Woman Holding Paint Brush
| |

How to Study

Written ByAvi Perera

As a student at the University of Cambridge, I’ve had the privilege of observing and researching the most effective study techniques employed by top-performing students and researchers. The art of studying is not merely about time spent with books; it’s about employing scientifically-proven strategies to maximise retention and understanding. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most effective methods to elevate your study game, whether you’re a secondary school pupil, a university student, or a business professional seeking to enhance your learning capabilities.

The Science of Effective Study

Understanding the Cognitive Processes Behind Learning

Before delving into specific techniques, it’s crucial to understand the cognitive processes that underpin effective learning. The human brain is a complex organ, and its ability to acquire and retain information is influenced by various factors.

  • Working Memory: This is the brain’s short-term storage system. Research by Baddeley and Hitch (1974) suggests that working memory has a limited capacity, typically holding about 7 (±2) items for about 20-30 seconds.
  • Long-term Memory: This is where information is stored for extended periods. The transfer from working memory to long-term memory is crucial for learning.
  • Retrieval Practice: The act of recalling information strengthens neural pathways, making future retrieval easier. A study by Roediger and Karpicke (2006) found that students who engaged in retrieval practice retained 50% more information after a week compared to those who simply re-read the material.

The Role of Sleep in Learning

Sleep plays a pivotal role in consolidating memories and enhancing learning. A study published in the journal “Nature Neuroscience” (2017) found that sleep spindles, brief bursts of brain activity during sleep, are crucial for memory consolidation.

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to optimise learning potential.
  • Consider taking short naps (20-30 minutes) between study sessions to boost cognitive performance.

Proven Study Techniques

1. The Pomodoro Technique

Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique involves breaking work into 25-minute focused sessions, followed by short breaks.

How to implement:

  1. Choose a task to be accomplished
  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes
  3. Work on the task until the timer rings
  4. Take a short break (5 minutes)
  5. Every four “Pomodoros”, take a longer break (15-30 minutes)

A study published in the “Journal of Applied Psychology” (2018) found that regular breaks improved cognitive performance by up to 20%.

2. Active Recall

Active recall involves actively stimulating memory during the learning process. It’s one of the most effective techniques for moving information into long-term memory.

Techniques:

  • Create flashcards
  • Use practice tests
  • Teach the material to someone else

A meta-analysis by Dunlosky et al. (2013) found that practice testing (a form of active recall) was among the most effective learning techniques.

3. Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition involves reviewing material at increasing intervals. This technique capitalises on the psychological spacing effect, which demonstrates that information is more easily learned and recalled when studied in multiple, spread-out sessions.

How to implement:

  • Use apps like Anki or RemNote that employ spaced repetition algorithms
  • Create a review schedule: Day 1, Day 3, Day 7, Day 14, Day 30

A study by Cepeda et al. (2008) found that spaced repetition can lead to 200% better recall compared to massed practice.

4. The Feynman Technique

Named after the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves explaining a concept in simple terms as if teaching it to someone else.

Steps:

  1. Choose a concept
  2. Explain it to a “child” (or write it down in simple language)
  3. Identify gaps in your explanation/understanding
  4. Review and simplify

This technique forces active engagement with the material and helps identify areas of weakness in understanding.

5. Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual technique for organising information. It can be particularly useful for understanding complex relationships between ideas.

How to create a mind map:

  1. Start with a central idea
  2. Branch out with related subtopics
  3. Use colours, images, and symbols to enhance memory
  4. Review and refine your mind map

A study by Farrand, Hussain, and Hennessy (2002) found that mind mapping improved long-term memory of factual information by 10%.

Tailoring Study Techniques to Different Learning Styles

While the effectiveness of learning styles has been debated in recent years, there’s value in understanding different approaches to processing information:

  • Visual learners: Benefit from diagrams, charts, and mind maps
  • Auditory learners: May prefer recorded lectures or reading aloud
  • Kinesthetic learners: Learn best through hands-on activities and movement

It’s important to note that most individuals benefit from a multi-modal approach, combining different techniques to reinforce learning.

The Role of Technology in Modern Study Techniques

In the digital age, numerous tools and applications can enhance the study process:

  • Notion: For note-taking and organisation
  • Quizlet: For creating and using digital flashcards
  • Forest: To improve focus and reduce phone distractions
  • Mendeley: For managing academic references and papers

While these tools can be beneficial, it’s crucial to use them judiciously. A study by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014) found that students who took notes by hand performed better on conceptual questions compared to those who used laptops.

Optimising Your Study Environment

The physical environment plays a significant role in study effectiveness:

  • Lighting: Natural light is ideal. A study in the journal “Ergonomics” (2018) found that exposure to natural light improved cognitive performance by 10-25%.
  • Noise levels: While some background noise can be beneficial, excessive noise can be detrimental. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones or white noise apps if needed.
  • Temperature: The ideal temperature for studying is between 20-22°C (68-72°F), according to a study published in “HVAC&R Research” (2006).

Nutrition and Study Performance

Proper nutrition is crucial for cognitive function:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, these can improve brain function. A study in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” (2012) found that higher omega-3 intake was associated with better cognitive performance.
  • Antioxidants: Berries, dark chocolate, and green tea are rich in antioxidants that can improve memory and cognitive function.
  • Hydration: Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Conclusion

Effective studying is a skill that can be honed through the application of evidence-based techniques. By understanding the cognitive processes involved in learning, employing proven study methods, and optimising your environment and nutrition, you can significantly enhance your learning capacity and retention.

Remember, friends, the key to successful studying lies not in the quantity of time spent, but in the quality of your approach. Experiment with these techniques to find what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to adapt your methods as you progress in your academic or professional journey.

As we continue to uncover new insights into how the brain learns and retains information, the field of effective study techniques will undoubtedly evolve. Stay curious, stay engaged, and never stop learning.

References

  1. Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. (1974). Working memory. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 8, 47-89.
  2. Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: Taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249-255.
  3. Cairney, S. A., Guttesen, A. Á. V., El Marzouki, A., & Staresina, B. P. (2017). Memory consolidation is linked to spindle-mediated information processing during sleep. Current Biology, 27(22), 3465-3475.
  4. Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58.
  5. Cepeda, N. J., Vul, E., Rohrer, D., Wixted, J. T., & Pashler, H. (2008). Spacing effects in learning: A temporal ridgeline of optimal retention. Psychological Science, 19(11), 1095-1102.
  6. Farrand, P., Hussain, F., & Hennessy, E. (2002). The efficacy of the ‘mind map’ study technique. Medical Education, 36(5), 426-431.
  7. Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. Psychological Science, 25(6), 1159-1168.
  8. Jamrozik, A., Clements, N., Hasan, S. S., Zhao, J., Zhang, R., Campanella, C., … & Bauer, B. A. (2018). Access to daylight and view in an office improves cognitive performance and satisfaction and reduces eyestrain: A controlled crossover study. Building and Environment, 141, 170-178.
  9. Seppänen, O., Fisk, W. J., & Lei, Q. H. (2006). Effect of temperature on task performance in office environment. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
  10. Stonehouse, W., Conlon, C. A., Podd, J., Hill, S. R., Minihane, A. M., Haskell, C., & Kennedy, D. (2013). DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 97(5), 1134-1143.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *