How to study, understanding the "Forgetting Curve" & Other Study Tricks

Summary

This video delves into the forgetting curve and offers essential study tips for better retention. The forgetting curve shows how we forget information over time unless we review it. By revising material after 24 hours, two weeks, and a month, learners can retain up to 70% of what they've studied. Additional tips include getting enough sleep, staying healthy, avoiding cramming, and taking breaks. The video encourages adopting smart study habits, such as organizing notes, setting goals, and tackling difficult subjects first, to maximize learning and success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Forgetting Curve shows that without revision, learning retention drops dramatically over time.
• 😀 A student who revises regularly (after 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 30 days) can retain 70% of what they learned after a month.
• 😀 Revising material at spaced intervals (1 day, 2 weeks, 4 weeks) helps lock it into long-term memory.
• 😀 Sleeping well is crucial for memory retention – your brain can't store memories without sufficient sleep.
• 😀 Studying in smaller, manageable chunks is more effective than cramming.
• 😀 Use a reminder pad to jot down distractions or tasks to do after studying, so you stay focused.
• 😀 Organize your study materials into subject folders to keep track of notes efficiently.
• 😀 Limit your screen time, especially TV and phones, during study breaks to avoid unnecessary distractions.
• 😀 For language learners, it’s important to study each language separately to avoid confusion.
• 😀 Start with the most difficult subject and finish with the easiest to make studying more manageable and less stressful.
• 😀 Motivation is key: set a goal, have a reason to study, and enjoy the learning process for better results.

Q & A

What is the Forgetting Curve?

The Forgetting Curve shows how quickly learning is forgotten over time. On the y-axis, it represents the percentage of learning retained, while the x-axis represents the passage of time. The curve illustrates that without revision, memory retention drops drastically after a short time.

How does the Forgetting Curve differ for students who review their learning material?

For students who regularly revise their material, the Forgetting Curve is much less steep. A student who revises after 24 hours, again at two weeks, and once more at 30 days retains about 70% of the material after one month, a significant improvement over those who don’t review.

What is the retention difference between students who revise and those who don’t?

The difference in retention is 55%. Students who don’t review their material retain only 15% after a month, while those who revise regularly retain 70%.

What is the importance of scheduling reviews when studying?

Scheduling reviews is crucial for long-term retention. Smart students plan to revise material after one day, two weeks, and four weeks. This spaced repetition helps solidify the learning in long-term memory.

How can sleep affect memory retention?

Sleep is essential for memory storage. If you don’t get enough sleep, your brain cannot store memories from the previous day, which negatively impacts retention and learning.

What is the effect of cramming on studying?

Cramming is ineffective because it doesn’t allow for proper retention of material. Instead of cramming, it’s more effective to break down the study material into smaller chunks over a longer period, which helps with better understanding and memory.

What are some tips for staying focused during study sessions?

To stay focused, it’s recommended to take breaks, avoid distractions like TV and phones, and use reminder pads to jot down any tasks that come to mind while studying.

Why should you avoid studying multiple languages without separation?

When studying multiple languages, it's better to separate them to avoid confusion. Mixing different languages can lead to interference, making it harder to retain information in each language.

What is the importance of having a study goal?

Having a clear goal gives you a reason to work hard and stay motivated during your study sessions. It also helps you stay focused on the process of learning rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.

What are some tips for effective note-taking?

When taking notes, it’s advised to focus on quality over quantity. Keep your notes concise and organized, with subject-specific folders. This will make it easier to review and retain the material.