What do top students do differently? | Douglas Barton | TEDxYouth@Tallinn

Summary

In this engaging presentation, the speaker emphasizes that academic success is not solely determined by IQ but rather by specific skills and disciplined practices. Drawing on 13 years of research, he identifies key factors such as self-motivation, resilience, and the importance of practice exams. The speaker challenges the common belief that hard work alone leads to improvement, advocating instead for working smart by adopting effective study habits. By modeling the behaviors of top-performing students and prioritizing balance in their lives, students can significantly enhance their academic performance and achieve better results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Students generally want to improve their grades and recognize the need for effective study strategies.
• 🧠 IQ is not the primary factor for academic success; many students overestimate its importance.
• 📊 Extensive research shows that 13 variables are more effective than IQ in predicting academic performance.
• 📝 Practice exams are the number one predictor of student success, and top students utilize them significantly more than their peers.
• 🔑 Self-motivation, self-discipline, and resilience are essential qualities for students aiming to improve their marks.
• ⚠️ Just working hard is not enough; students must focus on working smart and employing effective study techniques.
• 📅 Creating a balanced study timetable is crucial; successful students prioritize scheduling enjoyable activities alongside their study time.
• 😟 Many students abandon their study timetables quickly due to a lack of balance and enjoyment in their schedules.
• 🎯 Successful students analyze and apply what they learn rather than just memorizing information for exams.
• 🚀 By modeling the habits of top students and focusing on effective strategies, students can achieve better academic results.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the presentation?

The main focus of the presentation is to identify the key factors that contribute to improving students' academic performance, challenging the common belief that IQ is the primary determinant.

How many years of research did the speaker conduct to understand student performance?

The speaker conducted 13 years of research benchmarking the habits, techniques, and practices of tens of thousands of students across multiple countries.

What were the three key findings from the research?

The three key findings are: 1) Top students do not necessarily achieve high results due to higher IQ; 2) There are specific skills that predict academic success; 3) These skills can be taught to students to improve their results.

What role does self-discipline play in academic performance according to the research?

Self-discipline is crucial for students as it allows them to cut out distractions, maintain consistent study habits, and recover from setbacks, making it a more significant predictor of academic success than IQ.

Why is hard work not sufficient for academic success?

Hard work alone is necessary but not sufficient; many students work hard but still do not perform well due to ineffective study techniques or not focusing on the right areas.

What is the most significant predictor of academic performance found in the research?

The most significant predictor of academic performance identified was the number of practice exams a student completes, rather than their IQ.

How do top students approach studying for exams differently than average students?

Top students prioritize practice exams to enhance their understanding and application of knowledge, while many average students spend excessive time memorizing notes instead of engaging with the material critically.

What common mistake do students make when creating study timetables?

Students often make the mistake of prioritizing study sessions in their timetables without considering time for leisure and hobbies, leading to burnout and a lack of balance.

What is the suggested approach for creating a study timetable?

Students should first schedule their non-study activities, such as hobbies and socializing, and then fit study sessions around these commitments to maintain balance and motivation.

How can students effectively improve their academic results according to the speaker?

Students can improve their results by focusing on self-discipline, engaging in practice exams, and ensuring they are working hard on the right tasks rather than simply putting in more hours.