How to Study for Exams - Spaced Repetition | Evidence-based revision tips

Summary

In this educational video, Ali, a final year medical student at Cambridge, introduces the concept of spaced repetition as a powerful study technique. He explains how it contrasts with cramming and leverages the forgetting curve to enhance long-term memory retention. Ali shares practical tips and his personal spaced repetition spreadsheet system, which aids in efficient studying and has contributed to his academic success. The video encourages viewers to adapt their revision strategies for better exam performance.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video emphasizes the importance of 'spaced repetition' as a study technique, which involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time to enhance long-term retention.
• 📈 Spaced repetition is contrasted with 'cramming', which is less effective for long-term memory retention due to the rapid forgetting that occurs after intense but brief study sessions.
• 🔍 The concept is backed by the 'forgetting curve', a psychological principle that describes the rate at which information is forgotten over time without reinforcement.
• 🧠 The video suggests that actively recalling information, rather than passively rereading, strengthens memory encoding and helps in overcoming the forgetting curve.
• 📝 Ali, the speaker, shares personal evidence-based revision tips and introduces a structured approach to the video, including an explanation of spaced repetition and how to apply it.
• 🔑 The video provides a personal spaced repetition system using a spreadsheet that Ali has used successfully in his studies at Cambridge University, which includes color-coding topics based on recall proficiency.
• 🎓 Ali recommends starting with topics you don't know well and actively recalling information before marking the date in the spreadsheet, which helps in identifying weak and strong areas.
• 🛠️ The video mentions 'interleaved practice' as an effective method of studying, where you switch between different topics before fully mastering one, leading to better overall retention.
• 🎨 Ali discusses the use of flashcards, specifically the Anki app, for memorizing specific facts and quotes, integrating active recall and spaced repetition into the learning process.
• 🚀 The video encourages a mindset shift towards consistent, daily practice of a little bit of material over a long period, which is more effective than infrequent, intensive cramming sessions.
• 📅 Ali expresses a personal preference against rigid revision timetables, advocating for a more fluid approach that adapts to the individual's learning needs and pace, using the spreadsheet system for guidance.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is spaced repetition, its evidence-based benefits, and how to apply it to study routines effectively.

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker is Ali, a final year medical student at Cambridge University.

What is the significance of spaced repetition in studying according to the video?

Spaced repetition is significant because it helps in retaining information in long-term memory more effectively than cramming, by spreading out the review of topics over time.

What does the video suggest about the relationship between spaced repetition and the forgetting curve?

The video suggests that spaced repetition works by interrupting the forgetting curve, which means that by reviewing material at spaced intervals, we slow down the rate at which we forget information.

What is the 'magical spaced repetition spreadsheet system' mentioned in the video?

The 'magical spaced repetition spreadsheet system' is a personal method used by the speaker to organize and track his study sessions, topics, and review intervals, which he claims helped him achieve good marks in his exams.

How does the speaker use Anki in his study routine?

The speaker uses Anki, a flashcard app, for memorizing specific facts in subjects like anatomy and pharmacology, as well as quotes for essays, leveraging its active recall and spaced repetition features.

What is the importance of starting with topics you don't know well when using the spreadsheet system?

Starting with topics you don't know well focuses your study time on areas that need improvement, making your revision more efficient and ensuring that you're actively working on strengthening your weaker areas.

What is the concept of interleaved practice mentioned in the video?

Interleaved practice is a technique where you mix different topics or tasks in a single study session, switching between them before fully mastering one. It's believed to improve overall understanding and retention.

Why does the speaker prefer not to use a revision timetable?

The speaker prefers not to use a revision timetable because he finds it too rigid and not adaptable to the fluid nature of learning. He believes that a spreadsheet system allows for a more flexible and responsive approach to studying.

How does the speaker suggest incorporating spaced repetition into daily life for learning various skills?

The speaker suggests incorporating spaced repetition into daily life by practicing a little bit each day consistently. This approach is applicable to learning musical instruments, graphic design, web design, video editing, coding, and more.

What is the role of active recall in the context of the video?

Active recall is a critical component of the study techniques discussed in the video. It involves actively trying to remember information without looking at the material, which strengthens memory encoding and is integral to the effectiveness of spaced repetition.