2 minute read
Memory Techniques
Learning to Learn
What does the Science of Learning tell us about how we can work smarter?
You might be surprised to learn that some of the most popular techniques for learning are not very effective, according to numerous studies. In “Strengthening the Student Toolbox: study strategies to Boost learning” (Dunlosky, 2013) researchers reviewed the claims backing up several different learning methods. Their conclusions point out that many common methods students use like re-reading, highlighting and underlining and summarisation are not very effective. They are notable in how they may give you a feeling of mastery and learning but don’t provide proper feedback to show what you haven’t actually learned, and are not effective for retention.
In contrast, here are two strategies that research tells us are among the most effective for learning: Retrieval Practice and Spaced Practice.
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval practice means trying to recall material you have learned, as opposed to re-reading it.
How could you do this with your revision?
1. FLASHCARDS
“Students should be encouraged to take notes in a manner that will foster practice tests. For instance, as they read a chapter in their textbook, they should be encouraged to make flashcards, with the key term on one side and the correct
answer on the other” (“Strengthening the Student Toolbox: study strategies to Boost learning”)
Making your own flashcards, which you then use to test yourself with, is a great way to help you learn.
2. PRACTISE EXAM QUESTIONS
Set a timer and recreate exam conditions.
Completing practice exam questions and then marking them yourself against the mark scheme is a good way to test yourself and get feedback on what you need to go over.
Re-draft. Once you have marked your work, re-draft part or all of it. Now you know the answers and what’s expected, can you re-draft it more effectively from memory?
3. BLANK MIND MAPS / KNOWLEDGE ORGANISERS
Once you have created your own completed Knowledge Organiser / Mind map for a topic, test yourself by seeing if you can rewrite the key points from memory on to a blank version. Creating the mind map alone and re-reading it is not enough, you need to recall the information in order to strengthen your memory.
Space out studying. There is a benefit of having time delays between your revision sessions for a topic. If you are revising a subject, you will maximise your chance of remembering the content if you revise topics over time. ‘Mass’ revision of individual topics all at once is less effective than revising topics ‘little and often’. Revising topics at a later point in time, when you may have forgotten some details, has been found to be more effective. Even if it feels frustrating to forget, it’s actually helpful in the learning process.
