The Science of Studying
Unlocking the secrets to effective studying is a necessary journey for many students, bombarded with a plethora of techniques from various teachers and classes. From group studies to the Pomodoro method, we’ve experimented with numerous strategies, often feeling like we’ve invested time without grasping the underlying reasons behind their effectiveness. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of two study methods, unravelling not just how they work, but also exploring the scientific foundations that make them tools for academic success.
As long as students can remember they have been inundated with the age-old advice “Handwriting notes are crucial for success; your generation is too accustomed to using the keyboard.” Yet, the true efficacy of handwriting notes goes beyond mere tradition. While the convenience of a keyboard may be undeniable in the swift expression of racing thoughts, especially in essay writing, the act of penning thoughts with a pencil or a digital stylus engages the brain more deeply. This physical movement not only activates multiple regions of the brain but also, in the words of neuroscientist Audrey Van der Meer, provides the brain with more “hooks” to hang memories upon. A study comparing brain waves in students using pens versus keyboards was conducted. Electroencephalograms, measured and recorded brain waves and electrical activity. The electrodes identified the specific brain regions activated during each task. The findings revealed that writing with a pen activates more parts of the brain, engaging a greater number of neurons and enhancing both learning and information retention.
Furthermore, it has been established that students generally type faster than they write. However, opting for pen and paper slows down the writing process, compelling students to think more deeply. It is crucial to challenge the brain, as without such stimulation, it cannot achieve its full potential. In conclusion, students who took handwritten notes demonstrated the ability to recall information 25% faster compared to those who relied on a keyboard. This underscores the cognitive benefits associated with the deliberate and thoughtful process of handwriting.
In Mr. Chiems’ Biology class, students are introduced to a powerful method known as the ‘verbalization’ technique, specifically tailored for high-content courses like Biology. The primary aim of this approach is to shift away from the monotonous act of simply copying notes, recognizing its limited contribution to recall and retention. Notably effective, this method aligns well with the cognitive preferences of females, considering that men typically excel in spatial awareness, while women tend to have stronger verbal regions of the brain. The success of women in verbalization can be attributed, in part, to studies indicating that the Corpus Callosum, a C-shaped nerve fibre bundle beneath the cerebral cortex, is relatively larger in females compared to males. The Corpus Callosum plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between the brain’s left and right hemispheres, thereby supporting the integrated processing of verbal information. But what makes verbalization such a valuable practice for female learners? The answer lies in the enhanced capacity for verbal processing facilitated by a larger Corpus Callosum. To leverage this advantage, students can adopt various strategies to incorporate verbalization into their study routines.
To begin this effective study technique, start by anticipating potential questions or key concepts that may appear on a test. Create a concise list of keywords and short phrases associated with each question. Work collaboratively with a study partner, with one person taking on the role of the ‘speaker’ and the other as the ‘listener.’ As the ‘speaker,’ your task is to navigate through the list of keywords without referencing any external information. The initial attempts may be challenging, but repetition is key to improvement. The ‘listener’ plays a crucial role in correcting any mistakes made by the ‘speaker.’ This includes rectifying incorrect words, addressing missing facts, or rearranging information in the wrong order. If the ‘speaker’ encounters difficulty in providing an answer, the ‘listener’ should allow about 10 seconds for them to collect their thoughts before stepping in to correct them. This brief pause enables the ‘speaker’ to potentially arrive at the correct answer after a moment of contemplation. Immediate correction is essential when the ‘speaker’ makes a verbal mistake. Interrupting and correcting errors on the spot reinforces the importance of not continuing with inaccuracies, creating a clear mental signal. While the process may seem repetitive, it is beneficial for the ‘speaker’ to restart at the beginning of the list, repeating the correction process. Gradually, encourage the ‘speaker’ to elaborate on the concepts instead of merely reciting pre-written phrases. This progressive approach fosters the ability to explain concepts without relying on memorized answers. Moreover, incorporating group discussions and teaching concepts to peers amplifies the effectiveness of verbalization. These activities encourage the articulation of thoughts and ideas, further solidifying understanding and retention of the material. In adopting this dynamic study method, students can actively engage with the content, fostering a deeper and more comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
In exploring effective study methods, we’ve uncovered the scientific underpinnings of handwriting and verbalization techniques. Handwriting goes beyond tradition, engaging the brain more deeply and enhancing learning and retention. The ‘verbalization’ method tailored for high-content courses, taps into the cognitive preferences of females with a larger Corpus Callosum. As students adopt these dynamic approaches, actively engaging with content, they unlock keys to more effective learning experiences.