Originally Broadcasted
Date: Thursday 18th August, 2022

Your child is spending a significant amount of time on tuition and studying, but is his/her learning effective? Studying does not always lead to learning or successful retention. Successful students often do not spend more time studying, but they study more effectively. 

Many common study techniques and habits have been found to be ineffective. For instance, research studies showed that re-reading texts, focusing study on one topic over an extended period, or even excessive highlighting may create the illusion of mastery, yet the actual impact on test scores are limited. 

 

Here are the 3 key takeaways from the webinar:-

1) There are 3 key brain networks required for learning:

  • Our “recognition network” – determined by “unconscious” cognitive skills that help the brain engage with new learning
  • Our “strategic network” – influenced by “conscious” application of learning strategies or practices adopted
  • Our “affective network” – our emotions and mindsets which drive our motivation for learning

 2) Characteristics of high-impact learning strategies:

  • Promote long-term retention
  • Save time over the long-term
  • May feel effortful during the learning process, but it is the mental effort involved that promotes learning over time 

3) High-impact vs low-impact strategies discussed: 

Low-impact strategies: 

  • Highlighting & underlining
  • Rereading

High-impact strategies:

  • Mind maps
  • Flash cards as part of retrieval practice
  • Dual coding – Using visual imagery to compliment text information
  • Multi-sensory approach
  • (Some) memory mnemonics eg. memory palace etc
  • Reteaching/ Self-explanation

Speaker:
Ms Cheryl Chia

With more than 20 years’ experience in brain fitness training, Cheryl is an accomplished physiotherapist, who is also the founder of BrainFit, an entity that specialises in scientific brain fitness training. Cheryl holds a Master Degree in Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia. She was awarded a full scholarship from KK Hospital and was also the overall coordinator for paediatric neurology physiotherapy there. She has lectured in Nanyang Polytechnic and is a much sought-after speaker, including at events organised by MediaCorp-SMART Parents, the Child Guidance Clinic and schools. She is a frequent invited guest on Parenting Made Easy Radio 93.8, where she shares her expertise on brain fitness to help parents raise smarter and more resilient children. Cheryl is also an author and a mother to two young girls.