Effective Exam Study Techniques

Introduction

• Importance of effective study techniques for success in school/college.
• Hundreds of scientific studies provide evidence-based strategies for learning.
• The speaker, Ali, shares personal experience from medical school and the discovery of effective study methods.

Overview of the Masterclass

• The masterclass is divided into three main parts:
  1. Understanding
  2. Remembering
  3. Focusing

Part 1: Understanding

• Understanding is crucial before memorizing.
• Feynman Technique: Explain concepts in simple terms as if teaching a child.
• Active Recall: Test yourself instead of passively reading.
  • Professor Dunlosky's research emphasizes the effectiveness of active recall.
• Note-taking: Handwriting notes is more effective than typing.
  • Handwritten notes improve retention.
• Scoping the Subject: Understand how topics fit into a larger framework to enhance understanding.

Key Techniques for Understanding

• Use the Feynman technique for self-explanation.
• Emphasize active recall through regular self-testing.
• Take notes during class to stay engaged and awake.

Part 2: Remembering

• The forgetting curve: memory decays over time, necessitating spaced repetition.
• Spaced Repetition: Review material at gradually increasing intervals to combat forgetting.
• Retrospective Revision Timetable: Track topics studied to optimize review sessions.
• Interleaving Practice: Mix different topics during study sessions for improved retention.
• Avoid ineffective methods like rereading and highlighting.

Flashcards and Memory Techniques

• Use Anki for flashcards with spaced repetition built into the system.
• Limit cards to one fact or concept to avoid cognitive overload.
• Mind Maps: Visualize connections between concepts to aid memory.
• Mnemonics: Create associations to remember lists or complex information.
• Peg System: Convert numbers to words/images for easier recall.
• Memory Palace: Use familiar locations to organize and recall information.

Part 3: Focusing

• Motivation vs. Discipline: Focus on discipline rather than waiting for motivation.
• Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to maintain focus.
• Minimize distractions by silencing phones and creating a conducive study environment.
• Incorporate breaks appropriately to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.

Study Groups

• Study with friends to enhance motivation and understanding.
• Designate roles or tasks to keep the study session organized.
• Allow time for silent reflection before answering questions aloud.

Conclusion

• Emphasize the importance of understanding and active engagement over rote memorization.
• Encourage utilizing a variety of study techniques to find what works best individually.
• Appreciate the journey of learning and the opportunity to enjoy the process.