How to Study Effectively for School or College [Top 6 Science-Based Study Skills]

Summary

This video script outlines six proven study strategies from cognitive psychologists to enhance learning efficiency. Spaced practice, interleaving, asking 'how' and 'why' questions, using concrete examples, combining verbal and visual information, and practicing retrieval are the key techniques to unlock your full academic potential. By applying these methods, students can improve memory retention, reduce stress, and achieve better results with less effort.

Takeaways

• 📅 Spaced Practice: Spread out study sessions over time to enhance learning and reduce stress.
• 🗓 Make a Study Plan: Schedule short, consistent study sessions to avoid cramming.
• 📝 Review and Recirculate: After covering new material, review older information to keep it fresh.
• 🔁 Interleaving: Switch between topics or problems to highlight differences and improve problem-solving approaches.
• 🤔 Ask Questions: Self-generate 'how' and 'why' questions to deepen understanding and connect new ideas with existing knowledge.
• 📚 Connect to Daily Life: Explain concepts with detailed descriptions and relate them to everyday experiences.
• 🌰 Use Concrete Examples: Enhance memory retention by linking abstract ideas to tangible, real-life scenarios.
• 🎨 Combine Verbal and Visual: Utilize both text and images to understand and remember information more effectively.
• 📝 Practice Retrieval: Test your knowledge by writing or sketching what you remember without referring to notes.
• 📉 Identify Knowledge Gaps: Use retrieval practice to uncover areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
• 🔗 Free Resources: Access free downloadable posters summarizing these strategies for easy reference.

Q & A

What is the most effective way to study according to cognitive psychologists?

The most effective way to study is by using six essential strategies: spaced practice, interleaving, asking 'how' and 'why' questions, using concrete examples, combining verbal material with visuals, and practicing retrieval.

Why is spaced practice considered better than cramming all study into one intensive session?

Spaced practice is better because it allows for more learning and better retention with the same or less amount of time, reduces stress, and minimizes the need for re-learning the same information in the future.

What is the recommended approach for scheduling study sessions using spaced practice?

Make a plan and schedule short study sessions into your calendar, review information from each class starting a day later, and leave 2-3 days between study sessions on the same subject.

How does interleaving help in studying?

Interleaving helps by encouraging the mind to switch between different ideas, highlighting similarities and differences, and making links between topics, which strengthens understanding and problem-solving skills.

What is the purpose of asking 'how' and 'why' questions while studying?

Asking 'how' and 'why' questions forces you to understand and explain what you're learning, connect it with what you already know, and organize new ideas for easier recall.

Why are concrete examples important in the learning process?

Concrete examples are important because they help demonstrate and explain abstract ideas, making them easier to understand and remember by providing real-life context.

How can combining verbal material with visuals enhance learning?

Combining verbal material with visuals gives you two ways of understanding and remembering information, as it engages different cognitive processes and helps reinforce learning.

What is the significance of practicing retrieval in studying?

Practicing retrieval is significant because it reinforces learned knowledge, makes it easier to remember later, and helps identify gaps in understanding for focused study.

How can practice tests help in improving recall during exams?

Practice tests help by simulating exam conditions, allowing you to practice recalling information and identifying areas that need improvement.

What is the recommended method for practicing retrieval of knowledge?

The recommended method is to put away all notes and textbooks, write down or sketch everything you know about a topic, and then compare your output with class material to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Why does the script mention that learning styles do not improve learning?

The script mentions that learning styles do not improve learning because research has shown that assessing a learning style and matching study approaches to that style does not enhance learning effectiveness.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Effective Study Strategies for Optimal Learning

This paragraph introduces six evidence-based study strategies to enhance learning efficiency. Spaced practice is highlighted as more effective than cramming, advocating for distributed study sessions over time. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of interleaving, which involves switching between different topics or problem types to reinforce understanding and retention. It also suggests engaging with material by asking 'how' and 'why' questions, connecting new information to existing knowledge and daily life experiences. Using concrete examples to illustrate abstract concepts is encouraged for better comprehension, and combining verbal and visual information is recommended for dual coding, which aids in memory retention. Lastly, the strategy of retrieval practice is introduced, where learners actively recall information without notes to strengthen memory and identify gaps in knowledge.

05:03

🎨 Utilizing Visuals and Retrieval Practice for Deep Learning

The second paragraph focuses on the benefits of integrating visuals with textual material to enhance understanding and recall. It clarifies that while learning styles are not as crucial as once believed, combining words and visuals is an effective study method. The paragraph underscores the importance of retrieval practice as a means to reinforce learning and prepare for exams. It suggests taking practice tests or using blank paper to recall and sketch out information as a form of active learning. The act of retrieval not only strengthens memory but also reveals areas that require further study. The paragraph concludes by offering free downloadable posters of the six strategies for easy reference during study sessions.

Keywords

💡Spaced Practice

Spaced practice is a learning technique where studying is broken up into multiple sessions over time, rather than trying to learn everything in one intensive session. It is defined as more effective for long-term retention and understanding. In the video, it is suggested that spreading out 5 hours of study over two weeks can lead to better results and less stress than cramming all into one session.

💡Interleaving

Interleaving is a study technique where different topics or types of problems are studied in a single session, switching between them. It helps to highlight contrasts and connections between ideas, fostering a deeper understanding. The script mentions that instead of focusing on one topic for a long time, switching can improve problem-solving approaches and make the mind more nimble.

💡Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. It is relevant to the video's theme as it provides the scientific basis for the recommended study strategies. The video mentions consulting cognitive psychologists for tips on effective studying.

💡Retrieval Practice

Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information from memory without looking at notes or textbooks. It is a powerful study technique that reinforces learning and improves recall during exams. The video emphasizes the importance of this method, suggesting that it should be practiced regularly to identify gaps in knowledge.

💡Concrete Examples

Concrete examples are specific, tangible instances used to illustrate abstract concepts, making them easier to understand and remember. The script provides the example of 'scarcity' being explained through the context of a ticket scalper to demonstrate how concrete examples can clarify abstract ideas.

💡Visuals

Visuals refer to images, diagrams, or other graphical representations that can complement textual information. The video suggests combining verbal material with visuals to enhance understanding and memory. It also emphasizes the importance of interpreting visuals in relation to text and vice versa.

💡Concept Maps

A concept map is a diagram used to organize and represent knowledge, showing relationships between concepts. In the context of the video, creating concept maps is recommended as a way to visually organize and connect ideas, which aids in the retrieval and understanding of information.

💡Learning Scientists

The term 'Learning Scientists' refers to researchers or experts in the field of educational psychology who study the science of learning. The video credits these experts as the source of the top study strategies presented, emphasizing the research-based nature of the advice given.

💡Study Plan

A study plan is a structured schedule for learning that includes specific goals, timelines, and study sessions. The video encourages making a study plan and scheduling short sessions, which is essential for implementing spaced practice and interleaving effectively.

💡Cramming

Cramming is the act of studying a large amount of material in a short period just before an exam or test. The video script warns against this method, stating that it is less effective and more stressful than spaced practice, leading to poorer learning outcomes.

💡Nimble Mind

A 'nimble mind' refers to the ability to quickly and easily switch between different ideas or concepts. The video script uses this term to describe the mental agility gained from interleaving, which is beneficial for understanding and recalling information.

Highlights

Spaced practice is more effective than cramming, spreading study time over weeks rather than intense sessions.

Make a study plan and schedule short sessions, avoiding marathon study periods.

Review information from each class a day later and study important older information to keep it fresh.

Use other study strategies instead of just re-reading notes for better learning.

Leave 2-3 days between study sessions on the same subject for consistent, short study sessions over time.

Interleaving, or switching between ideas during a study session, helps to highlight similarities and differences between topics.

Switching between topics encourages making links between ideas and improves problem-solving approaches.

Study enough information to understand an idea before switching to avoid confusion.

Change the order of topics in each study session to strengthen understanding.

Asking 'how' and 'why' questions about class material and finding answers improves comprehension.

Explaining ideas in detail and relating them to daily life helps organize new information for easier recall.

Creating connections between different ideas through questioning improves understanding.

Using specific, concrete examples helps demonstrate and explain abstract ideas better.

Human memory connects better with concrete information, so always look for relatable examples.

Combining verbal material with visuals provides two ways of understanding and remembering information.

Visuals should be used in conjunction with words, not based on learning style preference.

Practice retrieving knowledge about a topic without notes to reinforce learning and identify gaps.

Taking practice tests or writing out everything you know helps improve recall and provides feedback.

Free downloadable posters about these 6 strategies are available for additional learning support.

Transcripts

How to study effectively, using 6 essential strategies.

If you’re a student, you’ve probably wondered - what is the most effective way to study?

That’s a smart question, because most people unfortunately waste their time with stuff

that just isn’t effective.

So I asked the cognitive psychologists over at The Learning Scientists for some tips.

After all their research into the science of learning and absolute best-practice study

skills, here are their top six strategies to bring out your inner genius.

The first strategy is called spaced practice.

5 hours of study crammed into one intensive session is not as good as that same 5 hours

spread out over two weeks.

You’ll learn more and get better results with the same amount of time or less.

It’ll be less stressful than the panic of cramming, and because you’ll learn more

you’ll also reduce the time you need to study in the future, because you won’t have

to re-learn the same information.

Make a plan and schedule short study sessions into your calendar, this is not about marathon,

intensive periods of study.

Review information from each class, starting a day later.

After you’ve covered the most recent class, go back and study important older information

to keep it fresh.

And don’t just re-read your notes - that’s ineffective.

Use the other strategies in this video.

And leave 2-3 days between study sessions on the same subject, the key is consistent

short study sessions over time.

Switch between ideas during a single study session for a particular class, this is called

interleaving.

Don’t study one idea, topic or type of problem for too long.

Switching will highlight and contrast the similarities or differences between topics

or types of questions.

If you’re doing problem solving, switching can help you choose the correct approach to

solve a problem.

This strategy will encourage you to make links between ideas as you switch between them.

You want your mind to be nimble and easily able to jump between ideas and know how they

relate to each other.

Make sure you study enough information to understand an idea before you switch, you’ll

need to figure out what works best for you – don’t spend an entire session on one

topic, but don’t switch too often either.

Try to make links between ideas as you move between them.

And for your next study session, change the order you work through topics, because that

will strengthen your understanding even more.

Switching will probably feel harder than studying one topic for a long time, but remember, we

want to use what’s most effective, not what’s easiest.

The next strategy is for when you have your textbook and notes in front of you.

Ask yourself questions about how and why things work, and then find the answers in your class

material.

Explain and describe ideas with as many details as you can and connect the ideas to your daily

life and experiences.

This forces you to understand and explain what you’re learning, and connect it with

what you already know.

That helps you organize the new ideas and makes them easier to recall later.

Creating ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions makes you think about how ideas are similar

or different, and that improves your understanding.

Start with your notes and textbook and make a list of the ideas you need to learn.

Go down the list and ask yourself questions about how these ideas work and why.

Then go through your class material again and look for answers to your own questions.

Make connections between different ideas and explain to yourself how they work together.

The specific questions you ask and how you break down ideas depends on what you’re

studying, it might be math, science, history or something else completely.

Check out the description below this video for some examples.

Use specific, concrete examples.

Relevant examples help demonstrate and explain ideas, which helps you to understand them

better.

Human memory hooks onto concrete information better than abstract information, so always

look for real life examples you can relate to.

For example ‘scarcity’ is an abstract idea.

You can explain it as ‘the rarer something is, the higher its value will be’.

But we’ve used abstract terms to explain an abstract idea.

Not so helpful.

So we use a specific example to illustrate the idea.

Think about a ticket scalper.

If you purchase a ticket to a sports event at the start of the season, the ticket price

is reasonable.

But as the game day gets closer and the two teams are now at the top of the ladder, more

people buy tickets.

This scarcity drives up the cost of the tickets and the ticket scalper charges more for the

tickets.

That’s a concrete example of an abstract idea.

You can collect examples from your teacher or professor, search your textbook or notes,

and look out for examples in your daily life.

Thinking of your own relevant examples is most helpful for your learning, but be careful

to confirm with your teacher that your examples are accurate and relevant to the idea you’re

learning.

Make the link between the idea and the example, and you’ll understand how the example applies.

Combine verbal material with visuals.

Doing this gives you two ways of understanding and remembering the information later on.

Find visuals in your notes and textbook and examine how the words are describing what’s

in the image.

Then do it the other way around – how does the image represent what’s described by the

text?

Look at the visuals and explain in your own words what they mean.

Then take the words for your class materials and draw your own picture for them.

Try to create different ways to represent the information, and start to use this strategy

when you practice retrieving your knowledge later on.

And just to clarify, this is not about learning styles.

A great deal of research has shown that assessing your learning style and matching your study

approach to that style does not improve your learning.

Just because you might prefer pictures doesn’t mean it’s the most effective way for you

to learn.

You learn best when you combine words and visuals.

And finally, this is the single most valuable study skill to help you boost your performance,

so it’s definitely worth mastering.

Practice retrieving everything in your head you already know about a topic.

Put away all your notes and textbooks and write down or sketch out everything you know

right now.

Why?

Because retrieving your knowledge like this reinforces what you’ve learned and makes

it easier to remember later on.

But also, improvement comes with practice.

If you want to get better at recalling information in exams, then you should practice recalling

information now, just like you practice any other skill.

Plus it highlights what you don’t know and that’s where you should focus your study

time.

Makes sense, right?

So what’s the best way to do this?

Take as many practice tests as you possibly can, even if you have to make them up and

swap with a friend.

Or just start with a blank piece of paper and empty your brain, write out everything

you know, draw sketches or concept maps linking all the ideas together.

Make sure you do this a while after you’ve learned something, so put away your notes

– this is not about reciting information you’ve just glanced at in your textbook.

Once you’re finished, check what you’ve written against your class material.

What did you get right or wrong, and what didn’t you recall at all.

That’s perfect feedback and shows you where you need to get better.

Now you know the six study strategies academic research says are the most effective, here’s

a simple way to recall them for your next study session.

If you’d like some free downloadable posters about these 6 strategies to put on your wall,

follow the link in the description below this video.

Thanks for watching, bye!