Study Skills Flashcards

Which study technique involves testing yourself on material instead of simply re-reading it?

Answer: Active recall

Active recall means retrieving information from memory (e.g. with flashcards or practice questions), which strengthens retention far more than passive re-reading.

The 'spacing effect' in learning refers to the finding that:

Answer: Studying a topic in short sessions spread over time improves retention more than one long session

The spacing effect shows that distributing study sessions over days or weeks leads to better long-term retention than massing all study into one session (cramming).

What is the primary purpose of the Pomodoro Technique?

Answer: To break work into focused intervals separated by short breaks

The Pomodoro Technique uses timed intervals (typically 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) to sustain concentration and avoid burnout.

Which of the following is considered a passive study strategy with relatively low effectiveness for long-term retention?

Answer: Highlighting or underlining text

Highlighting and underlining give an illusion of learning but do little to strengthen memory because they don't require active engagement with the material.

What does the term 'metacognition' mean in the context of studying?

Answer: Thinking about and monitoring your own learning process

Metacognition is awareness and understanding of your own thought processes, which allows students to evaluate what they know and don't know, and adjust their study strategies accordingly.

Which environment factor has been shown to most reliably improve study focus for most students?

Answer: A consistent, dedicated study space with minimal distractions

A dedicated, distraction-free environment helps train the brain to associate that space with focused work, reducing the mental effort needed to get started and stay on task.