6 Methods for Achieving Ideal Studying
The ways students study differ from one
another, leading to varying levels of academic achievement and final results
throughout the school year.
Some excel at memorization and make it
their primary study method, while others rely on writing down key points and
summarizing their textbooks. Some study out loud, and others spend long hours
with their books, highlighting important passages in bright colors.
Curriculum and teaching-method experts warn
against the false sense of mastery or “illusion of familiarity,” where
information becomes visually familiar, causing the brain to believe it has
understood it, even though the student may not be able to recall it when
needed.
Dr. Pooja Agarwal, author of Powerful
Teaching, introduces new methods for effective and successful studying,
including:
First: The Blank Page Technique:
This technique involves studying a specific chapter or section of the
curriculum, closing the book, and then summarizing the key points on a blank
sheet of paper. You then compare it with the main source to identify the gaps
that need review and deeper understanding.
Second: Teaching Others:
One of the most effective study methods is explaining what you have learned and
understood to someone else. This helps cement the information and adds more
depth to your learning and comprehension.
Third: Flashcards:
This tactic is commonly used for studying definitions, concepts, and equations.
It involves writing a question on one side of the card and the answer on the
other.
Fourth: Active Recall:
This method focuses on testing your knowledge, recalling information quickly,
and answering as many questions as possible. In a scientific experiment,
students were divided into two groups: one group read the study material four
times, while the second group read it once and tested themselves three times.
After a week, results showed that the group using active recall retained 56% of
the information, while the rereading group retained only about 42%.
Fifth: Interleaving:
This technique involves mixing different types of problems, concepts, or
related equations within a single study session. It enables the brain to
practice the skill of “discrimination” and promotes deeper understanding rather
than block-style studying, where the student focuses on one topic for long
hours.
For example, instead of solving 20 problems on Theory A and then 20 on Theory
B, the student should alternate between them—solving a variety of problems
(e.g., 5 from A and 5 from B).
Sixth: Spaced Repetition:
Peter Brown, author of Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning,
recommends using spaced repetition. This method involves reviewing information
and study material at intervals instead of cramming in a single day. For
instance, review the lesson today, again after two days, and again after a
week. Research shows that students may lose more than 50% of new information
within just 24 hours if it’s not reviewed effectively.
Learning experts also recommend using apps
such as Anki or Quizlet, which are built on spaced-repetition
algorithms that automatically determine the best time to review each piece of
information.
Read Also:
-
5 Ways to Assist your Child with Their Studying
-
From Emptiness to Achievement
-
AI in Education: Cognitive Advancement or Intellectual Laziness
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