How I UPGRADE the Most Popular Study Techniques

Summary

Dr. Justin Sun, a learning coach and former medical doctor, revisits popular study techniques in a video, offering insights on how to improve their effectiveness with adjustments. Techniques like practice papers can become highly effective by creating answer sheets, while the Pomodoro technique can be enhanced by tracking focus time and taking strategic breaks. Active recall can be maximized by varying the complexity of recall tasks. Pre-studying by understanding the big picture of a topic can significantly boost learning efficiency. Dr. Sun also discusses the appropriate use of mnemonics, Cornell note-taking, and mind mapping, emphasizing their potential when used correctly. He advises against passive study methods like re-reading and highlighting, and suggests that listening to music may be beneficial for low cognitive load tasks but not for intensive study sessions. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to explore more in-depth videos on each technique.

Takeaways

• 📝 Practice papers can be improved by creating your own answer sheets, which helps identify knowledge gaps and is more effective than other note-taking methods.
• ⏱️ The Pomodoro technique can be enhanced by tracking the time it takes to lose focus and adjusting break times accordingly, ensuring you maintain flow states for as long as possible.
• 🧠 Active recall can be made more effective by varying the complexity of the material you're recalling, ensuring you're not just repeating the same method over and over.
• 💡 Pre-studying by creating a big picture understanding of a topic can greatly improve learning efficiency, as it provides a scaffold for the new information.
• 🚫 Avoid using mnemonics for complex, multi-relational knowledge that requires manipulation, as they can hinder the ability to apply knowledge flexibly.
• 📋 Cornell note-taking is a reliable method, but its effectiveness is limited and does not significantly change with adjustments.
• 🧐 Brain dumps can be improved by creating a structure that is deliberately different from the original notes, forcing a new perspective on the information.
• 🔄 Summary pages and mind maps can be highly effective for learning if they are done in a way that aligns with relational, nonlinear thinking and deep processing.
• 📑 Flashcards can be very effective if used strategically and for the right type of material, avoiding situations where they are not useful.
• 🎵 Listening to music while studying can be counterproductive, as it may distract from the cognitive processes needed for effective learning.
• 🔍 Rereading and highlighting text is generally not an effective study technique and is considered almost useless compared to other methods.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dr. Justin Sun's video?

Dr. Justin Sun's video focuses on reranking various study techniques based on their potential effectiveness with certain adjustments and modifications.

Why does Dr. Sun suggest removing the answer sheet from practice papers?

Dr. Sun suggests removing the answer sheet to encourage learners to create their own answer sheets, which is a more generative activity that helps identify knowledge gaps and increases confidence.

How can the Pomodoro technique be made more effective according to Dr. Sun?

To make the Pomodoro technique more effective, Dr. Sun recommends tracking the amount of time before losing focus and flow, adjusting break times based on the length of the flow session, and engaging in intentional activities during breaks.

What is the key to making active recall more effective?

The key to making active recall more effective is to be deliberate with the type of recall being practiced, covering a range of knowledge levels from simple facts to complex problem-solving.

What is the importance of pre-study according to the video?

Pre-study is crucial as it primes the brain by providing a scaffold of relevance before learning a new topic. It helps in creating a big picture understanding of the main ideas and their connections.

How can mnemonics be improved for better learning?

Mnemonics can be improved by understanding what they are good for and not using them in situations where they are not effective. They are best for checklist-like information that doesn't require manipulation.

Why does Dr. Sun rate Cornell note-taking as a B?

Dr. Sun rates Cornell note-taking as a B because when done correctly, it provides a structured approach to note-taking that can't be easily done wrong, offering limited but consistent benefits.

What is Dr. Sun's recommendation for making brain dumps more effective?

To make brain dumps more effective, Dr. Sun suggests creating a brain dump that is deliberately different from the initial note structure, forcing oneself to understand the information from a different perspective.

How does Dr. Sun view the effectiveness of mind maps for learning?

Dr. Sun views mind maps as potentially S-tier for learning because they align with higher-order relational thinking and deep processing, contributing to better memory and understanding.

What is Dr. Sun's stance on using flashcards for studying?

Dr. Sun believes flashcards can be very effective, especially if used strategically and in the right situations. They are excellent for certain types of information, as long as one knows their limitations.

Why does Dr. Sun consider listening to music while studying to be generally unhelpful?

Dr. Sun considers listening to music while studying to be unhelpful because it can distract from the cognitive load required for deep learning. It may help with lower-level tasks but is not recommended for heavy thinking.

What does Dr. Sun think about rereading and highlighting as a study technique?

Dr. Sun finds rereading and highlighting to be almost useless compared to other study techniques. He doesn't see a way to make it more effective than its current perceived low value.