5 Techniques of Every Successful Student

Summary

In this educational video, Justin explores the key attributes of successful students, focusing on academic performance and achievement. He highlights the importance of deeper learning, active learning, and threshold concepts for transformative understanding. Justin shares five fundamental learning techniques: priming for a big picture understanding, staying engaged during learning events, timely revision to consolidate knowledge, using active revision methods like mind mapping, and challenging pre-exam revision strategies. He emphasizes the individuality of learning and encourages viewers to find what works best for them, aiming to improve study efficiency and academic success.

Takeaways

• 📈 Success in academics is defined by high levels of achievement, not just in early education but also in advanced or competitive degrees.
• 🔍 The focus should be on factors within a student's control to influence their academic success, rather than external managerial aspects.
• 🧠 Deeper learning involves making meaningful connections and is crucial for understanding complex subjects.
• 💡 Active learning and threshold concepts are key to transforming a student's understanding of a subject, leading to 'light bulb' moments.
• 🔑 Threshold concepts act as barriers to understanding, and once grasped, they allow for a new perspective on the subject matter.
• 🔄 Learning is recursive, meaning it often involves revisiting material multiple times to gain a deeper understanding.
• 🛤️ The learning process is non-linear and can involve various paths or diversions, which is natural and beneficial for understanding.
• 📚 Priming, or pre-study, helps in gaining a big-picture understanding before delving into detailed study, enhancing learning efficiency.
• ❓ Asking questions, especially 'why' and 'how', during learning events increases engagement and helps in relating information to the bigger picture.
• 🌙 The first revision of learned material should ideally occur within 12 hours to benefit from sleep-dependent memory consolidation.
• 📝 Active revision techniques such as mind mapping and minimizing written notes can reduce cognitive load and improve learning retention.
• 📝 Teaching the material to an imaginary student is an effective way to recall information and identify understanding gaps.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing the characteristics and strategies that make a student successful in terms of academic performance and achievement.

What does the term 'deeper learning' refer to in the context of student learning?

In the context of student learning, 'deeper learning' refers to the ability to make more meaningful connections, which is different from 'deep learning' in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

What is 'Active Learning' and why is it important for students?

'Active Learning' is a teaching method that engages students in the learning process through activities like class pose quizzes, group discussions, and game-based learning. It is important because it helps students to be more engaged and active in their learning, leading to better understanding and retention of information.

Can you explain what 'threshold concepts' are in education?

'Threshold concepts' are core concepts in a subject that are transformative and can change the way a student understands a whole subject. They are often described as transformative, potentially troublesome, and integrative, and once understood, they provide a new perspective or way of understanding.

What is the significance of 'recursive learning' in the context of the video?

Recursive learning, as mentioned in the video, refers to the idea that learning is not a one-time process but involves revisiting and revising information multiple times. It helps in making sense of details that may not have made sense initially, thus enhancing understanding.

What does 'excursive approach' to learning mean and why is it beneficial?

An 'excursive approach' to learning means that the learning journey is non-linear and allows for diversions and different pathways. It is beneficial because it accommodates the natural way our brains make sense of information, which is often not in a straight line but through a more complex and interconnected process.

What is 'priming' in the context of learning and how does it help students?

'Priming' in the context of learning refers to the initial step of quickly scanning and getting a general understanding of the material before delving into detailed study. It helps students by providing a framework for understanding, which can make subsequent learning more efficient and connected.

Why is it important for students to stay attentive and active during a learning event?

Staying attentive and active during a learning event is important because it helps students to engage with the material, ask questions, and relate new information to what they already know. This active engagement enhances understanding and retention of the information.

What is the significance of revising information within 12 hours of the initial learning event?

Revising information within 12 hours of the initial learning event is significant because it helps in consolidating the knowledge before it fades from memory. Research shows that the longer you wait, the more you forget, making the first revision crucial for effective learning.

How can using mind maps help in the revision process?

Using mind maps in the revision process helps by providing a visual representation of the interconnectedness of concepts. It allows students to see the big picture and relate details to a broader understanding, which aids in memory consolidation and effective learning.

What is the purpose of challenging oneself during the revision leading up to a test or exam?

Challenging oneself during the revision leading up to a test or exam is important to ensure that the learning process is meaningful and effective. It helps to identify and address weak areas and to practice recalling information, which is a crucial skill for test-taking.