Series: 1 of 3 - Reading and Highlighting are the Best Study Methods
In this game-changing episode for teachers and students, Dr. Ken King, education professor at Aurora University, dismantles common study myths and shares research-backed strategies that dramatically improve long-term learning and retention.
Ken begins with a surprising revelation: highlighting and rereading, two of the most popular study methods, are actually ineffective for meaningful learning. Drawing from his own undergraduate experience, he explains three critical reasons these techniques fail: they create an illusion of understanding through mere familiarity, they're passive approaches that don't actively engage the brain, and they lack retrieval practice, which is essential for strengthening memory connections.
The heart of this episode focuses on four evidence-based study practices that transform how students learn and how teachers can support that learning:
Retrieval Practice (Self-Testing): Ken explains how recalling information from memory without notes strengthens neural pathways and reveals knowledge gaps. Research shows students who practice retrieval remember 80% of material a week later, compared to just 33-40% for those who only reread. Practical classroom applications include strategic exit tickets and effective flashcard use.
Spaced Practice: Discover why spreading study sessions over time beats cramming every time. This approach allows the brain to consolidate information and strengthens memory when students work harder to recall material after time has passed. Ken shares implementation strategies like weekly spiral reviews and teaching students to create study calendars with multiple brief review sessions scheduled across different days.
Elaborative Interrogation & Self-Explanation: Learn how asking "why" questions and explaining concepts in one's own words helps students connect new information with existing knowledge. Ken provides specific classroom applications for science and math, including having students describe their problem-solving processes and answer explanatory questions.
Interleaved Practice: Understand why mixing different types of problems or topics in a single study session improves learning more than practicing one type repeatedly. This strategy helps students learn to distinguish between problem types and select appropriate strategies, with practical examples for mathematics and science classrooms.
Whether you're a new teacher looking to help students develop effective study habits or an experienced educator seeking research-based instructional strategies, this episode provides actionable techniques you can implement immediately. Ken's expertise makes complex learning science accessible and practical for everyday classroom application.
Perfect for teachers who want to move beyond "study harder" to "study smarter" and help students build the metacognitive skills they need for academic success.
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