Brought by Don & Kaybee Color-Coded Notes Messy notes can make it hard to recall the important points. Writing in color is a dynamic way to organize the information you're learning. >It also helps you review and prioritize the most important ideas. >A recent study found that color can improve a persons performance. That same study found that warm colors (red and yellow) “can create a learning environment that is positive and motivating that can help learners not only to have a positive perception toward the content but also to engage and interact more with the learning materials.” >It also reported that warmer colors “increase attention and elicit excitement and information.”>Writing in color may seem like a no-brainer, but keep these tips in mind: * Write down key points in red. * Highlight important information in yellow. * Organize topics by color. * Don't color everything—just the most important information. Leitner System The Leitner System is a learning technique based on flashcards. Ideally, you keep your cards in several different boxes to track when you need to study each set. Every card starts in Box 1. If you get a card right, you move it to the next box. If you get a card wrong, you either move it down a box or keep it in Box 1 (if it’s already there). Each box determines how much you will study each set of cards, similar to the following schedule: * Every day — Box 1 * Every two days — Box 2* Every four days — Box 3 * Every nine days — Box 4 * Every 14 days — Box 5 The Feynman Technique is an efficient method of learning a concept quickly by explaining it in plain and simple terms. It's based on the idea, “If you want to understand something well, try to explain it simply.” What that means is, by attempting to explain a concept in our own words, we are likely to understand it a lot faster. How it works: * Write the subject/concept you are studying at the top of a sheet of paper. * Then, explain it in your own words as if you were teaching someone else. * Review what you wrote and identify any areaswhere you were wrong. Once you have identified them, go back to your notes or reading material and figure out the correct answer. * Lastly, if there are any areas in your writing where you used technical terms or complex language, go back and rewrite these sections in simpler terms for someone who doesn't have the educational background you have. The PQ4R Method This method takes an active approach to learning that improves memorization and understanding of the topic. Similar to the SQ3R method above, PQ4R is an acronym that stands for the six steps in the process. * Preview: Preview the information before you start reading to get an idea of the subject. Skim the material and read only the headers, subheadings, and highlighted text.* Question: Ask yourself questions related to the topic, such as, What do | expect to learn? What do | already know about this topic? * Read: Read the information one section at a time and try to identify answers to your questions. * Reflect: Did you answer all of your questions? If not, go back and see if you can find the answer. * Recite: In your own words, either speak or write down a summary of the information you just read. * Review: Look over the material one more time and answer any questions that have not yet been answered. SPACED REPETITION Spaced practice (also known as “distributed practice”) encourages students to study over a longer period of time instead of cramming the night before.When our brains almost forget something, they work harder to recall that information. Spacing out your studying allows your mind to make connections between ideas and build upon the knowledge that can be easily recalled later. To try this technique, review your material in spaced intervals similar to the schedule below: * Day 1: Learn the material in class. * Day 2: Revisit and review. * Day 3: Revisit and review. * After one week: Revisit and review. * After two weeks: Revisit and review. It's important to start planning early. At the beginning of each term, schedule some time each day just for studying and reviewing the material. Even if your exams are months away, this will help you hold yourself accountable. Retrieval Practice Retrieval practice is based on the concept of remembering at a later time. Recalling an answer toa question improves learning more than looking for the answer in your textbook. And, remembering and writing down the answer to a flashcard is a lot more effective than thinking you know the answer and flipping the card over early. If you practice retrieval, you are more likely to remember the information later on. Below are some ways you can implement the retrieval process into your study routine. * Utilize practice tests: Use practice tests or questions to quiz yourself, without looking at your book or notes. * Make your own questions: Be your own teacher and create questions you think would be on a test. If you're in a study group, encourage others to do the same, and trade questions. * Use flashcards: Create flashcards, but make sure to practice your retrieval technique. Instead of flipping a card over prematurely, write the answerdown and then check.