Study skills proven to be scientifically effective:
Re-reading vs retrieval
One famous study explored how students felt about their revision by comparing those who did lots of re-reading with those who did self-quizzing (technically known as retrieval practice). The study found that, given the choice, students much preferred to re-read. This is presumably because it is safe, comfortable and doesn’t force them to confront what they do or don’t know. As such, they leave their revision with a false sense of confidence and with their short-term self-esteem intact. However, when looking at the students’ exam results, the study found that students who did the retrieval practice tended to perform better.
The extent to which students prefer this less effective studying method is actually quite dramatic. Another study found that 84% of students use re-reading as a revision strategy, with 55% of them stating it was their favourite strategy to use.
Teachers can help students here by doing two things. The first is to explicitly teach them the benefits of retrieval practice. Second is to help them understand exactly what retrieval practice looks like. This could include flashcards, mind maps, multiple choice quizzes or even verbal questions and answers. If students know how to use these study techniques and recognise why they work, they are more likely to use them.
Study Tools – 6 scientifically tested strategies that work
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