Overview
This section leans on insights by cognitive scientists about how the brain learns and presents evidence-based strategies for effective studying. To succeed, students need study systems and habits that can help them build confidence and mastery in any content area. Use the materials here to help students gain a foundational understanding of how we learn, an understanding of proven study strategies and some practice in testing and adapting them to their own purpose and style.
Objective
Students should be able to:
- Describe how our brains retain information;
- Explain how several research-based study techniques maximize learning, and
- Select and adapt study techniques to suit their own learning tasks.
Introductory Questions
- How do you study?
- Why do you study this way?
- Does it work?
Videos
Short videos help tap into multiple modes of learning and can provide a good introduction to or illustration of a topic. See suggested protocols for classroom viewing.
- Evidence Based Study Strategies
Illustrated video from Northern Illinois University about study strategies - The 9 BEST Scientific Study Tips
Illustrated video created by ASAPScience, recommended by the www.learningscientists.org - Study strategies Youtube playlist
Contains a wide range of short videos curated by www.learningscientists.org
Readings
All readings should be paired with a structure or protocol, especially if any reading will be completed in class.
- Metacognition: The Neuroscience of Learning
Takes a dive deep into the cognitive aspects of learning. - Ask the Cognitive Scientist: What Will Improve a Student’s Memory?
Addressed to teachers, this 7 page article explains how memory works: how to commit things to memory to avoid forgetting, and to know when one has studied enough. It provides examples for classroom demonstrations to make the abstract ideas more vivid for students.
Activities
Activities include individual or group tasks that can be completed in less than one class period; some activities may be repeated in a sequence and are re-listed here for ease of access.
- Applying Evidence-Based Study Strategies
Based on the video: Evidence Based Study Strategies in this activity, students learn evidence-based study strategies and reinforce their understanding through practical application. This activity uses Bloom’s Taxonomy as the content for students to apply the strategies, though other content could work just as well. - Managing Attention and Distractions
Based on the Metacognition: The Neuroscience of Learning chapter from LaGuardia OER textbook. This activity focuses on managing attention and recognizing the importance of eliminating multitasking as a study strategy. Students are presented with research that analyzes the impact of distractions on cognitive performance and learning outcomes and perform an exercise to experience this first hand.
Resources
- Six Strategies for Effective Learning posters
Provides a one pager for six different learning strategies from www.learningscientists.org - Six Strategies for Effective Learning Presentations
Ready to use slide on the 6 effective learning strategies from www.learningscientists.org - The Learning Scientists
A podcast for teachers, students, and parents about evidence-based practice and learning.
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