Cognitive learning science distinguishes between passive and active learning, giving us a helpful starting place when thinking about how to study. Passive learning means consuming information by simply reading or listening without engaging more deeply. Active learning involves processing information through discussion, analysis, synthesis, problem-solving, reflection, questioning, and practice. It is beneficial to incorporate active learning into your study routines to promote deeper learning and long-term memory, but there may be times when passive strategies are useful.
Examples of Passive Strategies
- Rewrite notes
- Reread chapter summary & outline
- Memorize theories
- Reread textbook
- Highlight material
- Reread highlighted material
- Review flashcards (in a rote manner)
Examples of Active Strategies
- Explain ideas in your own words after reading, watching a video, or attending a lecture
- Write down questions as you read, watch, or attend
- Answer practice questions and solve practice problems
- Relate academic concepts to real-life examples
- Develop a concept map or flow chart to organize ideas visually
- Break diagrams down into smaller parts to explain how each part of the process works together
- Participate in group discussions and group study sessions
- Create and review flashcards (in a way that relates different terms and asks critical questions)
Introducing Active Study Strategies into your Routine
There are a few things you can do to help increase your ability to learn new concepts or ideas. The first is making the information meaningful by using active study strategies which include looking at relationships between ideas, understanding how ideas are connected to big picture concepts or relating new information to what you already know. To navigate the journey of active studying you can follow the following three steps, 1) prepare 2) attend 3) review. Each step connects to some of Study Lab’s links with valuable tools and resources that you can explore and utilize to maximize your study time and ensure that you understand and remember the information.
1. Prepare
To be able to focus on class and process information effectively it is important to prepare mentally for class and to become familiar with the information for the class. By preparing before class, you prevent your mind from wandering and your brain is already set in the mode to receive and process information. Being prepared for class also reduces stress and anxiety, and you will be able to focus which supports your likeliness to succeed. How to prepare for class:
- Survey topics/concepts for class lectures
- Read summaries and required readings
- Preview lecture slides
- Write down questions and thoughts of inquiry
- Reflect over questions/comments to ask
- Prepare outline/framework for notetaking
- SQ3R Method for Effective Reading
- Be Present - Prioritize Wellbeing
2. Attend
- Listen actively to understand the material and answer the questions you formulated during preparation
- Engage: ask and share meaningful questions and comments
- Take notes on key ideas and examples that the professor emphasizes and record your notes in words that make sense to you
- Use shorthand abbreviations to take notes more efficiently
- Note-Taking Guide
3. Review
Another especially important technique to remember information long-term is spaced repetition and review. To ensure that we can remember new learning long term, we must consistently review concepts and build relationships between material. Here are some resources and links to tools/techniques you can apply during spaced review.