?

Combining verbal material with visuals gives you two ways of understanding and remembering information, as it engages different cognitive processes and helps reinforce learning.

What is the significance of practicing retrieval in studying?

Practicing retrieval is significant because it reinforces learned knowledge, makes it easier to remember later, and helps identify gaps in understanding for focused study.

How can practice tests help in improving recall during exams?

Practice tests help by simulating exam conditions, allowing you to practice recalling information and identifying areas that need improvement.

What is the recommended method for practicing retrieval of knowledge?

The recommended method is to put away all notes and textbooks, write down or sketch everything you know about a topic, and then compare your output with class material to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Why does the script mention that learning styles do not improve learning?

The script mentions that learning styles do not improve learning because research has shown that assessing a learning style and matching study approaches to that style does not enhance learning effectiveness.