One of SUNY Oswego’s academic success advisors, Cathleen Mangano, hosted an academic success workshop on Wednesday, March 3. Mangano discussed retrieval practice, spaced practice and new study techniques aimed at helping students improve their learning habits. 

Mangano began the virtual workshop by interacting with students through polls on Zoom. She tested their knowledge on certain study habits such as simply re-reading notes for class. Mangano discussed the issues with some of the most common study techniques and continued by introducing more productive ways to tackle your assignments. 

One suggestion Mangano gave was to use retrieval practice. This can be done by creating flashcards, testing yourself or using an app such as Kahoot. According to Mangano, retrieval practice can be a great way to make sure you are not falling into a fluency illusion trap. Fluency illusion occurs when you memorize notes rather than actually learning the content within them. 

Mangano also advised students to use the spaced practice technique. This study technique involves reviewing material in short sessions over a long period of time. The spaced practice study technique also discourages cramming, which can very negatively affect students.

Lastly, Mangano suggests that students space out their study sessions. She emphasized that cramming right before a test will not help you remember the information long-term, and it can lead to increased stress. 

More information about SUNY Oswego academic success workshops can be found on the SUNY Oswego website.

Image  from Academic Success Workshops via Oswego.edu