Study Strategies
For a considerable time, memory has been the subject of study. Scientists investigate the phenomenon of memory loss to grasp its causes and mechanisms. Students will likely find this subject to be quite fascinating to study. To explain the phenomenon of memories deteriorating with time, (Anderson, 2020) proposed two primary explanations. The original concept’s decay hypothesis asserted that memories lose their vividness with time. The interference theory, the second theory, posits that acquiring new knowledge might lead to forgetting previously learned material (Anderson, 2020). Both sides have presented their arguments, which seem to be supported by facts and sound reasoning. Regardless of the situation, there must be strategies that may help individuals enhance their memories to lessen the probability of forgetting newly obtained knowledge. According to (Squire, 2004), there are several learning styles, and as a result, some strategies that work well for one individual may not work as well for another. Methods used throughout the learning process aid in consolidating information in a person’s memory (Squire, 2004). After reading this material, there are various strategies to choose and use. I will now offer three innovative alternatives.
Choosing an appropriate time of day to study will be my first technique. Anderson examined the concepts of emotional congruence and state-dependent learning (2020). These two instructional techniques believe that the state of mind an individual learns is also the condition in which that knowledge may be most effectively remembered (Anderson, 2020). Personal experience has taught me that I can best recall information when I am calm and composed. In the past, I would attempt to cram as much material as possible into my memory when studying for exams. Nevertheless, I can alter my study habits now that I know the need to check to learn and retain information. The evening is an optimal period for memory consolidation, according to (Anderson, 2020), who suggested evening study. In terms of practical application, I want to create a soothing atmosphere both during tests (by doing things like burning candles and playing music in the background) and while I study (by doing things like those).
The second method I want to use to improve my learning habits is to study knowledge meaningfully. According to (Anderson, 2020), additional context should be provided to give information greater weight. This will increase my chances of remembering the knowledge I have been learning. (Rohrer & Pashler, 2010) suggest interleaving study sessions as opposed to blocking learning strategies. Due to my diverse study habits, I can classify each subject. Before moving on to a new topic, a repetitive study of previously studied information is a strategy known as blocking. According to (Rohrer & Pashler, 2010), the learning process may be fragmented and stretched across extended periods, which assists in storing information in long-term memory. My education will be more dispersed, giving me more opportunities to transform the material into a more meaningful narrative. If I allow my mind the necessary time to assimilate the information, it will ultimately be able to comprehend what I am learning. Consequently, I will have a solid basis when I resume studying the subject matter.
Instead of focusing on recognition, studying should be conducted to retain information. Students using this instructional method are required to review previously covered material. According to (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008), practicing material facilitates the transfer of knowledge from short-term memory to long-term memory. This phase of the learning process is essential. To enhance the learning process, they recommend testing one’s ability. According to (Anderson, 2020), assessing oneself under stress is an effective method for improving memory recall. (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008) recommend that you continue to take examinations until you can retain the material instead of just identifying it. When we declare that we recall something, we imply that we are retrieving information from memory, which indicates that the data is likely already stored in our long-term memory. Nevertheless, recognition is a memory that is only temporarily retained and does not result in long-term learning (Anderson, 2020). I will finally keep the material with repeated exposure and be able to remember it quickly and accurately whenever required (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008). I will design my flashcards and test myself in the real world or employ online testing programs like Kahoot. If I want to master the process of acquiring new knowledge, I must use all three ways. I can focus on my homework better if I am surrounded by peace and tranquility. I will be able to begin learning the knowledge in a meaningful manner after I have regained my composure and regularly evaluate the accuracy of my information processing. This chapter has provided me with three methods that will assist me in enhancing my current study habits.
Response:
I procrastinated throughout my high school and college years. When faced with the assignment, I convinced myself that I was a better student. I was unmotivated. Since procrastination worsened my study habits and sleep routine, I concentrated on what facilitated my learning. I needed to determine which learning style suited me best (Squire, 2004). I was unaware that sleep affects learning and memory. I was under the impression that I would recall everything if I crammed the night before an exam. But I continuously had terrible exam scores. (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008) emphasized repetition and practice for content acquisition. It takes time to study and practice a subject before a test. Like you, I did not value sleep while I was in college. It is difficult for me to focus and recall knowledge in class. I felt disappointed with my performance and realized I had to alter my routines. I stopped procrastination and began planning study time. I, too, found that tactile learning enhanced my memory.
I agree wholeheartedly that mnemonics are an excellent learning aid. When trying to memorize a lengthy list, I often use these techniques. In contrast, I’ve discovered that the most effective way to remember things is to use music or poetry that have particular significance to me when I’m trying to think of prospective memory aids. (Anderson, 2020) Connecting different pieces of information makes it more relevant, easy to comprehend, and keep. I prefer to provide additional weight to things that are personal to me, which aids my memory when I need to recall information. Utilize any individual mnemonics while trying to study.
Your mention of self-efficacy concerning learning and studying piqued my interest. I believe that whatever we tell ourselves about our capabilities will be proven true or false. The term for this concept is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Cognitive behavioral therapy was one of the topics covered in my master’s degree program in counseling. Alternatively, you will likely succeed if you believe you can. My academic performance when I was younger was not exceptional. Frequently comparing myself to my intelligent sister caused me to mistrust my abilities. It wasn’t until then that anybody else recognized my intellectual brilliance, and it was then that I gained self-confidence. Many years later, my confidence in my intellect and ability to comprehend things is crucial to my ability to study and progress academically. I am grateful that you shared this innovative technique with me.
References
Anderson, J. R. (2020). Cognitive psychology and its implications (9th ed.). New York: Worth Publishers. ISBN: 9781319067113
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger III, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. science, 319(5865), 966-968.
Rohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2010). Recent research on human learning challenges conventional instructional strategies. Educational Researcher, 39(5), 406-412.
Squire, L. R. (2004). Memory systems of the brain: a brief history and current perspective. Neurobiology of learning and memory, 82(3), 171-177.
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