Psychology Professor's Viral Study Techniques: A+ Students Love It! (Part 1)

Introduction

This tutorial outlines effective study techniques developed by Psychology Professor Marty Lobdell, designed to help students study smarter and achieve better grades. By applying these scientifically backed strategies, you can enhance your learning potential and retain information more effectively.

Step 1: Understand the Science of Studying

• Recognize that cramming for long hours is often ineffective.
• Understand that the brain requires time to process and retain information.
• Focus on how studying less but more effectively can lead to better academic results.

Step 2: Use Active Learning Techniques

• Engage actively with the material instead of passively reading or highlighting.
• Summarize what you’ve learned in your own words.
• Teach the material to someone else; this reinforces your understanding.

Step 3: Space Out Your Study Sessions

• Break your study time into smaller, manageable chunks.
• Space these sessions over several days or weeks, known as spaced repetition.
• Aim for 25-50 minute study sessions followed by short breaks to improve retention.

Step 4: Apply the Pomodoro Technique

• Set a timer for 25 minutes to focus on studying.
• After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break.
• Repeat this cycle four times, then take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

Step 5: Create a Study Schedule

• Plan your study sessions in advance, allocating time for each subject.
• Use a calendar or planner to keep track of your study goals and deadlines.
• Consistency is key; try to study at the same time every day.

Step 6: Eliminate Distractions

• Find a quiet place to study where you can focus.
• Turn off notifications on your devices or use apps that block distractions.
• Consider using background music or white noise to enhance concentration.

Step 7: Test Yourself Regularly

• Use practice quizzes or flashcards to test your knowledge.
• Self-testing helps reinforce what you’ve learned and highlights areas needing improvement.
• Aim to simulate exam conditions to build confidence for actual tests.

Conclusion

By implementing these study techniques from Marty Lobdell, you can transform your study habits and significantly improve your academic performance. Focus on active learning, spaced repetition, and self-testing to maximize your retention and understanding of the material. As you adopt these strategies, consider keeping a reflective journal to track your progress and identify what works best for you. Happy studying!