How to Study in a Group (If You Must)
Photo: Jacob Lund (Shutterstock) Study groups abound in college, but they’re not always the most efficient way to learn. They can easily devolve into pure social events—or weaker group members…
Use ‘Distributed Practice’ to Better Retain What You Study
There’s obviously no point in studying if you don’t remember what you went over when it’s time for the test—and one of the best ways to retain that knowledge is…
Revise Your Notes Before You Leave Class
Taking notes in class (or in meetings, or while watching an educational video) is a standard part of learning, and studies have suggested writing by hand helps you retain information…
The Three Most Important Parts of a Syllabus
At the beginning of every course, you are handed a syllabus. The best of them are short. The worst ones are way too long. They can include all kinds of…
Why You Should Actually Study Multiple Topics at the Same Time
You might think that learning and mastering one concept at a time is the best way to practice and retain it—but there’s actually a better method. It’s time to stop…
How the ‘Primacy Effect’ Can Help You Remember Information
Photo: Gorodenkoff (Shutterstock) Your brain is complex, but once you figure out its little intricacies—like that it can only store about seven units of information in short-term memory—you can exploit…
How Your Phone’s Background Can Help You Study
Photo: GaudiLab (Shutterstock) We love a tiny hack around here and sometimes, it’s the smallest ones that make a big impact. If you’re studying for finals right now, you might…
Four of the Best Ways to Study (but Not Cheat) With ChatGPT
Among the many initial concerns around AI and ChatGPT is that students would use it to write their school papers or essays or otherwise cheat on assignments. While you obviously…
The Best Way to Know If You’re Ready for a Big Test
Finals season is just around the corner, and tests happen all year long, but it’s never too late to learn a new method of studying—and this one is pretty effective.…
The Best Ways to Take Notes so You Actually Remember Information
Photo: Jacob Lund (Shutterstock) In class and in meetings, note-taking is important. You want to be able to review what was said, commit it to memory, and use it going…