TLDR;
In this video, Mike Dee shares effective study strategies that helped him graduate in the top five percent of his university without sacrificing his social life. He emphasizes the importance of studying smartly rather than just studying hard, presenting techniques that increase efficiency and retention. Key points covered include the importance of spreading out studying, avoiding pseudo-studying, engaging with the material actively, avoiding multitasking, and employing the Distributed Practice Technique to enhance learning outcomes.
- Spread studying over time rather than cramming.
- Eliminate unproductive habits such as pseudo-studying.
- Actively engage with study material to improve understanding and retention.
- Avoid multitasking to maintain focus and efficiency.
- Use the Distributed Practice Technique for better information recall over time.
Spread Out Your Studying [1:10]
Mike explains that many students study less at the beginning of the semester and increase their hours as exams approach, often leading to stress and cramming. He advocates for establishing a consistent number of study hours at the semester's start, allowing for thorough preparation without the need to catch up later. By adhering to this schedule, students can engage in focused learning activities, such as background reading and exploring supplementary materials, while others are still unprepared.
Eliminate Pseudo-Studying [4:18]
Mike highlights the danger of pseudo-studying, where students appear to study but are not effectively absorbing material. He suggests prioritizing tasks that genuinely contribute to exam success, such as practicing past papers, rather than spending excessive time on less impactful activities like reading textbooks or completing too many practice problems. To optimize study time, he recommends assessing how each task affects overall grades and adjusting time spent accordingly.
Active Engagement [6:32]
Active engagement is crucial for effective studying. Mike points out that merely reading notes isn't enough. Students should construct meaning by making connections, asking questions, and applying knowledge. Techniques like creating quizzes, teaching concepts to others, and developing visual aids such as mind maps can enhance active learning and memory retention, as opposed to passive activities like highlighting or re-reading.
Avoid Multitasking [8:28]
Mike discusses the negative impact of multitasking during study sessions. He refers to a study showing a correlation between multitasking and lower GPAs. To improve focus, he suggests eliminating distractions and concentrating solely on studying. He advocates for tools that help maintain concentration, as a focused student will retain significantly more information than one who is distracted despite spending the same amount of time studying.
The Distributed Practice Technique [9:46]
The Distributed Practice Technique involves spacing out study sessions over time rather than cramming. Mike recommends studying a little each day across different subjects, ideally for short periods. This method, first proposed by Professor Cecil Mates, promotes deeper processing of information and better recall. Mike emphasizes the importance of leveraging scientifically backed strategies to study more efficiently, ultimately leading to better grades with less overall study time.
