Psychology Professor's Viral Study Techniques: A+ Students Love It! (Part 1)

Motivation2Study
11 Sept 202309:27

Summary

TLDRIn this educational video, Dr. Marty Lobdell, a psychology professor, introduces four key study skills to transform average students into A+ achievers within a semester. The rules include taking strategic breaks to boost memory and creativity, creating a dedicated study area to enhance focus, prioritizing deep conceptual learning over rote memorization, and emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep for memory consolidation. These strategies aim to make studying more efficient and effective, leading to improved academic performance.

Takeaways

  • πŸ“š Break up study sessions into smaller chunks with scheduled breaks to improve memory, reduce stress, and boost performance and creativity.
  • 🏠 Create a designated study area that is only used for studying to train your brain to associate that space with learning.
  • πŸ’‘ Use a 'study lamp' in your designated area to further reinforce the association between the space and studying, enhancing focus and efficiency.
  • 🧠 Understand the difference between memorizing facts and grasping concepts; focusing on conceptual understanding can lead to deeper and more lasting learning.
  • πŸŒ™ Prioritize sleep as it plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, with REM sleep being particularly important for converting short-term memories into long-term ones.
  • πŸ›Œ Establish a consistent sleep schedule and follow sleep hygiene practices to ensure adequate rest and enhance learning capabilities.
  • πŸ‹οΈβ€β™€οΈ Engage in physical activity within a few hours of your bedtime to improve sleep quality and potentially academic performance.
  • 🚫 Limit caffeine intake and avoid electronic screens close to bedtime to facilitate better sleep and, by extension, better learning.
  • πŸŽ“ Recognize that deep conceptual learning is distinct from surface learning and involves thinking, discussing, and questioning to truly understand material.
  • 🌐 Study breaks can be used as a reward system, where you enjoy a short break or treat after a focused study session, motivating you to be more productive.
  • πŸ“ˆ Implementing these study strategies can lead to significant improvements in academic performance, as evidenced by the one grade point increase in the study mentioned.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of Dr. Marty Lobdell's course on College study skills?

    -The course focuses on teaching students how to study efficiently and effectively, transforming them from average students to A+ students within a semester.

  • According to the script, what is the first rule for studying smarter and why is it important?

    -The first rule is that the moment you start to slide, you're shoveling against the tide, which means taking breaks is crucial for effective studying. This is because continuous studying for extended periods can hinder learning, whereas breaking up study time into smaller chunks can improve memory, reduce stress, and boost performance and creativity.

  • What is the recommended duration for a study session before taking a break according to the script?

    -The script suggests studying for half an hour before taking a break to recharge.

  • What are the benefits of taking study breaks as mentioned in the script?

    -The benefits of taking study breaks include improved memory, reduced stress, improved health, increased energy, and boosts to performance and creativity.

  • How can creating a study area help with studying according to the script?

    -Creating a designated study area trains the brain to associate that space with studying, making it easier to focus and study effectively. It also helps to avoid distractions and multi-tasking that can occur in multi-purpose rooms.

  • What is the significance of using a 'study lamp' in the study area as per the script?

    -The 'study lamp' is used only for studying, creating a visual cue that signals it's time to study when the lamp is turned on. This helps to train the brain to automatically focus on studying when seated in the study area with the lamp on.

  • What are some characteristics of an effective study area according to Joyce University?

    -An effective study area should be well-lit, have noise and light control, and include personal touches that motivate the student.

  • Why is rote memorization not the most efficient method for learning in college according to the script?

    -Rote memorization is not the most efficient because it only covers memorizing facts without understanding the underlying concepts, which is crucial for deep learning and long-term retention.

  • What is the difference between deep conceptual learning and surface learning as per the script?

    -Deep conceptual learning involves thinking, discussing, and questioning more to understand concepts rather than just memorizing facts. Surface learning, on the other hand, focuses on memorization without delving into the understanding of concepts.

  • Why is sleep important for effective studying and what happens if it's inadequate?

    -Sleep is important because it aids in the consolidation process, where information transitions from short-term to long-term memory. Inadequate sleep can hinder this process, leading to poor memory retention and reduced learning efficiency.

  • What are some tips from Harvard's summer school for getting a more restful sleep?

    -Tips include limiting caffeine close to bedtime, avoiding electronic screens an hour before bedtime, engaging in physical activity within two hours of bedtime, and establishing a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“š Effective Study Techniques for Students

Dr. Marty Lobdell, a psychology professor, developed a course on college study skills to address common issues students face with studying. The first rule emphasizes the importance of taking breaks after every 30 minutes of study to recharge and improve memory, reduce stress, and enhance performance and creativity. Creating a designated study area and using cues like a 'study lamp' can train the brain to associate the space with focused study, leading to better academic results. The summary also touches on the benefits of breaking up study sessions and using rewards to stay motivated.

05:01

🧠 Understanding Concepts Over Memorization

This paragraph highlights the difference between memorizing facts and understanding concepts in college learning. Deep conceptual learning (DCL) is contrasted with surface learning, with the former involving more thought, discussion, and questioning to achieve a deeper understanding. The importance of grasping concepts for long-term retention is emphasized, as opposed to merely memorizing facts. The paragraph also discusses the impact of sleep on learning, explaining how inadequate sleep can hinder the consolidation of memories. Tips for better sleep, such as limiting caffeine, avoiding screens before bedtime, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, are provided to enhance learning efficiency.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Study Skills

Study skills refer to the techniques and strategies that students use to learn and retain information more effectively. In the video, Dr. Marty Lobdell emphasizes the importance of developing efficient study habits to transform average students into high achievers. The video discusses various study skills such as taking breaks, creating a study area, understanding concepts, and prioritizing sleep.

πŸ’‘Efficiency

Efficiency in studying is the ability to achieve more with less time and effort. The video script highlights the need for students to study smarter, not harder, by breaking their study sessions into smaller chunks and taking breaks to recharge. This approach is shown to improve memory, reduce stress, and boost performance and creativity, ultimately leading to more efficient learning.

πŸ’‘Study Breaks

Study breaks are short periods of rest taken during study sessions to prevent mental fatigue and enhance retention. The video mentions that taking breaks can improve memory, reduce stress, and boost energy and creativity. It suggests a half-hour study followed by a five-minute break as an effective method to maintain focus and productivity.

πŸ’‘Study Area

A study area is a designated space where a student focuses solely on studying. The video explains that creating a dedicated study area can help students get into the right mindset for learning. It also discusses an experiment where students used a 'study lamp' to signal that it was time to study, which led to improved academic performance.

πŸ’‘Memorization

Memorization is the process of committing information to memory through repetition. While it is a common study technique, the video emphasizes that it is only effective for remembering facts. The script suggests that understanding concepts is more important for long-term retention and application in exams and papers.

πŸ’‘Conceptual Learning

Conceptual learning involves grasping the underlying principles and ideas behind the facts. The video contrasts memorization with conceptual learning, stating that understanding concepts leads to a deeper and more lasting understanding of the subject matter. This approach is crucial for students to apply their knowledge in various contexts.

πŸ’‘Sleep

Sleep is essential for consolidating and storing information in long-term memory. The video discusses the role of REM sleep in memory consolidation and how inadequate sleep can hinder learning. It also provides tips from Harvard's summer school on how to improve sleep quality, emphasizing the importance of a consistent sleep schedule.

πŸ’‘REM Sleep

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is a stage of sleep associated with memory consolidation. The video script explains that REM sleep is crucial for the brain to store information permanently. It suggests that without sufficient REM sleep, the brain cannot effectively consolidate and store new information, impacting learning and memory.

πŸ’‘Motivation

Motivation is the drive or desire to achieve a goal, such as studying effectively. The video mentions the use of rewards, like a treat after a study session, to motivate students to be more productive. It also discusses the importance of creating a study routine that eventually becomes a habit, which can further enhance motivation.

πŸ’‘Habits

Habits are regular patterns of behavior that are performed automatically. The video script suggests that creating a study routine can eventually lead to the formation of habits, which can help students study more efficiently. Habits, once formed, can reduce the mental effort required to engage in study activities.

πŸ’‘Academic Performance

Academic performance refers to the level of achievement in educational activities, such as exams and assignments. The video script connects various study skills and habits to improved academic performance. It suggests that by implementing effective study strategies, students can enhance their understanding and retention of information, leading to better grades.

Highlights

Dr. Marty Lobdell created a course on College study skills to help students study efficiently and effectively.

Rule 1: Break up study time into smaller chunks with scheduled breaks to improve memory, reduce stress, and boost performance and creativity.

Taking study breaks can recharge your batteries and make studying more effective.

Creating a designated study area can train your brain to associate that space with studying, increasing focus and productivity.

Using a 'study lamp' in a specific area can help reinforce the association between that space and studying.

Students who created a study area saw a one grade point increase the next term compared to the control group.

Memorization is important, but understanding concepts is crucial for deep learning and long-term retention.

Deep conceptual learning involves thinking, discussing, and questioning more, leading to a stronger grasp of the material.

Facts are discrete pieces of information, while concepts involve understanding the function and purpose of those facts.

In college, professors are more concerned with students grasping concepts rather than just memorizing facts.

Adequate sleep is essential for the consolidation of memories from short-term to long-term storage.

REM sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, and not getting enough sleep can hinder learning.

Students who improved their sleep habits saw a significant improvement in their academic performance.

Harvard's summer school suggests limiting caffeine, avoiding screens before bedtime, and engaging in physical activity to improve sleep.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule can help train your body to get better rest and support academic success.

Creating a study routine that becomes a habit is key to acing your academic life.

Transcripts

play00:00

[Music]

play00:00

foreign

play00:01

I wish somebody had told me these things

play00:03

when I was a student the first time it

play00:05

would have been a lot easier

play00:08

Dr Marty Lobdell is a psychology

play00:10

Professor who created a course on

play00:12

College study skills he realized that

play00:14

many students had issues with proper

play00:16

studying and made it his mission to

play00:18

create a course that allowed students to

play00:20

learn to study efficiently and

play00:21

effectively taking them from average

play00:23

students to a plus in a semester's time

play00:26

in this video we'll go over the first

play00:28

four rules for studying smarter not

play00:31

harder

play00:35

first rule the moment you start to slide

play00:38

you're shoveling against the tide

play00:41

what you need to do is what

play00:43

take a break here's what's cool about it

play00:46

you can study for a half hour it doesn't

play00:49

take a half hour break to recharge your

play00:51

batteries for most people about five

play00:54

minutes

play00:55

we always dread sitting down to study

play00:57

for extended periods of time but what

play01:00

you may not realize is that you are

play01:01

hindering yourself from studying

play01:03

effectively if you do this as Marty

play01:06

Lobdell explains in his lecture things

play01:08

that are reinforced we tend to do more

play01:10

of things that are punished or ignored

play01:12

we tend to do less of

play01:15

this can transfer to how we study as

play01:17

well if we dread sitting down to study

play01:19

for five hours straight we aren't going

play01:21

to study nearly as well as if we break

play01:23

up our study into smaller chunks of time

play01:26

according to London's Global University

play01:28

five of the benefits of taking study

play01:30

breaks include improved memory reduced

play01:33

stress improved health and boosts to

play01:35

your energy as well as boosting your

play01:37

performance and creativity

play01:39

the main point to take away from this is

play01:42

to make sure to break up your study time

play01:44

from longer periods to Shorter ones with

play01:46

scheduled breaks as a bonus add on a

play01:49

well-deserved treat at the end of the

play01:51

study time it'll help motivate you to be

play01:53

more productive during your allotted

play01:55

study time

play01:56

and this is where you go away do

play01:58

something fun for five minutes call a

play02:02

friend talk to a child talk to a parent

play02:03

a roommate enjoy some music do something

play02:06

you enjoy and actually say this is my

play02:08

treat for having studied for 30 minutes

play02:10

effectively go back and here's what

play02:13

happens

play02:14

your efficiency is nearly a hundred

play02:17

percent study a half hour take a break

play02:19

study a half hour study a half hour

play02:23

creating a study area is one of the best

play02:25

ways to help you when it comes to

play02:27

studying researchers ask the students

play02:29

what's the biggest problem with studying

play02:31

they said we can't get into it the

play02:34

university in question had primarily

play02:37

dorm rooms one side bed another side of

play02:39

bed study area study area right in one

play02:42

room you sleep you groom you talk with

play02:45

people you socialize you study you snack

play02:49

it's a multi-purpose room

play02:51

and yet you're supposed to study

play02:53

as Marty explains we have certain cues

play02:56

as people when in certain areas of our

play02:58

homes by using a designated study area

play03:01

where all you do is study you train your

play03:03

brain and yourself that this is the area

play03:06

where you study and that's all it is

play03:08

used for in the Hawaiian dorms all of

play03:11

the rooms had a gooseneck lamp so the

play03:14

professor said we're going to try a

play03:15

little experiment take that lamp make a

play03:18

little sign and put it on it study lamp

play03:21

use it only for studying you don't dress

play03:24

by it you don't have BS sessions by you

play03:26

know it's snack bite you don't clean the

play03:27

Roomba it nothing use the other lights

play03:30

for all other functions you're ready to

play03:33

go turn on the lamp and start studying

play03:35

the moment you lose your Edge 15 20 30

play03:39

minutes later turn the lamp off get up

play03:41

and leave the desk what you're training

play03:44

yourself to study while seated there and

play03:47

it becomes increasingly automatic you

play03:49

sit turn the lamp on and you're ready to

play03:51

go it's like magic this students who did

play03:54

that were one grade point higher the

play03:57

next term compared to the control group

play03:59

that didn't do it one great Point simply

play04:02

by creating a study area

play04:05

not sure how to create a good study

play04:06

space

play04:07

according to Joyce University make sure

play04:10

your study area is well lit has noise

play04:12

and light control as well as some

play04:14

personal touches that will help motivate

play04:16

you when you don't feel like studying

play04:18

these are some of the best ways to

play04:20

create a study environment that keeps

play04:22

you motivated and happy

play04:26

memorization is a great way to remember

play04:28

facts but not every class you are in

play04:30

wants you to know just facts lots of

play04:33

classes do a combination of both

play04:35

memorization effects and understanding

play04:37

of Concepts if you can memorize facts

play04:40

you are only halfway there when you're

play04:43

reading it over and over or saying it

play04:46

over and over

play04:47

the term for that is wrote memorization

play04:50

spelled rot it can work it is the way

play04:54

most of us were taught in elementary

play04:56

school and some of you may be darn good

play04:58

at it but for most of us it's not the

play05:01

most efficient or effective way the way

play05:04

to learn efficiently in college first

play05:06

you have to decide what am I learning is

play05:10

it a concept or a fact

play05:13

students who understand the importance

play05:15

of Concepts have a stronger and more

play05:17

powerful grasp on what they need to know

play05:19

for their upcoming exams by

play05:21

understanding what the concept is you

play05:24

are able to remember it for your exams

play05:26

papers and the rest of your life

play05:27

according to the Department of Education

play05:30

research suggests deep conceptual

play05:33

learning DCL is distinctly different

play05:35

than surface learning deep conceptual

play05:38

Learners tend to think discuss and

play05:40

question more seeking to understand

play05:42

rather than only memorize

play05:45

a fact is the discreet little piece of

play05:47

information

play05:48

understanding the name of a bone is a

play05:51

fact understanding what it does in the

play05:54

body gets into a concept so in studying

play05:57

sometimes there are a lot of facts in

play05:59

fact I use Anatomy as a good example you

play06:01

got to memorize bones muscles organs

play06:05

tissues a lot of it but if you simply

play06:08

memorize and don't understand the

play06:10

function of it the comprehension of the

play06:13

actual Concepts

play06:15

it's a lot of wasted learning really

play06:17

just to know a name of a bone is like

play06:19

yeah so what what does it do how does it

play06:22

function but in most college classes

play06:24

what we as professors are most concerned

play06:26

about is that you grasp the concept

play06:28

because Concepts once grasped will stay

play06:31

with you a lifetime

play06:33

by being able to not only memorize but

play06:36

dive deeper into your study topics you

play06:39

can become more efficient in your

play06:41

learning and have a better grasp on your

play06:43

subject material

play06:45

most of you undo good studying by not

play06:48

sleeping adequately some of the latest

play06:51

work on

play06:53

we're not sure exactly how but there's

play06:56

something going on it involves the

play06:57

hippocampus and involves the storage

play07:00

from a transitory long-term memory to a

play07:04

permanent what we call consolidation but

play07:07

we're getting increasing evidence that

play07:08

that consolidation process is dependent

play07:11

on rapid eye movement sleep

play07:13

which if you're an adult happens about

play07:15

every hour and a half once you fall

play07:17

asleep if you're not getting a good

play07:19

night typically around eight hours

play07:21

you're not getting enough REM what

play07:24

you've studied doesn't become permanent

play07:26

and I can tell you there are studies

play07:28

that show simply by getting better rest

play07:30

some students improve markedly in their

play07:33

performance because their brain now

play07:35

stores it a lot more efficiently without

play07:38

a good sleep your brain cannot function

play07:40

properly and will not be able to absorb

play07:43

the information you are trying to learn

play07:45

by the way if you know anybody with

play07:46

sleep apnea biggest thing they'll tell

play07:48

you is I can't remember anything my

play07:50

brain shot it's like my memory is gone

play07:52

yeah it is because your reming isn't

play07:55

happening because you wake up so often

play07:57

and you can't consolidate and Store

play07:59

permanent memories if you have trouble

play08:02

prioritizing sleep Harvard's summer

play08:04

school has a few tips for you to try to

play08:06

get a more restful sleep try limiting

play08:09

caffeine close to bedtime avoid

play08:11

electronic screens an hour before

play08:12

bedtime and engage in physical activity

play08:15

two hours within your bedtime window

play08:18

make sure to establish a sleep schedule

play08:20

by going to bed at the same time and

play08:22

waking up at the same time every day it

play08:25

will help train you to get to bed

play08:27

by prioritizing your sleep you will help

play08:30

create a healthy routine that not only

play08:32

benefits your academic life but other

play08:34

aspects of your life as well

play08:37

remember dreams don't work unless you do

play08:39

by creating a study routine that

play08:42

eventually becomes a habit you'll be

play08:44

acing your academic life in no time

play08:47

to hear four more study tips to help you

play08:49

Ace your studies stay tuned for part two

play08:51

thanks for watching

play08:53

[Music]

play09:03

[Music]

play09:06

thank you

play09:08

[Music]

Rate This
β˜…
β˜…
β˜…
β˜…
β˜…

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Related Tags
Study SkillsEfficiency TipsCollege SuccessMemory BoostBreak StrategyProductivity HacksLearning ConceptsSleep ImportanceAcademic HabitsMarty Lobdell