Science-backed Studying
Studying can be a hurdle for anyone at any age. For many students, the challenge can be carving out the time to study while putting life on the back burner. For others, this challenge can be finding the right method; they might be reading and re-reading the same information repeatedly without absorbing any of the information. While reading is beneficial and crucial to the learning process, simply re-reading class materials hinders the absorption process rather than benefiting it. To gain the most from your classes and study sessions, you must participate in what we call “active studying." This could involve creating flashcards and testing yourself, teaching the material to someone else, or even applying the concepts to real-life scenarios. These methods of active studying help you construct and deconstruct the materials and make real-life connections that will stay with your brain for a longer duration.
Many of us need help with our attention span and staying motivated in our work and studies. The Pomodoro technique, based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility, helps build repetition and routine and rewards students with small breaks to rest their brains. A simple and effective technique, the student selects a singular task to hone in on. Then, a timer is set for 15-30 minutes; beginners can start as small as they need, and more advanced users of this technique may take advantage of longer durations of time. When the timer is finished, the student may take a water, rest, or exercise break. One tip many students have for others is to stay off your phone. Find another rewarding activity to do during that break, and lock your phone away until the end of your study session. Repeat this process several times, and then take a much-deserved 30-minute break before diving back in!
Another way to study while improving your attention span is the interleaving technique. Interleaving is when you study multiple subjects, weaving them into your study time so that you don’t just focus on one subject. For instance, if you're studying math and science, you could alternate between solving math problems and reviewing science concepts. This process is excellent for challenging subjects like math and science so that the student can take a “break” with another subject and have their eureka moments while their brain focuses on a new task. This also allows students to find the comparisons and connect from one subject to another. Think about how your subjects overlap and interact with one another as you study and find their connection!
For students who need hands-on experience, Dual-coding is a technique that can’t be beat. Students will start by reading or learning about their subject in the classroom or while studying. Then, as they continue their day-to-day lives, they take the information learned and turn it into visual or tangible creations. Whether you make a Venn diagram, draw the Alamo, or even create a pasta tower of Pisa, Dual-coding is a great way to encode information in your brain. Students must be actively participating, though, or this technique won’t work! Don’t draw the same picture or make the same piece repeatedly. Get creative and get active with your learning!
We have learned quite a few study techniques for the unorthodox learner today. Paying attention and staying engaged can be a hurdle at any age, but our choices and actions are always in our control. Choosing to study is the first step, and it can be hard to find the right resources, so give these techniques a try and remember to tweak them as you go. For instance, if you find the Pomodoro technique too rigid, you could try adjusting the work and break times to better suit your concentration levels. Make the study technique work for you, not the other way around. We always have the power to leave and try again, so keep trying! Remember, the key is to keep experimenting and finding what works best for you!
