How to Study in College: My Favorite Study Tip! (Learning Squared)

The best study technique in the world is a combination of Flash Cards, Retrieval Practice, and Spaced Repetition. See how in this video.
Every student is in college to learn something that will help them live a better life. The sad reality is that most students have never been taught how the brain actually learns. Why not use our understanding of the human brain to make sure that you study better, learn smarter, and increase the odds that you achieve your dreams.
This video is part of a presentation called The Learning Brain given by Dr. Frank O'Neill (Dr. O).
All images courtesy of Pixabay
Medical and Health Disclaimer:
This Video Presentation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or symptom. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this informational and educational Video Presentation. Your use and reliance on this Video Presentation is at your sole risk. If you believe you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

[@sierradawn8798]

I found this very informative. I will be using this technique for my current classes and my future classes.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

So glad to hear it

[@TapinDiscgolf]

Spaced retrieval practice I liked the three times repetition idea! This kind of reminds me of chunking, like how our brain remembers phone numbers. Also the idea of not studying what you know and studying what you don’t know is something I know I am definitely guilty of. Also I think of sports I play. For example different shots in frisbee golf. I practice backhand shots more than I do side arm. Then I always kick myself for not having a good side arm. Now I realize what I need to do. Great thoughts and easy to connect to the listener! Great thoughts!!!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Chunking is a very powerful tool as well. The bigger the chunks the better :)

[@taylormiller3115]

This is Taylor Miller your online A&P student and I think that this method is interesting and would work. I am going to try this next semester because that would make studying so much easier and really show you what you do and do not know! Thank you for sharing this method because I had never thought of it like that.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Always my pleasure to help. I truly want you to succeed

[@xolyanetzigonzalez5283]

I really find this method of learning interesting because you are right when we study we tend to go over all the material even though we already know some of it. This is a great way to understand what we need to focus on more but at the same time still keep studing material we already know so we don't forget it.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

There is no reason to study what you already know as much as what you don't :)

[@adriannaojeda8643]

This is a great learning and study strategy. It makes sense too. We've all heard of, "practice, practice, practice," and this is what we are doing with this method of learning. It's great for any skill as well not just school, that is what is so awesome about it. You can use it in everyday like with anything you want to learn and perfect!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I love things that work across all classes, topics, etc :)

[@abigailparker2857]

I have always like using flashcards as a studying method. I used the a lot for my medical terminology class in high school. However, I wish I would've known about the spaced retrieval method for using them. I can see how separating the cards into piles based on what you know and/or don't know can help a lot. Now that I think about it, there really isn't a point in studying something you already know just as much as something you don't know. (Abigail Parker - A&P)

[@GrowGrayMatter]

There is a good way, and a GREAT way, to use flash cards :)

[@twinders90]

I also have a couple study tips that may help other students. First off, having a physical copy of the textbook helps me out tremendously because I like to highlight important terms and information. Purchasing the textbook was an option and I highly recommend you get yourself the actual book, it's better to have it on hand than reading it online. Before I highlight, I like to read the chapter, section by section and I read it aloud, because this helps me retain the most information. I also answer the critical thinking questions aloud, sometimes i even write them down. And I don't read and highlight everything at once, I do it in sections so I don't cram and learn too much at once. Cramming it all in one session will not help me retain the information, so it's kind of a waste of time for me. I know learning A&P takes time, but if you have extra time, the practice retrieval technique which is making flashcards and putting them into 3 categories will help a great deal! I hope this post will help students study more effectively! Also, Dr. O's videos are very motivating and informational, keep up the great work Dr. O :-)

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Thanks for the kind words Tara. I do agree about the textbook for sure. Sadly I see a future without physical textbooks. I am glad that we will be able to bring costs down and help more students have access, but I think a lot of students are like you and will miss the ability to hold the book in their hands

[@madyberkenpas9732]

I have heard of spaced retrieval practice before from my old college. It really helped me get through a tough biology class and I’ve recently been utilizing it in my Surgical Procedures class. I think it’s a great technique to use. The very first time I do it, I have a huge pile of things I didn’t know right off the top of my head and maybe 3 or 4 cards in my know pile. As the days go by, it eventually evens out and after a while, I have only one or two left in the don’t know pile. I love this study method!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I’m so glad it works for you :)

[@lizmacharia-gould3338]

I find it beneficial to go over my notes and the videos simultaneously. I then make a study guide in my own words that I later on go through while highlighting what I deem as important. To find where I am in retaining information, I ask a family member or a study partner to quiz me. I have previously used flashcards in the past but *not in the manner that you explained in your talk. I had one big pile, and studied each card regardless of whether I had already mastered the information or not. I therefore was not successful using the flash cards because I felt like it was a large load to remember. This is an excellent study tool if used effectively. I will therefore try it the right way.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I truly hope that it helps you :)

[@telmaibarra7345]

This study tip is something I will be looking forward to working towards as I began my nursing career. I have always enjoyed working with flashcards and I have always used that setting in quizlet when studying, but I feel that if I do write the flashcards instead of typing it will better solidify the information I am studying. It is also so true that you never fully remember the information there is always room for improvement mostly when its a field that is constantly changing due to new technology and new medical information.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I know it will help!

[@dspinny]

Spaced retrieval practice is an awesome way to learn! I was struggling getting certain information to click. You discussed this method in class, one day. So I went home and used this method to study for the UNIT 2 test and I did much better then I did on the first test! Thank you so much for that :) These videos give me a sense of motivation, that I can learn. I now know you should get it right three times before moving on but always refresh because over the years, it is easy to forget!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

It definitely sounds like you take my message to heart. I know that this info can help so many people that are struggling

[@GrowGrayMatter]

+Denise Spindler I’m not as crazy as I seem ;) lol

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I am so glad to hear that you found this information useful. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you on your journey :). Be blessed! Dr. O

[@enockmburu127]

I am applying this idea of spaced learning as taught us in class and I am finding it effective. If I can retain the learned information, then I know I am progressing in my learning. This idea of flashcards has helped many students.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I am so glad it is helping

[@kristylander4603]

This helped me learn the hormones more efficiently. Work smarter not harder!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Hormones are a perfect thing to learn with flash cards Kristy :)

[@chriswalker7524]

Agreed, flash cards are one of the best retrieval practice for me. I also use quizlets flash cards too and that seems to help also. I have a dry erase board I use to, so the if I don't know the answer, I look it up and read it. sometimes I did flip it to see the answer and I'm like I know that. But if I actually have to write the answer then it seems more beneficial to me.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I agree 100%. Quizlet is fine, but I do believe writing out answers helps as well

[@twinders90]

This was also a great video because this is an awesome study tool to learn. I didn't know the name of this technique, but I started with flashcards and piles over the summer because I was preparing for A&P in the fall. I would just make 2 piles instead of 3. And the mistake I made was not going back to the terms and information that I already knew. Now, I haven't looked at the flashcards in quite a while. I'm sure I would be able to retrieve some of the information but I wish I never would of stopped studying. This video was really motivating to me and I'm going to start making flashing and utilizing this technique today, and follow through with it this time! Thanks for the study tip Dr. O!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Keep getting your learn on Tara!!! :)

[@jessiatwater8384]

This is a really good idea, i haven't even thought about flash cards since high school. But the moving them into different piles makes so much sense and i would have never thought of that. I am definitely going to try this next time we have a test!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Jessi lohmeyer let me know if it helps :)

[@isidropena2310]

Space retrieval practice seems simple but has not established for me until watching this video. In the example in which we study by repeating something multiple times until it is learned in a more frequent manner. The more we remember the less we have to study as you mentioned. I have been for most of my life been studying each and every problem that comes across me from top to bottom despite its difficulty which I now understand is wrong. I will definitely be making flashcards and taking advantage of this method. Thank you!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Let me know how it goes!

[@lucindacords8105]

Using different categories for flash cards is brilliant. I would just keep everything in the same pile. I also know that I was using recognition by turning the card over too quickly and recognizing the answer versus stating the answer first. Flash cards will be so much more productive now.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I love to hear it! I really do think that the separate piles is a huge game changer. If you only have 30 minutes to study, why spend a bunch of that time on things you already know well. It truly is about working smarter :)

[@rebeccadevries4915]

This is Rebecca DeVries from your Microbiology class. I think this studying technique is actually a really cool way to learn and make sure that you know things rather than just thinking you know it. I think that it is kind of awesome that you could use this technique for more than just studying for school, you can use it to learn how to play tennis or learn a new language. The way I study now is I look over my notes and I watch videos because I feel like they help me than just looking at information. However, I feel like I should really try this technique to see if it helps me learn and grow as a student. Great Video!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I know it will help you! I hope you give it a try :)

[@cristianolivares8111]

I actually did this while study for my unit exams! I didn't realize this until now but it was the same thing just in a different way. I would go through my study guide and read the question then answer it in my head and then look at the answer, if i got it right i would not highlight it. If i got it wrong i would highlight it and spend more time studying the ones i highlighted and then would go back to the ones i knew to make sure i did know it every once in awhile. Great tips! i will for sure continue to use this throughout college.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I have no doubt it will help you succeed!!!

[@jamaadcadey7092]

For me when it comes to study, I go over my notes and the study guide then I write everything step by step and erase and rewrite more than one because I can remember what write faster than what I read.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

That sounds like a great strategy

[@mandydavis433]

I have used flashcards. I find them very useful. Especially when there is alot of material that I'm not material with. I used it in my medical terminology class and my A&P. I have one pile that I try and study every night and then have another that I need to work on. I really like the way you have done it though. I feel like you might learn it alot easier than just trying to do all of them at once.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Med term is a great class for flash cards for sure Mandy. There are ways to use them in all classes, but some take more creativity than others :)

[@lilianjoel4985]

i have been using less of flashcards i think on this video it has taught me that the cards i read and then toss them away i should be keeping the cards well so that during any time of the day am learning i start with the cards then i read the next line of the cards think i have been studying differently but this video has taught me to ways of using my flashcards well, the more i remember the more i learn a lot but they stuff i know and the stuff i don't know i should not move things down too soon till i know them, this is the best quote i have gained, thank you teacher your an inspiration

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I hope that changing how you use flashcards has a big impact Lilian :)

[@chloeskogman4530]

I use flash cards for almost every test I take! I think they are the reason I pass my tests. I don't use the exact method you do. When I study I have two piles, one pile is the ones I don't know and the others are the ones I got right. I will go over the ones I don't know until I get them all right., then I just go threw all the note cards again until I feel good about it. I do however like your way of using flash cards, I just don't know if I can force my self to do it.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Use whatever works for you as long as you can tell that it works :)

[@heavensilvas8421]

HEAVEN SILVAS I love this idea! I did something similar to this as a freshman in high school when I was taking a medical terminology class. I think flash cards are an easy way to help you study and learn. I did however do it a little different when I was learning it. I would take the whole pile of flash cards and go over them over and over. I would of defiantly benefitted more if the ones I did know but them in a separate pile for like a once a week and the ones I had no idea about study those ones every day.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

It definitely sounds like you take my message to heart. I know that this info can help so many people that are struggling

[@samjanagajmer9198]

When I was taking Spanish classes in high school, I found the flashcard method very useful. I would go over the same card multiple times and if I couldn't guess the right answer, I would put it in the "I don't know" pile to go over it later. If all these steps in the method of studying with flashcards are followed, the things that I try to learn will actually remain in my brain. Repetition in studying is very important as it will get the thing that you are learning to be stuck in your brain. This is something I would continue to do because it was very advantageous in the past and I'm hoping to get back to that lifestyle.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I am so glad to hear that you found this information useful. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you on your journey :). Be blessed! Dr. O

[@hilary5468]

I definitely have been using flashcards wrong! Once I get the card right I usually just toss it aside, maybe look at it once more before the quiz or test. It makes so much sense to have piles and specific times to go back to them. This is going to help me next semester for sure, but I wish I would have watched this when I was taking medical terminology last semester.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Let me know if this way works better for you

[@tanishanelson828]

I really like to make Quizlet's and use them to play the games and flashcards and all the things that Quizlet offers to study. I use it because it offers me many ways to learn and study. Not only does it test me, but the repetition helps me to retain the information. I would like to handwrite flashcards, but I do not usually have time to write that many cards at once.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

So glad it helps you :)

[@brendashimer5271]

I quiz myself all of the time and often there are times I can recall an answer but only with a ton of effort so I can see how it is beneficial to review the question several times until the answer comes easily to mind before moving away from studying it. This is really a brilliant way to study. I likely won't make flash cards but I already do something similar to this by recalling things step by step, starting over at the beginning and going as far as I can before I need to review something, then I start at the beginning all over again and see how far I can go again. I am currently working on doing this with the chapter covering metabolism. I haven't got all of the way through flawlessly so I am working on it through the day in mini sessions until I get it.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

You absolutely do not need flash cards. They make it easy to do 1 thing at a time, but any technique that keeps you pulling info out of your head AND doing it on a regular basis will work just as well

[@mayracontreras6528]

Its funny, I just watched the first video in the series and my comment mentioned one of my study techniques which is flash cards. Its a very effective technique and has helped me every time I have used them. One thing that helped the most when I make flash cards is putting a symbol phrase or drawing on the front side as something to associate with the answer to build a long term connection to help remember it. For example say I made a flash cards listing the planets to help me memorize all their names, I could draw pluto ( the dog from mickey mouse) on the front of the card to remind me of the planet pluto.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

It is so nice to find mental connections that make sense for you. That is why I like creating my own cards and mnemonics rather than using things others have made

[@adamjones9803]

Hi Dr O'Neill awesome video thank you so much for sharing this :) May I ask, im a little confused with something you said. 1) You said to make sure you know it 3 times and then it goes into the next pile, the 3 day pile but then do you have to know it 3 times again before you move it to the every 5 day pile? 2) Also with so many many things to learn especially in the medical fields, then how do you suggest we do this per day. As in do it 25mins (pomodoro) and do this once a day per subject/topic, or its okay to have many many session in a day but just make each 25mins a different subject or can you do it multiple times (25mins session) per day even of the same subject if say you have 100s of flashcards for anatomy for example? 3) When do you actually do the understanding of the material or concept? Do you read understand and then turn the notes/books into a flashcard? thank you again Sorry for this hope it made sense, thank you :)

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Hi Adam. It is always my pleasure to help. The reality is that you need to try different things and find what works for you. Here are my thoughts: 1. I personally move cards from one stack to the next after 1 correct try (after the first move), but if you try that and find that you are getting too many incorrect, I would slow down and give it 2 or 3 attempts before moving it down the line. 2. 25 minutes is a great place to start, but it definitely is not a magic number. I also think that as you use these techniques you can increase the duration of each sessions. I have had some students that have started with 15 minute sessions (due to focus issues) that are now doing 60 minute Pomodoro sessions without any trouble. Medical school is a huge time investment. It will usually require several hours of study on most days. You could either try shorter sessions while bouncing around subjects, or build up to longer sessions. I personally don't like to spend more than 1 hour on a subject. I would switch gears and work on something else, then come back for more later :) 3. I like to create note cards as part of the learning process just like you said. When I was in college I would read the material while taking notes on the note cards. But, times have changed a lot. Now I have students watch my teaching videos and turn them (and my lecture outlines) into the note cards. I truly hope this helps. Reach out if there is anything else that I can do to help you succeed. Dr. O

[@adamjones9803]

@@GrowGrayMatter Oh wow you replied this is so awesome!!! thank you so so much for taking the time out. Ill make it quick firstly thank you what you said makes complete sense and im glad so ill try it all out. Finally question I have is I understand this is the spaced repetition and retrieval practice element of studying so when or where/when does the "understanding" of a topic (or idea or concept or process) come? I was thinking about this and thought perhaps it comes from the questions I will formulate on the cards this causing me to ask such as why do A happen before B and that way the understanding will come it self? thank you again sir!! :)

[@GrowGrayMatter]

@@adamjones9803 Great question. I love your idea of formulating questions on your own. That should take your understanding to the next level. Other strategies probably depend on your preference. I personally like to have students use case studies to make sure they can apply what they are learning. Others like to do brain dumps. But, if you want to know what I think is a great way to make sure you understand something: Teach it to someone else. Teach a study buddy, someone in your family, or just talk to yourself if that works for you :)

[@adamjones9803]

@@GrowGrayMatter Sorry for my late reply and thank you and so due to time always being so scarce hows this sound, use the pomodoro to turn videos/books/lectures into flashcards. Then use pomodoro to do the flashcards and finally use pomodoro to teach someone or yourself. Hows that for a study plan? thank you once again :)

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Adam Jones I think that sounds like a great place to start. If something is working, do more of it. Cut back on things that aren’t paying off as much as you hoped. Keep me posted on your progress. It sounds like you are going places :)

[@patriciatorres7160]

I like to use flash cards when there is a lot of information that I need to remember, but sadly I have to say that I don't have too much time as I wanted to stay coming back to every pile. Every time that I start a new class I feel that I forgot what I learned from the last one.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Thanks for your honesty. I hope you continue to find strategies that help you learn for the long haul

[@emilyadcock1293]

I love to use flash cards when trying to learn bones or muscles. I even get my kids to help. Its fun for them and learning for me. I find that I repeat my deck several times in different orders until I get them all right. I never thought of separating them into piles that I study either every day or every couple days depending on whether or not I get it right.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I think having your kids help is a GREAT idea. You get practice, they get to learn as well, and you are showing them how important mom thinks learning is :)

[@nickylopez3267]

Bio 151 Nutrition (extra credit great tips, I used to do flashcards back in high school except not the way you explained. I used to study them every day all of them every time, which explains why they were only somewhat effective and would leave me completely drained. I have been using Quizlet and it helps me study but it does the same as far as continuing to study all of the flashcards every time. I will definately be looking into Anki. Thank you

[@GrowGrayMatter]

My pleasure Nicky. I really do think these tips will make your study time more effective. Let me know if it helps :)

[@ImJustAna10]

In the beginning of my A&P class, I didn't know how to effectively study for our unit exams. But I learned how to make flash cards for reviews and some based on notes. And at times when I can be overwhelmed over some chapters over others, I separate the cards by chapter so I am not as overwhelmed and I am not as tempted to just quit.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I am glad that you have found better ways to learn Ana :)

[@solomonwhitewing8163]

When time is available I try to go over my notes and say them out loud, I will ask google when I cant get the right pronunciation of words and it helps. But what really help are more in depth videos I can come across. Like when I was going over the endocrine system in A&P 1 I looked into endocrinology videos to get a better understanding of what I was looking at. One course the videos were very long and drawn out but it helped when it came to lecture. I also am getting into the habit of typing out my notes because I am taking a composition course next semester and want to be angel to handle any papers I need to write out or hand in. It works I save a fraction of paper that will be use for other things!

[@GrowGrayMatter]

It is so nice to hear that you are building a learning plan that works well for you. You seem very motivated and passionate. I know that it will pay off for you!

[@kristayoung9655]

I find the space repetition with flashcards are easier for me than anything else. I love using quizlet. I find it very useful if I am somewhere and have time to kill.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I think Quizlet is a great tool. I am too old school for it, but I get why it is appealing

[@shaykarr8740]

the only time i used flash cards was when i was in pharmacology. with me going thru other classes, learning the same thing has helped in many ways but hurt me in many ways because i know the answer but some questions that look the same are taught different and different for that particular subject. going thru different techniques has helped me with certain tests and challenging for subjects i do not know. but the flash card method has worked i just do not know how to do flash cards for different subjects.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

It is important to find the right fit for every subject. I think flash cards work well for anatomy too

[@GrowGrayMatter]

The only thing better than spaced practice and spaced retrieval practice is SPACED RETRIEVAL PRACTICE :). What do you like to do to study? Do you have any tips that will help other students?

[@clkeith1987]

I wish I could use flash cards but my problem with flash cards is I don't know what to write on them to keep them simple. I want to write a whole paragraph just to make sure I got everything and that's not the purpose of them. If I knew how to write flashcards then this tip would be very helpful.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

First things first. If you are making a flash card about a topic try writing the one thing that is most important about the topic. It will help you really think through topics and filter out the fluff :)

[@valerielangdeaux8816]

Yes! One of my favorite learning tools.. Flash card! I use them and make them a lot..Val

[@GrowGrayMatter]

They make studying so much easier. Except for having to haul them around :)

[@jessicavargas8165]

Woo! I recommend using flashcards. During my whole life, I had using flashcards for study; these are highly recommended especially when trying to memorize definitions. In contrast with Dr.Oneil, English is my second language, and I have many flashcards about words that I need remembering. When I have to study, and I am far away from my house, I always have flash cards in my bag. Good, advise of the Dr. Oneil when said that we need to classify them, to memorize each one of the cards depending on our learning.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Great minds think alike :)

[@madisonlee2048]

This is a great way to study and one that actually works for me! I also knew flashcards was the way I learned best but I was not using them in the most efficient way! EC video 5/5

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Every little bit helps :)

[@AUK2013]

Hi Dr may I ask in the flash card example you said if you answer a card incorrectly it goes back into the daily pile and if you answer it 3 times only then it moves to the next pile. By 3 times do you mean in that same study session when you come back round to it or do you mean after the pile is done you return the next day and the next so on separate learning/testing sessions so for this ie daily as it’s a daily pile? Hope that made sense thank you

[@GrowGrayMatter]

This is a great question. Honestly, it depends on how long I was studying. If it was a long study session I would see the same cards over and over, but I typically would go through all of the cards once, take a break, and come back later for another round. The 3 times is really just a general rule. The point is to be sure you know something well before it moves to the next pile. Play with it and you will get a sense for how often you need to see something to know that it has stuck :)

[@AUK2013]

Thank you ok I’ll try it also the daily pile must be done daily and the next pile of say every 2 days must be done then. What if you miss a day as life happens do you just get back on track? Thank you

[@GrowGrayMatter]

@@AUK2013 Absolutely. Life happens to use all. Just hop back in where you left off :)

[@AUK2013]

@@GrowGrayMatter awesome thank you so much Dr :)

[@GrowGrayMatter]

@@AUK2013 My pleasure to help :)