Introduction
The capacity to study efficiently, essential to their academic performance, is one of the most critical abilities for professors to teach their students. Strategies based on psychological learning theories can considerably improve students’ capacity to learn and retain information. Multitasking is one example of a contemporary distraction that might undermine these efforts—giving kids the keys to their academic potential by teaching them these efficient study techniques. This essay will examine various evidence-based study techniques and the effects of multitasking on learning, offering a road map for enhancing student performance and achievement.
Recommended Study Strategies for Students
Spaced repetition, a method rooted in the cognitive learning theory, is one advised study method. This method involves reviewing the information at progressively more regular intervals over time. Students are more likely to remember information for extended periods when they revisit it regularly (George et al., 2023). The explanation is that every review session strengthens the neural connections in the brain, improving the memory of the material.
Elaborative interrogation, or actively challenging facts while learning, is the second technique that I advise. According to cognitive theories, this active learning method encourages pupils to pay close attention to the subject matter (George et al., 2023). Students can better comprehend the topic and increase their retention by challenging the material and making connections between it and their prior knowledge. This approach encourages critical thinking and curiosity in addition to knowledge consumption.
Finally, retrieval practice or self-testing is yet another effective study technique. This method, which is rooted in the operant conditioning theory, includes bringing up memories to enhance learning and retention (George et al., 2023). Students can strategically direct their study efforts by receiving feedback on their knowledge and lack thereof. In essence, self-testing establishes a learning loop in which feedback is the basis for a new learning cycle.
The Risks of Multitasking: Cautions and Considerations for Students
On the other hand, multitasking, which is common among students, can undermine the efficacy of these techniques. Cognitive psychologists have thoroughly studied the impact of multitasking on learning. The widespread consensus is that human brains cannot perform many cognitive tasks at once (George et al., 2023). As educators, we are responsible for supporting students in creating habits that improve rather than compromise their cognitive functioning.
The brain switches between activities frequently during multitasking, which leads to cognitive overload and lowers productivity. According to George et al. (2023), this split attention can result in a lack of concentration, mistakes, and a general decline in understanding and retention of information. Therefore, it is essential to warn students about the negative consequences multitasking has on their academic performance. Students can better appreciate the concrete effects of multitasking on their learning by highlighting the neuroscience underlying it.
The idea that multitasking on digital devices improves learning is widely held, yet studies show that while technology has many advantages, multitasking when studying can cause cognitive overload (George et al., 2023). It is essential to teach students about this trap so they can stay away from it and concentrate on only one activity at a time. Understanding how to use technology for learning while watching for potential adverse effects is critical to digital literacy.
Conclusion
Students’ learning and memory recall can be significantly improved by employing four research-backed study techniques: spaced repetition, in-depth questioning, and self-testing. Multitasking, which can exhaust cognitive resources and hinder learning, can, however, negate the advantages of these tactics. Therefore, it is crucial to educate pupils about the drawbacks of multitasking and the advantages of paying attention to one thing at a time to ensure successful learning. Ultimately, these approaches and warnings, based on knowledge of the mind’s operations, can assist students in taking control of their educational journey.
Reference
George, S., Piferi, R., & Kelley, B. (2023). Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Worldview (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing.