How to study to maximize performance | Elizabeth Bjork & Robert Bjork | TEDxManhattanBeach

Summary

The video discusses the difference between practice and learning, emphasizing that conditions that feel easy during practice may not lead to effective learning. It introduces four 'desirable difficulties' that enhance long-term learning: varying practice conditions, spacing study sessions, practicing retrieval instead of simply reviewing, and interleaving different topics or skills. These techniques, though seemingly challenging, improve performance when it truly matters. The talk highlights that effective learning strategies are essential not just for students but for everyone, as learning is crucial for adapting in an ever-changing world.

Takeaways

• 🎯 Effective learning is about preparing for performance when it truly counts, not just excelling during practice or instruction.
• 🤔 It's easy to misjudge whether we're actually learning during practice because performance in the moment can be misleading.
• 💡 Conditions that seem to slow learning, called 'desirable difficulties,' can actually enhance long-term performance.
• 📍 Varying the conditions of practice, such as studying in different places, leads to better recall than studying in the same place.
• 🎯 Practicing skills in varied conditions, like throwing beanbags at different distances, improves performance more than consistent practice.
• 📅 Spacing out study sessions over time leads to better retention than cramming, which only works for short-term recall.
• 🔄 Practicing retrieval, such as taking quizzes or explaining concepts, is much more effective for long-term learning than just reviewing material.
• 😌 Testing ourselves frequently reduces anxiety and improves performance on real tests or in real-world situations.
• 🔀 Interleaving different topics or skills during practice results in better retention and adaptability compared to blocking (focusing on one skill at a time).
• 🧠 Learning how to learn is a lifelong skill that applies beyond education, helping us adapt in a complex, fast-changing world.

Q & A

What is the main goal of learning, as described in the video?

The main goal of learning is to perform well later when it really counts, not just during instruction and practice. It is about being able to apply what has been learned in real-life situations, such as exams, job tasks, or personal skills.

Why can we misjudge our learning progress during instruction and practice?

We can misjudge our learning progress because performance during instruction and practice may not reflect actual learning. Conditions that make learning seem easy or fast might not lead to long-term retention, while more challenging conditions may enhance our ability to perform when it matters.

What are 'desirable difficulties' and why are they beneficial?

'Desirable difficulties' are challenges introduced during learning that may slow down the rate of apparent learning but ultimately enhance long-term retention and performance. They are beneficial because they prepare learners for applying knowledge and skills in real-world situations.

What is the first 'desirable difficulty' discussed in the video, and how does it improve learning?

The first 'desirable difficulty' is varying the conditions of practice, such as studying in different locations or practicing under different conditions. This variation helps learners recall information better later because it strengthens memory by preventing dependence on context-specific cues.

What example is given to illustrate the benefit of varying practice conditions?

An example given is a study where students who studied in two different locations remembered more words than those who studied in the same location twice. This shows that varying study environments can improve recall.

How does spacing out study sessions help with learning?

Spacing out study sessions, instead of cramming, improves long-term retention because it gives the brain time to consolidate information. While cramming might work for short-term tests, spaced repetition leads to better recall over time.

What does the video say about the effectiveness of cramming?

Cramming can work for tests that occur right after cramming, but it leads to rapid forgetting. Therefore, it's not an effective strategy for long-term learning.

Why is practicing retrieval more effective than simply restudying or reviewing material?

Practicing retrieval is more effective because each retrieval attempt strengthens memory and makes it easier to recall the information in the future. Retrieval practice also reduces test anxiety and improves performance under pressure.

What is interleaving, and why is it considered a beneficial study technique?

Interleaving involves mixing up the topics or skills being studied or practiced, rather than focusing on just one at a time. Research shows that interleaving improves learning and performance because it helps learners better distinguish between different types of problems and apply the right strategy.

What example is used to demonstrate the benefit of interleaving practice?

An example is given of baseball players practicing different pitches in an interleaved manner (randomly mixing fastballs, curveballs, and changeups). Players who practiced this way performed better in real game situations than those who practiced each type of pitch in a blocked manner.