Marty Lobdell - Study Less Study Smart

Pierce College District WA2 minutes read

Typical college freshman reading efficiency varies from 5 minutes to 4-5 hours, impacting study success. Taking regular breaks, planning rewards, and creating a dedicated study space are crucial for optimal learning and focus.

Insights

  • Taking a 5-minute break every 30 minutes boosts studying efficiency, while planning enjoyable activities after studying reinforces learning.
  • Designating a specific study lamp, creating a dedicated study space, and taking regular breaks significantly improve focus, retention, and overall learning outcomes.

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Recent questions

  • How long should a college freshman study efficiently?

    College freshmen typically read efficiently for 5 minutes to 4-5 hours.

  • How often should students take breaks while studying?

    Students should take a 5-minute break every 30 minutes of studying.

  • What is the impact of environmental cues on studying efficiency?

    Environmental cues significantly affect studying efficiency.

  • How can students improve long-term retention of concepts?

    Understanding concepts through active learning is key for long-term retention.

  • What study method can help students study effectively?

    The SQ3R study method involving survey, question, read, recite, and review is effective for studying.

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Summary

00:00

"Maximize Study Efficiency with Breaks"

  • Typical college freshman reading efficiency: 5 minutes to 4-5 hours.
  • University of Michigan study: Students lose focus after 25-30 minutes of studying.
  • Janette's failed study approach: 6 hours of continuous studying led to failing grades.
  • Efficient studying graph: Decline in efficiency after 30 minutes of studying.
  • Breaks during studying: Taking a 5-minute break every 30 minutes boosts efficiency.
  • Study breaks and rewards: Plan enjoyable activities after studying to reinforce learning.
  • Study environment impact: Environmental cues affect studying efficiency.
  • Dorm room study challenges: Multi-purpose dorm rooms hinder focused studying.
  • "Study Lamp" experiment: Designating a specific lamp for studying improved focus.
  • Practical advice: Take regular breaks, plan rewards, and create a dedicated study space for optimal learning.

15:53

Effective Study Tips for Improved Learning

  • Get a lamp for studying, turn your desk away from the bed to avoid sleepiness, and have a blank wall, lamp, and books ready.
  • Turn on the lamp to start studying and turn it off after 15-30 minutes to maintain focus and create a study routine.
  • Students who followed this routine had a 1-grade point increase compared to those who didn't.
  • Avoid studying in areas with food cues like the kitchen to prevent distractions and focus on studying.
  • The living area is not ideal for studying due to distractions, but if necessary, minimize noise and distractions to create a study environment.
  • Break studying into chunks, reinforce learning, and create a dedicated study area for better focus and retention.
  • Understand the difference between learning facts and concepts, with a focus on grasping concepts for long-term retention.
  • Active learning through understanding concepts is more effective than rote memorization for efficient learning.
  • Ensure understanding of concepts by putting them in your own words, as memorization without comprehension is ineffective.
  • Deep processing of information, like evaluating the value of words, leads to better retention and understanding compared to superficial thinking.

30:20

"Memory, Study Groups, and Effective Learning"

  • Short term memory lasts about 20-30 seconds.
  • After 30 seconds, recall as many words as possible.
  • Group focusing on counting vowels remembers about 30 words on average.
  • Group thinking about usefulness on a deserted island remembers 10 words.
  • Meaningful pieces relate to existing knowledge, like adding to a file system.
  • Meaningless pieces are new and don't fit with established knowledge.
  • Study groups significantly improve performance, especially in complex subjects.
  • Highlighting only the most important information in textbooks is crucial.
  • Recognition is often confused with recollection in memory.
  • Proper sleep, active learning, and recitation are vital for effective studying.

44:27

Effective Study Method: SQ3R and Mnemonics

  • SQ3R is a study method involving survey, question, read, recite, and review.
  • Surveying involves looking through a chapter, asking questions, and looking at pictures.
  • Asking questions while surveying helps in retaining information better.
  • Creating a set mindset helps in finding specific information more effectively.
  • Reading should be followed by recitation and then review before a test.
  • Starting studying early and using SQ3R method helps in effective studying.
  • Mnemonics, like acronyms, coined sayings, and interacting images, aid in memorizing facts.
  • Mnemonics are systems that facilitate recall, like taking notes.
  • Mnemonics like acronyms help in remembering lists or sequences.
  • Interacting images, especially weird ones, are highly effective in remembering facts.
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