Studying in a foreign environment presents unique challenges, but with the right techniques, international students can excel academically.
The team at ME+U, and with some help from those lovely people at the University of York, explain five proven study methods that can help you enhance your learning efficiency and academic performance, each depicted with a helpful illustration.
1. Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique where the same information is reviewed at increasing intervals. This method leverages the psychological spacing effect, enhancing long-term retention of the material. Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to create digital flashcards that automatically schedule reviews based on how well you know each piece of information.
Here is a great guide on Spaced Repetition
2. Active Recall
Active recall involves testing yourself on the material you are trying to learn, rather than passively rereading your notes. This technique forces your brain to retrieve information and has been shown to improve memory retention significantly. After reading a chapter or watching a lecture, close your book and write down everything you can remember. Identify gaps in your knowledge and review these areas specifically.
Check out this guide on Active Recall
3. Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a visual method of note-taking that can help you organize your thoughts and connect concepts in a meaningful way. Start with a central concept and draw branches to related ideas, using different colors and images to make the information more memorable. Mind maps are particularly useful for subjects that involve complex relationships between topics, such as biology or language studies.
Read York Uni's guide on Mind-mapping
4. Interleaved Practice
Interleaving involves mixing different topics or forms of study in one session. This approach can be more challenging than studying one kind of problem at a time but improves your ability to apply knowledge to new situations. For example, if you are studying mathematics, work on problems from algebra, geometry, and statistics in one session to strengthen your problem-solving skills across these areas. Here are some more examples:
Varying subjects: Study history, chemistry, and English literature in the same study session
Blending skills: Alternate between chord progressions, scales, and fingerpicking exercises when practicing guitar
Applying concepts: After learning a physics concept, work on problems that apply it to the real world
Mixing practice methods: When preparing for a tennis tournament, work on both forehand and backhand in each practice session
Mixing topics: Study a few addition problems, then a few subtraction problems, then a few division problems
5. Self-Explanation
Self-explanation is the practice of explaining an idea in your own words as if teaching someone else. This technique helps clarify your understanding and uncovers any misconceptions. As you study, pause frequently to explain the material aloud or in writing. Consider why concepts work the way they do and how they relate to what you already know.
Each method targets a different aspect of learning, so experiment with them and combine as needed to suit your study style and subject requirements.
Lots of love,
The ME+U Team and
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