Effective Study Tips

June 27, 2020

Some study techniques accelerate learning, whereas others are just a waste of time. Below are studying techniques that I used to great effect during undergrad.

Distributed Practice

Spread your study over time. I like to prepare for exams at least 2 weeks in advance and set milestones for each day. Maybe its a chapter, maybe its self testing, you have higher recall after spaced study

Organizing Notes

I strive to organize my notes in a manner such that I can share it with everyone in my study group. Not only does this help me identify what areas where my understanding is not concrete, but also gives a chance for my peers to point out gaps in my knowledge.

Teaching

I love to be part of study groups. Not only can my peers keep me accountable, but I observed that I put more effort to learn material when I know I might need to explain it to someone else (protege effect).

Lets talk about techniques that are not as effective and can give a false impression of studying…

Highlighting

Simple, quick, ineffective. Reduces ability to draw inferences.

Rereading notes or text books

The second reading seems valuable, not so much after that.