Do you find yourself rereading the same passage of text over and over again, not absorbing information? Or getting distracted by your phone, losing your place, then trying to refocus? It’s moments like these where you may question, can I even learn this material at all? While some folks do okay with passively reading to learn, it certainly isn’t the best method for all. Most people require active learning strategies in their learning, especially in the context of digital learning and online learning platforms. The good news is that we can shift from passive consumption to active learning techniques for studying by making a few tweaks to our approach. Have faith! A few effective learning strategies, such as spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and active recall, can make a world of difference in your retention. In this blog, we will explore how to transcend passive reading with tools in the digital learning landscape. Through implementing powerful active learning strategies for online courses, we’ll discuss how tools like Peterson’s Test Prep can enhance your e learning endeavors and upgrade your study techniques for exams.
Understanding the Core Principles of Active Learning
To actively learn means we engage with the material. Research indicates that active engagement is superior for retention and understanding, whereas passive learning yields less retention. In a study, researchers find that “as the success of active learning crucially depends on student motivation and engagement, it is of paramount importance that students appreciate, early in the semester, the benefits of struggling with the material during active learning. If students are misled by their inherent response into thinking that they are not learning, they will not be able to self-regulate, and they will not learn as successfully. Additionally, during group work, the poor attitudes or low engagement of a few students can have a negative impact on the other students in their group. Thus, although students may eventually, on their own, discover the value of active learning during a semester-long course, their learning will be impaired during the first part of the course while they still feel the inherent disfluency associated with in-class activities.”
What is this study saying? Essentially, passive methods present limitations for retention, especially on e-learning platforms. While students may feel that they learn more through this method, the study above suggests that this is because students experience a lower cognitive load when learning in this way. The ease associated with less cognitive load makes them feel more competent with the material in the moment, but when it comes to being tested, students struggle more to recall the material. The good news is that students can instill active learning methods on their own, even if their teacher still uses traditional methods. Below, we will discuss some methods of doing so.
Strategy 1: Spaced Repetition – Optimizing Memory Over Time
Welcome to strategy #1: spaced repetition! Spaced repetition is the act of reviewing information at progressively longer intervals. Ever learned someone’s name, then a week later, you’ve already forgotten? What if you saw that person every day for that week, and they introduced themselves to you each time? And each time they said their name, you said it back out loud? This is similar to spaced repetition, but in the latter half of the week, you took the initiative to recall their face and say their name out loud at increasing intervals.
This method is more effective than cramming for test prep, as it helps you retrieve and reinforce information when your brain may naturally tend to forget the information. Thereby, instilling the knowledge further and strengthening the memory trace. Implementing spaced repetition in a digital learning environment can be achieved through regular review of online flashcards. Using flashcards, like the ones provided in many Peterson’s Test Prep courses, makes spaced repetition easily accessible. Instead of reviewing a topic in one sitting, try reviewing it in chunks: on the first day, then again three days later, then a week later, and then a month later. Each time you review the info, it will be further instilled in your memory.
Strategy 2: Retrieval Practice – The Power of Testing Yourself
Let’s take a deep dive into retrieval practice! Retrieval practice is recalling information, which strengthens memory. Retrieval practice strategies are beneficial as study techniques for exams because they help identify gaps in your knowledge, encourage deep processing of data, and improve memory.
Some examples of simple retrieval practice activities:
- Closing the book and summarizing in your own terms.
- Answering questions without looking at notes.
- Self-quizzing.
To make this step easier, find courses or prep that integrate quizzes and knowledge checks so that you can execute retrieval practice with increased ease. In Peterson’s Test Prep courses, most contain quizzes and knowledge checks to exercise retrieval practice, making it easier for you to study without formulating questions. All courses include practice tests, which will certainly help you exercise retrieval skills.
Strategy 3: Active Recall – Engaging Your Brain to Remember
Active recall is a specific form of retrieval practice that focuses on prompting your memory, rather than merely absorbing information. Similar to the other techniques, you will try to recall the information you’ve digested – perhaps by teaching another person or doing a mock, self-presentation on the subject at hand. This technique is easy to incorporate into your online learning routine and is a practical test prep tool for improved performance on e-learning assessments.
Leveraging EdTech for Enhanced Active Learning: Peterson’s Test Prep
Digital learning platforms can facilitate active learning through interactive exercises, knowledge checks, flashcards, and practice tests. All of these tools help you engage in your learning process, so that when test day comes, you feel confident in your skills and knowledge. At Peterson’s, we’ve incorporated these tools into our prep so you can get the most out of your study endeavors, transforming your learning from passive e learning to an interactive, active learning experience. This benefits you as the learner by effectively preparing for exams and utilizing effective learning strategies seamlessly.
Implementing Active Learning in Your Digital Study Routine: Practical Tips
- Create a dedicated study environment for digital learning.
- Set clear learning objectives before each session.
- Integrate active learning techniques for studying into your daily routine.
- Utilize timers for focused work and breaks.
- Review and reflect on your learning regularly.
- Embrace the iterative nature of retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and active recall as study techniques for exams.
Study Techniques for Exams: Transforming Your Digital Learning Experience
Going beyond passive reading in the digital learning age will increase your retention of material on test day and beyond. With retrieval practice strategies, spaced repetition, and active recall as effective learning strategies, you’ll most assuredly transform your learning and crush future tests. Remember, you are not alone in instilling study techniques for exams into your study habits. Peterson’s Test Prep integrates tools to help you actively learn and succeed in your online learning journey. Make it a habit with our courses, and then you’ll know how to approach any future learning material with active strategies. Start implementing these active learning strategies for online courses today!
