Effective and Productive Study Techniques for Exams

Presenter: Ali (Entrepreneur, Author, Former Doctor)

Introduction

• Effective study techniques are critical for transforming school/university experiences.
• Hundreds of scientific studies offer evidence-based strategies for efficient learning.
• Ali's background: Studied medicine at Cambridge University, struggled initially with exam preparation, found effective methods later, leading to improved grades and free time.
• Purpose: Sharing a masterclass on evidence-based study techniques for free, previously on Skillshare.
• Masterclass Structure: Split into three parts - Understand, Remember, Focus.

Part 1: Understand

• Importance of Understanding
  • Most crucial step in effective studying.
  • Mistake: Relying solely on memorization.
  • Focus on understanding before memorizing.
• Techniques for Understanding
  • Feynman Technique: Explain the topic to a friend or a five-year-old to ensure comprehension.
  • Active Recall: Test yourself regularly to reinforce understanding and identify gaps.
  • Taking Notes: During and after class to aid understanding.
    • Evidence shows handwriting notes is more effective than typing.
    • Summarizing content is generally low utility; focus on note-taking that enhances comprehension.
  • Scoping the Subject: Gaining a broad overview of the subject to understand where details fit within the larger picture.

Part 2: Remember

• Challenges in Remembering
  • Forgetting curve: Memory decays exponentially over time.
  • Addressing the forgetting curve with spaced repetition.
• Techniques for Remembering
  • Spaced Repetition: Review material at increasing intervals to reinforce memory.
    • Tools: Anki, Quizlet, Google Sheets.
  • Interleaving: Mix different topics within study sessions to enhance retention.
  • Avoiding Ineffective Methods: Re-reading and highlighting are less effective compared to active recall and spaced repetition.
  • Using Flashcards: Marrying active recall with spaced repetition; tools like Anki and Quizlet.
  • Mind Maps: Visual representation to understand and recall information better.
  • Memory Techniques: Mnemonics, peg system, memory palaces for complex information.
  • Essay Memorization Framework: Combining active recall, spaced repetition, and mind maps for essay-based exams.
    • Example: Create essay plans, memorize using flashcards, visualize using spider diagrams.

Part 3: Focus

• Motivation vs. Discipline
  • Motivation is unreliable; discipline is key to consistent study habits.
  • Techniques to increase task pleasure and/or punishment for not doing tasks.
• Avoiding Distractions
  • Techniques to reduce phone and internet distractions: Do Not Disturb mode, removing apps, using grayscale mode.
  • Creating a conducive study environment.
• Taking Breaks
  • Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, break for 5 minutes, repeat.
  • Adjusting break times based on personal focus capacity.
• Music and Studying
  • Music with lyrics is distracting; instrumental music or silence is preferable.
  • Mimicking exam conditions (silence) can enhance performance.
• Maintaining Work-Life Balance
  • Importance of physical and mental health over exams.
  • Strategies: Separate study spaces from relaxation spaces, integrate study with social activities, ensure proper nutrition and exercise.
• Studying with Friends
  • Forming study groups with motivated peers.
  • Using techniques like Pomodoro collectively.
  • Ensuring everyone participates actively.

Conclusion

• Recap of key techniques: Understand, Remember, Focus.
• Encouragement to use evidence-based methods for efficient and enjoyable studying.
• Reference to additional resources and Ali's YouTube channel for more study tips.

Important References and Tools Mentioned

• Books: "Make It Stick," "The Motivation Myth," "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
• Apps: Anki, Quizlet, Notion, Google Sheets, Forest (Pomodoro Timer)
• Techniques: Feynman Technique, Active Recall, Space Repetition, Interleaving, Pomodoro Technique, Mind Maps, Mnemonics, Memory Palaces.