How to learn and study effectively

 

Learn how to learn

 

Living in the information age means that we constantly have access to an infinite amount of information at out fingertips. However, having access to such a vast array of information means that new perspectives, developments, and theories are inevitable. Hence we constantly have to learn and unlearn various pieces of information, skills and knowledge. 

How often have you forgotten important information a few days after memorizing it?  How much information can you recall from your classes at school, college or university? Being bombarded with new information and knowledge can be overwhelming. Often, we find ourselves cramming a large body of information, only to forget it in a few days. But what if you could make it easier to retain and recall information? Over the years a variety of techniques have been developed to improve our recollection of information such as:

1. The Feynman Technique

2. Spacing or Spaced repetition

3. Interleaving

4. Retrieval Practice

 

In today’s blog, we will break down these four techniques.

The Feynman Technique, developed by physicist Richard Feynman, is fairly simple to implement. This technique involves breaking down complex information into more simpler and comprehensive pieces of information, and then teaching (or pretending to teach) that information to a child. By simplifying the information and teaching it to others, we can identify any gaps in our knowledge regarding certain topics. Moreover, we actively learn by continuously filling gaps in our understanding and simplifying the information comprehensively.  This technique avoids the hassle of memorizing information and focuses on understanding topics. Various research has shown that the Feynman technique is useful in improving the academic performance of “slow learners”, and also improves self-confidence, self-efficacy and meta-cognitive and cognitive skills.

 

Spacing involves the use of repetition to improve memory recollection and is based on Hermann Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve. According to Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve- which is an inverse curve-a large amount of information is forgotten within a short space of time and the rate of forgetting slows down over time. To elaborate, the Forgetting Curve illustrates that up to 70% of information is forgotten within the first 24 hours of learning but decreases to 20% of information being lost after 5 days of learning.  To use the spacing technique, one will need to start studying early to allow enough time to learn the material. In other words, no cramming!  As an example, you could learn a specific topic for an hour or two on one day, and then review the same material a few days later. In this way, we forget some of the material, re-learn it, and then retain more of the material. By repeating this process of learning, forgetting and re-learning, we are able to recall information for a longer period of time.

 

Interleaving involves integrating different topics or subjects during a single study session. For example,  for mathematics, instead of focusing solely on solving inequalities during a study session, you could practice solving a few trigonometry problems, then a few probability problems and then statistic problems. As another example, you could study mathematics, then biology and then chemistry within a 4-hour study session. Interleaving does incorporate spaced repetition because you are not extensively studying one piece of information at the same time, rather you are practicing pieces of information over a longer period while allowing yourself to learn, forget and relearn the material. By using interleaving you are maximizing your time allocated to studying and you can compare differences and similarities among various topics and problem-solving methods.

 

Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information from memory rather than reading the same pieces of information repeatedly. You can practice retrieving information by using flashcards and completing mock tests etc. The process of retrieving information from memory forces you to apply your knowledge and synthesize information and this helps to consolidate the information learnt and prevents the forgetting of the information over time.

 

While these techniques can be effective on their own, it is best to incorporate as many techniques as possible in your study sessions. These techniques may not be easy to implement immediately, but they are effective in the long term.