Studying Techniques Tier List

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Justin Sun, learning coach, head of learning at I can study, former medical doctor.

• Format: Two-part tier list on common studying techniques. First part ranks based on common usage; second part on effectiveness with improvements.

Techniques Ranked Based on Common Usage

Pre-Study

• Description: Studying before the main learning event (e.g., lecture, intensive study session).
• Rank: B
• Effectiveness: Mixed; can improve with modifications.

Practice Papers

• Description: Using practice papers to test knowledge and identify gaps.
• Rank: A
• Effectiveness: Generally good; hard to do wrong.

Brain Dumps

• Description: Free recall by dumping all known information.
• Rank: C
• Effectiveness: Time-consuming and often not high-quality.

Pomodoro Technique

• Description: Time management technique involving short bursts of study (e.g., 25-minutes) followed by breaks.
• Rank: A
• Effectiveness: Great for focus and concentration, solid starting point.

Flashcards

• Description: Using flashcards to learn and recall information.
• Rank: D
• Effectiveness: Often misused, leading to overwhelming experiences and limited benefits.

Space Repetition

• Description: Reviewing material at spaced intervals.
• Rank: S
• Effectiveness: Excellent for long-term retention.

Findan Technique / Self-Explanation

• Description: Teaching yourself or explaining concepts to find gaps in knowledge.
• Rank: A
• Effectiveness: High-quality recall and synthesis.

Active Recall

• Description: Recalling information from memory, usually without cues.
• Rank: A
• Effectiveness: Very effective; can be improved for even better results.

Sleep

• Description: Ensuring adequate rest for memory consolidation.
• Rank: S
• Effectiveness: Crucial for learning and cognitive performance.

Summary Pages

• Description: Condensing notes into concise summaries.
• Rank: C
• Effectiveness: As effective as brain dumps, can be improved.

Watching Videos and Lectures

• Description: Consuming educational content via videos/lectures.
• Rank: D
• Effectiveness: Low yield, not often used effectively.

Mnemonics

• Description: Memory aids such as acronyms or phrases.
• Rank: B
• Effectiveness: Can be powerful if used properly.

Listening to Music

• Description: Listening to music while studying.
• Rank: D
• Effectiveness: Generally ineffective, often detrimental.

Cornell Note Taking

• Description: Structured note-taking method involving keywords, notes, and summaries.
• Rank: B
• Effectiveness: Encourages concise summarizing during learning events.

Mind Maps

• Description: Visual diagrams linking concepts.
• Rank: C
• Effectiveness: Often misused and ineffective without proper technique.

Re-reading and Highlighting

• Description: Re-reading texts and highlighting key points.
• Rank: D
• Effectiveness: Very low benefit, hard to make it work effectively.

Conclusion

• Part two will cover how to upgrade and modify these techniques for better results.