In my last blog post I wrote about a new app that can help you to practise their English. But what about techniques to help you organise your time, find the right way to remember and improve your English?
Here are seven study techniques along with a brief explanation of each and their effectiveness:
1. Active 🗣️ Recall:
Encourages recalling information from memory rather than passive reviewing. This technique has been proven effective in strengthening long-term retention and understanding.
Instead of simply re-reading notes or textbooks, active recall requires the learner to actively generate answers or retrieve information from their memory.
This technique typically involves practices such as self-quizzing, flashcards, or summarizing information without looking at the source material.
By actively engaging with the content and testing one's knowledge, active recall helps strengthen memory retention, enhance understanding, and promote long-term learning. Research suggests that the effort required during active recall contributes to more robust and lasting memory traces compared to passive learning methods.
2. Spaced 🔁 Repetition:
Involves reviewing information at spaced intervals to optimize memory retention. This method is supported by research and helps reinforce learning over time.
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time.
The core idea is to schedule reviews in such a way that you revisit the material just as you're about to forget it.
This method is based on the spacing effect, which suggests that information is better retained when it is studied multiple times with intervals between each review.
Here's how spaced repetition typically works:
1. Initial Learning:
Learn new material for the first time.
2. First Review:
Review the material shortly after the initial learning.
3. Second Review:
Review the material again after a longer interval, just before you're likely to forget it.
4. Subsequent Reviews:
Continue the process, with each review spaced further apart.
Spaced repetition can be implemented manually, but it's often more effectively done with the help of specialized software or apps. These tools use algorithms to determine when you should review specific pieces of information based on your performance and the spacing intervals.
The benefit of spaced repetition is that it optimizes memory retention, making it an efficient method for long-term learning. It has been widely used in various educational contexts and has shown positive results in enhancing memory and recall.
3. Mind 🧠 Mapping:
Visualises information in a hierarchical and interconnected manner. Mind maps can enhance understanding, organization of concepts, and facilitate recall during exams.
The mind mapping study technique is a visual learning method that involves creating a graphical representation of information to enhance understanding, organization, and recall.
A mind map is a diagram that starts with a central idea or topic and branches out to connect related concepts, facts, and details.
Here's how to create a mind map:
1. Central Topic:
Start with the central topic or main idea in the center of the page
(For example English "phrasal verbs")
2. Branches:
Create branches radiating from the central topic, representing major subtopics or key concepts related to the main idea (for example "phrasal verbs about: work, study, relationships, etc.)
3. Sub-Branches:
Further extend branches to include more detailed information or subtopics related to each major branch (here you'll write the phrasal verb that fits in the branch)
4. Keywords and Images:
Use keywords, short phrases, and even images to represent ideas within each branch. This aids in memory recall and reinforces understanding.
5. Connections:
Connect related branches to show relationships between different concepts. This helps to illustrate the overall structure and connections within the information.
The mind mapping technique is effective for various types of learners, as it engages both visual and associative thinking. It promotes a holistic view of the subject, aiding in comprehension and memory retention. Mind maps are particularly useful for organizing complex information, brainstorming, and reviewing material before exams or presentations.
4. Pomodoro 🍅 Technique:
Uses short, focused study sessions (typically 25 minutes) followed by a brief break. This technique helps maintain concentration and prevent burnout, promoting efficient learning.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
Here's how the Pomodoro Technique works:
1. Choose a Task:
Select a task you want to work on (for example past continuous and past perfect in English)
2. Set the Timer:
Set a timer for 25 minutes (this is one "Pomodoro").
3. Work on the Task:
Focus on the chosen task until the timer rings.
4. Take a Short Break:
Take a short break, around 5 minutes, to relax and recharge (leave the rooom, make yourself a coffee, go outside, stretch out a bit, etc)
5. Repeat:
Repeat the process. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
The technique is named after the Italian word for "tomato" (pomodoro) because the inventor, Francesco Cirillo, initially used a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato.
The Pomodoro Technique is designed to improve productivity and concentration by breaking work into manageable, focused intervals, preventing burnout and maintaining motivation. It's a simple and widely used method to enhance time management skills.
5. Group 🤓 Study:
Involves collaborative learning with peers. Explaining concepts to others and engaging in discussions can deepen understanding and expose individuals to different perspectives.
6. Flashcards:
Utilises concise cards with questions on one side and answers on the other. This method is effective for self-quizzing and reinforcing key facts or concepts.
Here's how the flashcard technique typically works:
1. Materials:
Prepare a set of cards, commonly referred to as flashcards. Each card should contain a question or a term on one side and the corresponding answer or definition on the other side.
2. Active Quizzing:
Engage in active quizzing by covering one side of the flashcard and attempting to recall the information. This promotes active recall, a powerful memory enhancement technique.
3. Immediate Feedback:
After attempting to recall, flip the card to check the answer. Provide yourself with immediate feedback on your accuracy.
4. Repeat and Review:
Repeat the process with the entire deck, focusing more on the cards where you struggled. Regularly review the flashcards to reinforce your memory over time.
Flashcards are versatile and can be used for various subjects, including vocabulary, definitions, formulas, historical dates, and more.
7. Teaching 👩🏼🏫 Others:
Involves teaching the material to someone else. This technique is based on the idea that teaching reinforces the learner's understanding, making it a powerful method for comprehension and retention.
If you can't or don't have anybody to teach English you can instead teach or quiz yourself.
The effectiveness of these techniques can vary from person to person.
It's often beneficial to combine multiple methods based on individual learning preferences and the nature of the material being studied.
Experimenting with these techniques and adapting them to personal preferences can enhance their impact.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Catherine
💛
🐝 Follow The Language Bee on Instagram, Facebook and Threads for more English tips, lessons and to improve your English skills!
Opmerkingen