Effective Study Tips

Effective Study Tips
Han Wang
June 26th, 2021
Han's Blog



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.

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