Education Archives

How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Studying

Do you tend to put off studying until the last minute? Do you cram rather than measure your time? In A Mind for Numbers, author Barbara Oakley addresses the problem of procrastination, particularly in the context of learning math and science. She explains why procrastination (including cramming) is a problem, outlines the four components of habitual procrastination, and shares seven strategies for overcoming procrastination. Keep reading to learn how to stop procrastinating and start studying.

Learn and Remember More With Information Chunking

What is information chunking? What does it have to do with your ability to remember what you learn? Information chunking is the process in which your memories get consolidated into “chunks” of related information in your brain. As your brain’s file management system, it’s a vital part of the learning process. You can use chunking to learn new problem-solving techniques that will come in handy—especially as you learn math and science. Continue reading to learn about information chunking.

What Is Interleaving? The Antidote to Overlearning

What is interleaving? How can it help you avoid the potential pitfalls of overlearning? Repetition is an important part of learning. However, it’s possible that too much recall and practice of new information and skills can be counterproductive. The solution is interleaving, which is the use of contrasting techniques in order to master one technique. Read more to learn how interleaving is the antidote to overlearning.

What Is Spaced Repetition? Definition, Examples & Tips

What is spaced repetition? How can it help you study and learn? Spaced repetition is a study method in which you revisit material multiple times at certain intervals. It’s a way of making your study time more efficient and effective. Continue reading to learn about spaced repetition and how it can help you learn and remember anything.

Active Recall Studying: The Most Effective Way to Learn

What is active recall studying? How might this method help you learn and remember almost anything? Active recall is the act of retrieving information from your memory to deliberately strengthen the neural pathways to it—making sure that it stays accessible in your memory. Author Barbara Oakley asserts that, of all the common study methods that have been researched, active recall studying is the most effective. Read more to learn about active recall studying and how it can help you learn.

5 Mnemonic Strategies to Help You Remember Anything

Does your memory need a boost? What techniques can help? If you want to remember a person’s name, a grocery list, or information for a test at school, certain techniques can come in handy. The books A Mind for Numbers and Moonwalking with Einstein discuss five mnemonic strategies you should add to your memory toolbox. Read more to learn about these mnemonic strategies.

The Threshold Effect: High IQ Doesn’t Mean Success

What is the threshold effect? How does it apply to intelligence and, ultimately, success in life? Geniuses are outliers—they are outside the norm when it comes to intelligence. Higher intelligence certainly can lead to greater success. However, differences in achievement based on intelligence level out at some point. This is the threshold effect. Read more to learn about the threshold effect in relation to intelligence and success.

Redirecting Children’s Behavior—Without the Drama

What does it mean to redirect children’s behavior? What three strategies can you use to teach your child to behave appropriately? The book No-Drama Discipline explains the three steps to properly discipline your child. Step three is all about teaching (or redirecting) your child’s behavior. The authors provide three methods for doing this: notice—don’t criticize, create a dialogue, and try a conditional “yes.” Here is how to teach your child to follow the rules.

How to Discipline Kids: The First Step to Success

What is the first step in the No-Drama Discipline process? Why should you pause and approach discipline with mindfulness rather than reacting automatically? If you want to discipline your kids effectively, the first step is to prepare to discipline. It’s important to prepare first because, if you react on instinct, you’ll often resort to autopilot responses or ineffective methods such as time-out and spanking. Keep reading to learn how to discipline kids without the drama.

Drama-Free Discipline: It’s Not the Same as Punishment

What is the difference between traditional forms of discipline and drama-free discipline? Is punishing your child the same as disciplining them? In their book No-Drama Discipline, Siegel and Bryson believe that many parents misunderstand discipline to mean punishment. However, discipline should be about strengthening their growing brains and forming bonds. Here is the difference between punishment and drama-free discipline.