You’re NOT Bored: How I turned Studying into a Game

Summary

This video reveals how studying can be as enjoyable as playing video games by applying the principles of the 'Super Mario Effect'. The idea is that, just like in games where failure doesn’t stop you, embracing mistakes while studying helps you learn better. The video emphasizes the importance of reducing pressure, using active recall, and following clear learning objectives to make studying more fun and effective. It also compares the process of studying to video games, where challenges are met with constant input-output, learning, and achievement, ultimately boosting motivation and focus.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace failure: In studying, like in video games, failing is part of the learning process, and it can actually lead to greater success in the long run.
• 😀 The Super Mario Effect: This concept explains how being unafraid to fail, as seen in video games, leads to higher success rates in learning and challenges.
• 😀 Remove the pressure: The more pressure you put on yourself, the less likely you are to succeed. Taking the pressure off makes studying more enjoyable.
• 😀 Active Recall is key: Testing yourself on the material, like through practice questions or mind maps, reinforces what you've learned and makes studying more engaging.
• 😀 Study like a game: Use the input-output system (learn something, then apply it through recall or questions) to keep your brain engaged and retain information better.
• 😀 Video games provide rewards: Achievements, leveling up, and trophies in games help keep players motivated. Similarly, setting learning objectives provides clear milestones in studying.
• 😀 Learning objectives are essential: They help break down complex material into manageable, clear goals, making studying more focused and organized.
• 😀 Dopamine and achievement: Both in video games and in studying, achieving small goals releases dopamine, which keeps you motivated and reinforces learning.
• 😀 Set achievable goals: Learning objectives act like levels in a game, guiding you through material step-by-step and allowing you to track progress.
• 😀 Focus on input-output balance: Just like in video games, where the challenge increases as you progress, studying should balance new input with opportunities for applying and testing knowledge.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind turning studying into a game?

The main idea is to make studying as enjoyable and engaging as playing video games by reducing the pressure of failure. This approach encourages learning through trial and error, much like in video games, where you retry after failures without fear of consequences.

What is the Super Mario effect, and how does it relate to studying?

The Super Mario effect refers to the concept of learning through repeated attempts without fear of failure. In video games, players keep trying after failing until they succeed. The same approach can be applied to studying, where you should embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than something to be feared.

Why do people perform better when they are not penalized for mistakes?

People perform better without penalties because they are less afraid of making mistakes. This mindset encourages them to try again, learn from their failures, and improve, as opposed to feeling discouraged or anxious about failing.

How does the approach of removing pressure from studying enhance learning?

Removing pressure from studying allows learners to focus on the process rather than the fear of failure. This mindset encourages experimentation, mistakes, and learning, ultimately leading to better retention and understanding of the material.

What is the key difference between studying and playing video games in terms of engagement?

In video games, you learn through input-output cycles where you apply new knowledge to progress through levels. In studying, the process is often one-sided, where you're just receiving information without immediate opportunities to apply it, leading to boredom. Active recall, however, creates a similar engagement by allowing you to test and apply what you've learned.

What role does Active Recall play in transforming studying into a game?

Active Recall helps by turning studying into an interactive process where you actively engage with the material. Instead of just passively absorbing information, you test your understanding, similar to how you apply knowledge in a video game, which makes studying more enjoyable and effective.

Why do people get bored during long study sessions, and how can this be avoided?

People get bored during long study sessions because they are only receiving information without any outlet to apply or test it. This can be avoided by incorporating techniques like Active Recall, which provide a way to actively engage with the material and test understanding regularly.

How can learning objectives improve the studying experience?

Learning objectives are like video game missions, providing clear goals that help you stay on track. By focusing on these objectives, you can break down a complex lecture or topic into smaller, manageable parts, making it easier to stay motivated and track progress.

What is the connection between dopamine and achievement in studying?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter released when we achieve goals, and it signals that we are on the right path. In video games, achievements and leveling up provide a constant dopamine boost. Similarly, in studying, completing learning objectives and understanding concepts can trigger similar feelings of accomplishment, keeping you motivated.

What is the suggested solution for someone struggling to study for long periods?

If you're struggling to study for long periods, the solution is to use learning objectives to break down your study sessions into manageable chunks. Additionally, adopting a mindset that embraces failure as part of the learning process can help sustain motivation and prevent burnout.