The ONLY 3 Study Hacks Everyone Should Know - Science Proven Techniques

Summary

This video, sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates, explores three scientifically-backed learning techniques: 'the generation effect' which suggests early testing to prime the brain for retention, 'spacing' that advocates for distributed practice over time for better long-term memory, and 'interleaving' which recommends mixing up study subjects to enhance flexibility and problem-solving skills. The script also highlights the importance of evidence-based solutions in education and aligns with the Gates' mission to improve education through innovative, risk-taking initiatives.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video emphasizes three scientifically-backed learning techniques: 'the generation effect', 'spacing', and 'interleaving'.
• 🧐 'The generation effect' suggests that taking tests before fully knowing the material can prime the brain to remember information better, linked to the 'hyper-correction effect'.
• 🤔 The 'hyper-correction effect' posits that making mistakes and then learning the correct information can lead to better long-term memory retention.
• 📉 'Spacing' is a technique where studying is spaced out over time, which has been shown to be more effective for long-term retention than cramming.
• 🔄 'Interleaving' involves mixing up different types of study material or practice, which, despite being more challenging, can lead to stronger learning outcomes.
• 🎓 The script mentions a study where students who spaced their study sessions over a month performed significantly better in long-term retention tests compared to those who studied intensively in one sitting.
• 🎼 The benefits of interleaving are illustrated with examples from motor skills like piano playing and academic skills like math problem-solving.
• 📈 Evidence from a significant study shows that interleaving can significantly improve math skills, moving students from average to near the top of their class.
• 🌐 The video is sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates, who advocate for evidence-based learning initiatives to improve education.
• 💡 Bill and Melinda Gates' annual letter is highlighted, discussing their commitment to finding evidence-based solutions in global health and education.
• 🌱 The video concludes with a commitment to focusing on environmental and climate change issues, aligning with the Gates' focus on impactful solutions.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to introduce and explain three rigorously studied and scientifically proven learning techniques that can help viewers learn more efficiently and retain information better.

Who sponsored the video, and why is this sponsorship relevant?

The video is sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The sponsorship is relevant because their annual letter touches on the concept of evidence-based learning, which aligns with the video's focus on scientifically backed learning techniques.

What is the 'generation effect' and how does it help in learning?

The 'generation effect' is a phenomenon where testing oneself, even before knowing the material, can enhance memory retention. By generating answers (even if incorrect), the brain is primed to remember the correct information later, especially through the 'hyper-correction effect.'

What is the 'hyper-correction effect' and why is it significant?

The 'hyper-correction effect' occurs when a person makes a mistake and then learns the correct information. The brain is more likely to remember the correct answer because of the surprise or embarrassment of being wrong, which motivates the brain to avoid making the same mistake again.

What is 'spacing' and how does it improve long-term memory?

Spacing is a study technique where learning sessions are spread out over time, rather than crammed into a short period. This method allows the brain to almost forget the material before revisiting it, which significantly improves long-term retention, as demonstrated in studies where spaced practice outperformed intensive single-day practice.

Can you explain the concept of 'interleaving' and its benefits?

Interleaving is a learning technique where different types of problems or skills are practiced in a mixed sequence rather than focusing on one type repeatedly. This approach is more challenging but helps in developing broader problem-solving strategies and flexible knowledge, leading to better performance in various tasks.

Why might interleaving feel less effective in the moment, despite its long-term benefits?

Interleaving might feel less effective because it introduces more complexity and variation, which can be frustrating and make learning seem slower. However, this challenge forces the brain to develop more general strategies, leading to stronger, more adaptable skills in the long term.

What was one of the studies mentioned that supports the effectiveness of spacing?

One study mentioned involved students learning Spanish vocabulary. One group studied intensively for eight hours in one day, while another group spaced their eight hours of study over a month. When tested eight years later, the group that used spacing performed 250% better in retaining the vocabulary.

How does the video relate its content to the broader educational goals of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation?

The video connects its content to the Gates Foundation's emphasis on evidence-based education solutions. It highlights the importance of using rigorously studied techniques to improve education, reflecting the Foundation's approach to addressing global health and education challenges through research and innovation.

What future topics does the video mention it will focus on, and why?

The video mentions that it will focus on topics related to the environment and climate change. This aligns with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's emphasis on these issues in their annual letter, highlighting the importance of evidence-based solutions to address global challenges.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Power of Testing and Generation Effect

The first paragraph introduces the video's focus on scientifically-backed learning techniques, sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates. It emphasizes the inefficiency of traditional learning hacks and highlights three proven methods to enhance learning efficiency. The first technique discussed is 'the generation effect,' which surprisingly suggests taking tests before studying to prime the brain for better information retention. This method leverages the hyper-correction effect, where making mistakes initially leads to stronger memory of the correct information later. The speaker shares a personal anecdote from university about how this effect improved their final exam performance, advocating for early and frequent self-testing.

05:01

🗓 The Benefits of Spacing in Learning

The second paragraph delves into the 'spacing' technique, which contradicts the common practice of cramming before exams. It describes a study where students learned Spanish with two different study schedules: one group studied for eight hours in one day, while the other studied for four hours on two separate days with a month gap in between. The spaced study group performed significantly better in long-term retention, even eight years after the study. The speaker relates this to their experience in stand-up comedy, where allowing time to forget and relearn material leads to more natural and effective performance of new jokes.

Keywords

💡Generation Effect

The Generation Effect refers to a psychological phenomenon where generating information, such as answering questions, leads to better memory retention compared to just reading or being told the information. In the video, it is mentioned as a learning technique where taking tests before studying the material can prime the brain to remember the information better later on. This is linked to the hyper-correction effect, where making mistakes initially can lead to stronger memory of the correct information.

💡Hyper-correction Effect

The Hyper-correction Effect is a cognitive process where learning the correct answer after initially providing a wrong one leads to better long-term memory retention. The video explains this concept by giving the example of mistakenly believing Toronto is the capital of Canada and then learning it is Ottawa, which results in a stronger memory of the correct answer due to the initial error.

💡Spacing

Spacing, also known as spaced repetition, is a learning technique where studying is spread out over time rather than concentrated in a single session. The video discusses a study where students who spaced their learning over a month performed significantly better in long-term retention compared to those who studied intensively in one day. This technique is effective because it allows for the brain to consolidate memories more effectively when复习 is spread out.

💡Interleaving

Interleaving is a study technique where different types of problems or skills are mixed in a single study session rather than focusing on one type repeatedly. The video explains that interleaving can lead to better overall performance and stronger learning, as it forces the brain to make abstract generalizations and develop flexible strategies for problem-solving. An example given is practicing different intervals on a piano, which leads to improved performance on all intervals, not just the one practiced most.

💡Evidence-Based Learning

Evidence-Based Learning is an approach to education that relies on empirical research and data to inform teaching methods and strategies. The video mentions that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports initiatives that use this approach to improve education. The concept is integral to the video's theme, as it emphasizes the importance of using scientifically proven techniques for effective learning.

💡Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a philanthropic organization that sponsors various initiatives, including those focused on education and global health. In the video, the foundation is highlighted as a sponsor and for its commitment to evidence-based solutions in education, emphasizing the importance of rigorous research in improving learning outcomes.

💡Memory Retention

Memory Retention refers to the ability to remember information over time. The video discusses various learning techniques that enhance memory retention, such as the Generation Effect, Hyper-correction Effect, and Spacing. These techniques are crucial for effective learning and are central to the video's message about improving study habits.

💡Learning Hacks

Learning Hacks are strategies or techniques that claim to enhance the learning process. The video critiques many learning hack videos on the internet for lacking scientific backing and instead focuses on three techniques that have been rigorously studied and proven to work, such as the Generation Effect, Spacing, and Interleaving.

💡Motor Skills

Motor Skills are the physical abilities required to perform tasks that involve coordination, balance, and strength. The video uses the example of piano playing to illustrate how interleaving can improve motor skills by practicing different intervals, leading to better performance on all intervals, not just the ones practiced most.

💡Randomized Controlled Study

A Randomized Controlled Study is a type of scientific experiment that uses random assignment of subjects to treatment or control groups to test the efficacy of an intervention. The video cites a significant randomized controlled study that showed the benefits of interleaving in improving math skills among students.

💡Climate Change

Climate Change is a long-term change in the Earth's climate system, primarily due to human activities. The video ends by mentioning the channel's commitment to discussing topics like climate change, aligning with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's focus on global issues. It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing climate change as part of the broader educational and environmental mission.

Highlights

The video discusses three scientifically-backed learning techniques that are efficient and effective.

The first technique involves the 'generation effect', which suggests taking tests before studying to prime the brain for better retention.

The hyper-correction effect explains why getting the wrong answer first can lead to better long-term memory.

Embarrassment and surprise play a role in the hyper-correction effect, as the brain works to avoid repeating mistakes.

The video shares a personal anecdote about the hyper-correction effect experienced in a university physics course.

The second technique is 'SPACING', which advocates for spaced repetition of study sessions to enhance long-term retention.

A study on Spanish vocabulary retention showed that spaced study sessions were significantly more effective than cramming.

The video relates the concept of spacing to stand-up comedy practice, where forgetting and relearning routines leads to better performance.

The third technique is 'INTERLEAVING', which involves mixing different types of practice to improve overall skill and flexibility.

Interleaving is shown to be more effective than focused practice, even though it may feel more challenging at the time.

Studies on piano playing and math skills demonstrate the benefits of interleaving for developing abstract problem-solving strategies.

The video recommends the book 'Range' by David Epstein for further insights into high performance and skill improvement.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's sponsorship is acknowledged, and their focus on evidence-based learning is highlighted.

The Gates Foundation's annual letter is discussed, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based solutions in education.

The video stresses the need for innovative and risk-taking approaches in education to find solutions to persistent problems.

The importance of tailored educational solutions based on demographics, culture, and community needs is emphasized.

The video concludes with a commitment to focusing on impactful topics like the environment and climate change in future content.

Transcripts

This Episode is sponsored by bill and Melinda gates.

Whether you click this video because you have a test tomorrow or in an hour

or you just wanted to understand the most efficient way to learn a new skill or language, you've come to the right place.

there's a lot of learning hack videos on the internet

but the truth is very few of them

are using techniques that have been rigorously studied

and most are not backed by science

so, today to save your time we have gone through the research

and are here to tell you that there are only three techniques that have been

proven to work. They'll not only save your time but they'll make the information stick with you much more efficiently.

Two of the tips will help you right now because i know

a lot of you are here searching up how to study quickly cause

you have a test really soon

whereas the other ones more useful if you have a little more leeway

and are trying to learn a a skill that you want to stick with you for a long time.

we would leave there all, a little surprising and

counter intuitive. So, it was really fascinating to know that

the research found these to be the most effective techniques

We were also inspired by the bill and melinda gates annual letter

who is the sponsor of today's video.

Their letter actually touches on the concept of evidence based learning

initiatives to improve education. We'll talk more

about their letter at the end of the episode.

in the meantime we are gonna get those three learning techniques

that will help you right now. The first technique

has to do with something called 'the generation effect'.

and it involves tests. Okay you are triggered.

being tested is supposed to help others evaluate your progress

but it turns out that testing

isn't that very good evaluation tool.

It actually functions better as a learning tool but

only if you do it properly. This may seem

Counter intuitive but first you should test yourself

before you even know the material.

For example start with the practice test

even before you started studying it. You'll get answers wrong

But your brain is forced to generate an answer, you'll be creative

Panicked and end up priming your neurology

To remember that information later This is linked to something called the hyper-correction effect

Which is why i sometimes getting the wrong answer

at first may be even more effective.

The hyper- correction effect finds that

when you make a mistake on some type of general information

and later find out you're wrong

you're much more likely to remember the correct answer

for example if you're certain that Toronto

is the capital city of Canada but later find

Out that it is infact Ottawa.

you are much more likely to remember that forever

compared to somebody who wasn't really sure in the first place

and was simply told the answer is Ottawa.

your brain hyper-corrects. One theory behind this states that

surprise and embarrassment play a role

it can actually be very tough to be embarrassed and even

From evolutionary perspective it can lead to

a lack of social cohesion and sort of

negatively impact yourself in a group.

Essentially your brain doesn't wanna be embarrassed

Therefore your brain works extra hard to make sure it doesn't

make the same mistake twice. This leads you to retain

the information better and learn more effectively.

in shorts do tests too early, fail,

so that when you learn the correct answer

you actually retain the information better. Actually think

anecdotally i have experienced this hyper-correction effect

in my first year university

the physics course specifically, so we had to these quizzes

that you were required to get 8 out of 10

to pass all in the mark and you had three tries

to get 8 out of 10. Now i had some smart friends who on their first try

would nail it but for me

it actually usually took me three times so ultimately i was

constantly hyper-correcting because i realized i did it wrong

and was explained how to do it properly. By the end of semester

i ended up doing better on the final exams than my friends

and i think this is because of the hyper-correction effect

i had to constantly challenge my inaccurate beliefs

earlier on which ultimately improved my

long term memory and learning ability.

so again test yourself early and often

and force your brain to generate an answer even is it's the wrong answer

and then follow up by learning the correct answers

technique number 2 is called 'SPACING', Now a lot of

us tend to study right before an exam may be

if you're really smart you'll give yourself like a full week

But this is actually gonna take even more time than that

for spacing you are gonna wanna practice

and then wait long enough to almost forget

the material and then practice again

one particular study had students learning Spanish, each group had eight hours to

study. the first group studied intensively for

eight hours in one day while the second group

studied for four hours one day

and then one month later studied for another four hours

an entire month later

so both groups had the same amount of study time

just distributed differently. After only getting

8 hours of practice they tested them 8 years later

Both groups were tested on their Spanish vocabulary

and by now we probably guessed the

group that spaced their studying over a month gap

performed 250% better.

Remember this is 8 years later that they're being tested

So ultimately we're talking about a huge increase

in long term retention when these space help your study.

i found this really helps

from my stand up comedy practicing so

essentially what you have to do is memorize routines

sort of similar to like in high school you have to memorize lines for a play

i usually will practice the day before and the day

of digging at the closer i am to my show the better

i will be retaining the information. Recently i have been practicing new

jokes allowing myself to forget them completely

practicing them again and i find when i do my routines on stage

it's those new jokes that comes to me more naturally

it's awesome to see this sort of spacing technique at work and i really appreciate

this information and i thank you.

The last rigorously supported learning technique is called

'INTERLEAVING', So what studies have found is that

instead of studying the same thing over and over and over

if you mix up or vary the challenge the benefits are huge

In the moment this process might be a lot

More frustrating and you may even think that you are learning more slowly

but that's why it's so

counter intuitive. Lets take a look at some examples that

could apply to your life. All of which have come from one of my

Favorite books in the last year called Range

By david epstein. If you have any interest in

High performance and improving skills

This book literally changed my perspective

on improving at things so i highly recommend it.

First we are gonna talk about motor skills like piano

so a particularly tricky thing to do is to jump a

big inter violin piano really quickly so say starting at c

and then jumping up

20 keys really quickly

It takes a lot of coordination

and muscle memories to do that quickly

without thinking about it without accidentally hitting other keys along the way.

so this study had one group practiced the

20 key jump over and over and over

and they have gone relatively good at it pretty quickly

But the second group had to practice not only the 20 key jump

but also mixing a 15 key jump and a 10 key jump

So ultimately they had less practiced but the

20 key jump but had interleaved or mixed practiced

by using a bunch of different intervals obviously it would have been

a lot more frustrating to be learning multiple intervals at once

the 20 key, the 15 key, the 10 key but when they brought the groups

back what they found was that the group that practiced interleaved or mixed practiced

was better at every single interval

including the 20 key jump. Even though

they technically had less practice with it

the same has been shown in math. Rather than

practicing one type of problem over and over

mixing in different kinds of problems in between

makes the process harder but develops stronger skills.

ultimately what's happening is that you are developing strategies to

problems in a broad sense. Instead of simply

using a specific procedure your brain has to make

abstract generalizations which helps to make

your knowledge more flexible.

it's very shocking how bigger difference this type of interleaving makes.

in extremely significant randomized controlled study

looked at maths skills

in grade 7 students. Those that used interleaving

or mixed practice saw an effect size

of approving someone's

from the 50% of skill to the 80%.

that is like going from being an average student to being someone who is closer to the top of the class

if you're using cue cards make sure that you're mixing up

different themes within those cue cards

after studying the same things essentially you gotta mix things up

all this research is incredibly significant because

it's so important that we use evidence based solutions

especially in space like education which is why we have really been great-full

to partner with bill and melinda gates

on this episode who just released their 2020 annual letter

in it they share some of their big risks that they have taken on global health

and education with that same perspective of finding evidence based solutions

for education in the US Because

ultimately education is the foundation for a

successful country and a democracy. In order to

improve our existing systems we need to use rigorously studied

research. Be innovative and ultimately take

big risks. That's the best way to find solutions to problems

that won't just go away on their own.

one of the coolest things that we learn from their letter and from research is that

there is no one size fits all solution to education.

it's all dependent on the demographics, the culture and

the communities that each specific school is trying to serve.

the bill and melinda gates have supported

innovations led by leaders who know that space.

one example is that they have find out the importance of

mitigating the amount of courses that a student fails. That may seem obvious but if a student

fails no more than one course

they're are four times more likely to graduate than someone who fails two

or more courses. At every school and community

has a specific challenge that their student body is

going to face and that's why their solutions are gonna need

to be unique.

This year we are committed to taking some big risks as well with our channel

by focusing on things that have impact on the people and the planet.

our main focus right now is talking

about the environment and climate change and

bill and melinda gates and their annual letter talk about how they

are gonna be focusing on this. Climate change is going to effect all of us

so, we are gonna be working with our good friend science and trying to figure out

what is going on and also how we can apply

and

understand solutions. If you like to read the gates annual letter we

will leave a link to it in the description, it was really interesting

reading and definitely worth your time. Make you subscribe or join our email down below

so that you can always know when we make a new science video.

so we will see you next time.

Peace.