Science of Learning

Question 1

Long term learning

Answer 1

study in a way that sticks, but using the least total amount of study time; durable learning

Question 2

Multitasking

Answer 2

simultaneous completion of two or more tasks;
our brains are not wired to do two things at once, leading to switching;
this is extremely inefficient

Question 3

Diminishing return

Answer 3

at first, very productive, but as time goes on, attention levels start to decrease

Question 4

Pomodoro technique

Answer 4

for 25 mins, block out all distraction and focus on the task at hand
then, take a 5 min break, and return to another 25 mins of work;
after repeating the cycle 4 times, take a 30 min break instead

Question 5

Spacing effect

Answer 5

goal = to memorize random lists of 12 nonsense syllables;
in one day, it took 68 restudy attempts;
however, spread out between 3 days, only 38 restudy attempts

Question 6

Active memory search

Answer 6

when you’re forced to retrieve an answer from memory, the brain has to search through your memory;
this strengthens connections and creates a more coherent network of memory

Question 7

Practice testing

Answer 7

students benefit most from tests that require recall from memory, and not from tests that merely ask them to recognize the correct answer;
boosts long term memory;
decide what needs more studying

Question 8

Distributed practice

Answer 8

students will retain knowledge and skills for a longer period of time when they distribute their practice than when they mass it

Question 9

Interleaved practice

Answer 9

distributing practice across a study session and mixing up the order of materials across different topics; slow learning but greater retention; allows students to identify problems

Question 10

Elaborative interrogation

Answer 10

trying to explain why a fact is true; explanation may not be entirely correct but can still benefit understanding

Question 11

Self-explanation

Answer 11

explaining how the new information is related to information that is already known

Question 12

Rereading and highlighting

Answer 12

typically benefit from rereading when recalling texts from memory, but do not enhance understanding

Question 13

Summarization

Answer 13

the need for extensive training makes the strategy less feasible, but it is still an important skill to improve learning and comprehension although less effective than other strategies

Question 14

Keyword mnemonic and imagery for text

Answer 14

developing a keyword to represent a foreign term that is then linked to the translation using mental imagery;
increases retention of material, however the benefits are short-lived