How to Study for Exams - An Evidence-Based Masterclass

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Hey friends. So this is a 3 hour evidence-based studying course that I filmed a few years ago and put on Skillshare, but now I want to make it available to everyone for free. In this class, I'll take you through the well-kept secrets of how to study effectively and organise your workflow to be ready for exams when they come around. We'll also discuss why studying effectively and efficiently is one of the best ways to maintain a work-life balance.

We'll break down (1) how to understand our content using techniques like the Feynman Method, Active Recall and various note-taking strategies, (2) how to remember our material with Spaced Repetition, Interleaving and various memory techniques, and (3) how to maintain focus while studying, from developing the motivation and discipline to do the work, to taking appropriate breaks and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

📑 STUDIES CITED:
Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes...
Effectiveness of highlighting for retention of text material (Fowler & Barker 1974): https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1974-3...
Type of Highlighted Material and Examination Performance (Leicht & Cashen 2014): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/1...
Better Mood and Better Performance: Learning Rule-Described Categories Is Enhanced by Positive Mood (Nadler et al 2010): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/...

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WHO AM I?
If we haven’t yet before - Hey 👋 I’m Ali, a doctor-turned-entrepreneur and I’ve somehow become the world’s most followed productivity expert. Through my videos here on this channel, my podcast Deep Dive and writing, I share evidence-based strategies and tools to help you be more productive and build a life you love.

⌚️Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:53 - 3 Steps to Effective Studying
04:46 - Understand Anything with The Feynman Technique
06:40 - The Science of Active Recall
08:44 - How to Learn New Content with Active Recall
10:25 - Taking Notes During Class
12:45 - Taking Notes After Class
17:40 - Scoping The Subject
20:16 - The Importance of Understanding
26:11 - Finding a Syllabus For Yourself
31:06 - The Magic of Spaced Repetition
35:11 - The Retrospective Revision Timetable
37:07 - The Spaced Repetition Journal
40:53 - The Power of Interleaved Practice
43:10 - Should You Reread Your Notes
45:10 - How to Highlight Effectively
46:50 - How to Use Flashcards Properly
56:15 - Flashcard Alternative - Google Sheets vs Anki
01:08:42 - Mind Maps
01:13:18 - Memory Techniques - Mnemonics
01:18:18 - Memory Techniques - The Peg System
01:23:50 - Memory Techniques - The Mind Palace
01:26:07 - The Essay Memorisation Framework
01:41:10 - The Active Recall Framework
01:58:10 - How to Use Anki Flashcards Properly
02:24:30 - Motivation is a Myth
02:31:44 - How to Reduce Distractions
02:35:32 - The Pomodoro technique - Pros and Cons
02:40:37 - The Best Music to Study With
02:42:54 - Maintaining Work Life Balance while Studying
02:46:28 - How to Study Effectively with Friends
02:48:35 - Conclusion

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