# data[].attributes.body
I chose this video because it explains a good technique that anyone could use to better them study and comprehend what they learn. This particular video explains the Feynman Technique and how to use it. This technique is where you are essentially trying to write down and explain a concept as if you were explaining it to someone else. You write down and define the topic with examples then find areas that you had trouble in and go back and look at the source material. Once you understand that then you would go back and try to define the concepts in simple terms. I personally like this technique as it allows you to reinforce what you know and really understand what you are learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique (Example Included)

# data[].attributes.body
I chose this video to go with the topic because explains strategies to take notes can help to make sure that you know what you are writing and that you cover all your bases. In the video he explains five different note taking strategies that were found to be the most effective. The strategies include the outline method, Cornell method, mind map method, flow method, and the write on the slides method. I personally have hear of only a few of these methods before watching the video but they all sound great for taking notes. I did find out that I have been using the outline method, or something pretty similar to it, in the past without even knowing it. From my own experience the Cornell method works pretty well for me but I may try using one of the other methods in the future to see if there is any difference.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best Methods - College Info Geek

# data[].attributes.body
I chose this video because it explains a technique to studying that allows you to remember more of what you learn and less time doing it. In the video he explains the technique of spaced repetition. This is essentially is where you take breaks between study sessions and the breaks become progressively longer. It utilizes the spacing effect where we remember things better when there is more space between learning it. I think this is a really useful method as anyone can use it and it can be used from practically anywhere. This method would allow you to remember information faster and spend less time studying.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Most Powerful Way to Remember What You Study

# data[].attributes.body
I chose this article to go with the theme of study techniques as it was an article published by a college and provided methods and tips to help people study. This fits with the video because it mentions a lot of similar tips such as taking breaks and finding a style of learning that fits for you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Transitioning from high school to the rigor of college studies can be overwhelming for many students, and finding the best way to study with a new course load can seem like a daunting process.

Effective study methods work because they engage multiple ways of learning. As Jessie Schwab, psychologist and preceptor at the Harvard College Writing Program, points out, we tend to misjudge our own learning. Being able to recite memorized information is not the same as actually retaining it.

"One thing we know from decades of cognitive science research is that learners are often bad judges of their own learning," says Schwab. "Memorization seems like learning, but in reality, we probably haven't deeply processed that information enough for us to remember it days-or even hours-later."

Planning ahead and finding support along the way are essential to your success in college. This blog will offer study tips and strategies to help you survive (and thrive!) in your first college class.

1. Don't Cram!

It might be tempting to leave all your studying for that big exam up until the last minute, but research suggests that cramming does not improve longer term learning.

Students may perform well on a test for which they've crammed, but that doesn't mean they've truly learned the material, says an article from the American Psychological Association. Instead of cramming, studies have shown that studying with the goal of long-term retention is best for learning overall.

2. Plan Ahead-and Stick To It!

Having a study plan with set goals can help you feel more prepared and can give you a roadmap to follow. Schwab said procrastination is one mistake that students often make when transitioning to a university-level course load.

"Oftentimes, students are used to less intensive workloads in high school, so one of my biggest pieces of advice is don't cram," says Schwab. "Set yourself a study schedule ahead of time and stick to it."

3. Ask for Help

You don't have to struggle through difficult material on your own. Many students are not used to seeking help while in high school, but seeking extra support is common in college.

As our guide to pursuing a biology major explains, "Be proactive about identifying areas where you need assistance and seek out that assistance immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to catch up."

There are multiple resources to help you, including your professors, tutors, and fellow classmates. Harvard's Academic Resource Center offers academic coaching, workshops, peer tutoring, and accountability hours for students to keep you on track.

4. Use the Buddy System

Your fellow students are likely going through the same struggles that you are. Reach out to classmates and form a study group to go over material together, brainstorm, and to support each other through challenges.

Having other people to study with means you can explain the material to one another, quiz each other, and build a network you can rely on throughout the rest of the class-and beyond.

5. Find Your Learning Style

It might take a bit of time (and trial and error!) to figure out what study methods work best for you. There are a variety of ways to test your knowledge beyond simply reviewing your notes or flashcards.

Schwab recommends trying different strategies through the process of metacognition. Metacognition involves thinking about your own cognitive processes and can help you figure out what study methods are most effective for you.

Schwab suggests practicing the following steps:

Before you start to read a new chapter or watch a lecture, review what you already know about the topic and what you're expecting to learn.

As you read or listen, take additional notes about new information, such as related topics the material reminds you of or potential connections to other courses. Also note down questions you have.

Afterward, try to summarize what you've learned and seek out answers to your remaining questions.

6. Take Breaks

The brain can only absorb so much information at a time. According to the National Institutes of Health, research has shown that taking breaks in between study sessions boosts retention.

Studies have shown that wakeful rest plays just as important a role as practice in learning a new skill. Rest allows our brains to compress and consolidate memories of what we just practiced.

Make sure that you are allowing enough time, relaxation, and sleep between study sessions so your brain will be refreshed and ready to accept new information.

7. Cultivate a Productive Space

Where you study can be just as important as how you study.

Find a space that is free of distractions and has all the materials and supplies you need on hand. Eat a snack and have a water bottle close by so you're properly fueled for your study session.

8. Reward Yourself

Studying can be mentally and emotionally exhausting and keeping your stamina up can be challenging.

Studies have shown that giving yourself a reward during your work can increase the enjoyment and interest in a given task.

According to an article for Science Daily, studies have shown small rewards throughout the process can help keep up motivation, rather than saving it all until the end.

Next time you finish a particularly challenging study session, treat yourself to an ice cream or an episode of your favorite show.

9. Review, Review, Review

Practicing the information you've learned is the best way to retain information.

Researchers Elizabeth and Robert Bjork have argued that "desirable difficulties" can enhance learning. For example, testing yourself with flashcards is a more difficult process than simply reading a textbook, but will lead to better long-term learning.

"One common analogy is weightlifting-you have to actually "exercise those muscles" in order to ultimately strengthen your memories," adds Schwab.

10. Set Specific Goals

Setting specific goals along the way of your studying journey can show how much progress you've made. Psychology Today recommends using the SMART method:

Specific: Set specific goals with an actionable plan, such as "I will study every day between 2 and 4 p.m. at the library."

Measurable: Plan to study a certain number of hours or raise your exam score by a certain percent to give you a measurable benchmark.

Realistic: It's important that your goals be realistic so you don't get discouraged. For example, if you currently study two hours per week, increase the time you spend to three or four hours rather than 10.

Time-specific: Keep your goals consistent with your academic calendar and your other responsibilities.

Using a handful of these study tips can ensure that you're getting the most out of the material in your classes and help set you up for success for the rest of your academic career and beyond.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 10 Study Tips to Study Like a Harvard Student - Harvard Summer School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Adjusting to a demanding college workload might be a challenge, but these 10 study tips can help you stay prepared and focused.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose this article to go with the topic of studying techniques as it explains some active study strategies that can be used to help you better understand what you learn and how to actually use it on your own time. This article connects to the videos because it explains several active study strategies and some of them consist of the mind maps and flow chart from the second video on note taking methods and explaining a topic in your own words which was essentially what the first video was talking about.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cognitive science research has shown us that active studying is a method or strategy where the student cognitively engages and interacts with the material they are learning. With that reference, we identify passive studying as consuming information through merely reading or listening, whereas active studying is the processing of information by engaging in the content through discussion, analysis, synthesis, problem-solving, reflection, questioning and practice.

Examples of Passive Strategies

Flashcards

Rewriting notes

Reread chapter summary & outline

Memorize theories

Reread textbook

Highlight material

Review highlighted material

Examples of Active Strategies

Explain material in your own words, speak it aloud

Formulate and write down questions as you read

Answer practice questions and seek to do additional practice questions/problems

Relate theories to real life examples, interests or stories

Develop a concept map or flow chart to organize material

Break diagrams down into smaller parts to explain how each part of the process works together

Participate in group discussions and group study sessions

Introducing Active Study Strategies into your Routine

There are a few things you can do to help increase your ability to learn new concepts or ideas. The first is making the information meaningful by using active study strategies which include looking at relationships between ideas, understanding how ideas are connected to big picture concepts or relating new information to what you already know. To navigate the journey of active studying you can follow the following three steps, 1) prepare 2) attend 3) review. Each step connects to some of Study Lab's links with valuable tools and resources that you can explore and utilize to maximize your study time and ensure that you understand and remember the information.

1. Prepare

To be able to focus on class and process information effectively it is important to prepare mentally for class and to become familiar with the information for the class. By preparing before class, you prevent your mind from wandering and your brain is already set in the mode to receive and process information. Being prepared for class also reduces stress and anxiety, and you will be able to focus which supports your likeliness to succeed. How to prepare for class:

Survey topics/concepts for class lectures

Read summaries and required readings

Preview lecture slides

Write down questions and thoughts of inquiry

Reflect over questions/comments to ask

Prepare outline/framework for notetaking

SQ3R Method for Effective Reading

Be Present - Prioritize Wellbeing

2. Attend

Listen actively to understand the material and answer the questions you formulated during preparation.

Engage: ask and share meaningful questions and comments.

Take notes: use shorthand abbreviations, which will allow you to write faster.

Cornell Note-taking System

3. Review

Another especially important technique to remember information long-term is spaced repetition and review. To ensure that we can remember new learning long term, we must consistently review concepts and build relationships between material. Here are some resources and links to tools/techniques you can apply during spaced review.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cognitive science research has shown us that active studying is a method or strategy where the student cognitively engages and interacts with the material they are learning.