Study Strategies for Effective Learning

Retrieval practice is the practice of bringing information

to mind.
Students who are quizzed over a longer period of time fare better on exams
than those who cram the night before. Finding ways to test yourself –
through in-lecture recall of information and self-created questions or flash
cards – can deepen your knowledge. A study partner also can quiz you and
help you clarify your areas of strengths and weaknesses in your knowledge
of the course material.

Space out your study sessions.

Spaced practice is all about finding and setting the right intervals for how often
you study the concepts and skills you have learned. Leave enough time that you
have started to forget (or completely forgotten) everything you studied in your
last study session. This will force your brain to go through the consolidation
process again, which will further strengthen your memory.

Interleaving is when you mix up your practice.

Interleaving also can help you see links, similarities, and differences between
ideas. Simply rearranging the order of material without changing any content
can increase learning. Incorporate previous quiz questions with current quiz
questions and randomize your flash cards. However, avoid switching topics or
problems too quickly or falling prey to multitasking. Multitasking has been
shown to be extremely ineffective when learning.

Embracing difficulties means accepting that learning

must be effortful.
These study strategies are hard, and that is a good thing. Even though
you may feel let down by letting memory deteriorate a little before studying
again, your learning will be deeper, and you will be able to retrieve it easier
in the future. For complex concepts, create a mental model of the
interrelated processes.

Avoid illusions of knowing that give the false impression of

knowledge mastery.
The act of monitoring your own thinking is called metacognition. The better we
get at metacognition, the less likely we are to make poor judgments about
what we know. Periodic reality checks through peer study and mentoring, as
well as instructor feedback, can highlight areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Resources
Study Smart Index
How to Use Retrieval Practice to Improve Learning – retrievalpractice.org/library
Brown, Peter C., et al. Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, Harvard
University Press, 2014.
Interleaved Learning video
JHU “Stress Busters”
Spaced Practice app
Microsoft Office schedule templates
Collaborating tools for students
APA guide to improving your memory
"3 C & Q Model" for discussion comments
Reserve a quiet place to study on campus
Reserve a group study room on campus
Meet with a JHU study consultant
Match with a global study partner online

Online flash card sites:

Canva
Quizlet
Adobe Spark