Flashcards are a super-powerful way to learn stuff for your exams. There are 7 different variants on the core idea. Tune in today to learn about the options, and which will suit you best! Paper flashcardsSmart notes (paper)Quiz apps / digital flashcardsSmart notes (digitally)Audio flashcardsLift the flap stickys (by mirror, in textbook)Getting creative: jumbo lolly sticks and more!* Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help...

Retrieval practice is the shortcut to learning faster and remembering more, but nearly everyone under-utilises it (at least some of the time), even once you know about it and why it matters. Why? Today I'm breaking down the big 5 barriers to consistent retrieval practice that I most commonly see, and show you how to overcome them. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 69. Rose's student story (high school student)Episode 71. Divine's student story (accounting professional exams)Episode 73....

There’s no such thing as a “visual learner”. The idea that some of us are “visual learners” and learn best through imagery is a myth, and has been widely debunked by psychologists.  (See https://examstudyexpert.com/brain-science-quiz/ for this and more myths about learning and the brain!). But in many ways, we are ALL visual learners. Because visuals, when used properly, can have a big benefit for our learning, not least through the powerful “dual coding” effect. Highly respected teaching and...

Can you remember what you learned last week? How about last month? Spaced learning is an INCREDIBLY powerful strategy for getting knowledge into memory - and making it stick there. Renowned Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel of the Learning Scientists project and Teaching Innovation & Learning Enhancement network joins us to break down exactly what you need to know to get up and running with spaced learning. Your grades will never be the same again...! Twitter: @PimpMyMemoryLearning...

Today we have a special episode for the parents among our audience: I'm chatting to Dr Tamara Soles, child psychologist and parent herself, all about the most effective ways to support your child on their academic journey.   Dr Tamara has plenty of insights for parents: on our connections with our children, raising well-rounded and motivated individuals, handling academic pressure, and approaching neurodiversity effectively in education. Tune in, and bring a pen - I sure did! Find out more...

Maximise your productivity with these 7 brilliant list formats, each with a special job to help you get things done and stay on the straight-and-narrow! The Everything ListToday's PrioritiesThe Someday Maybe ListThe Tangents ListChecklistsMental Resistance ListRed & Green ListEnjoy! Mentioned in today's episode: My book Outsmart Your Exams: https://geni.us/exams*Exam Success Secrets (course): https://examstudyexpert.com/exam-secrets/The Study Smarter Network:...

Tune in today to discovery the secrets to staying organised, keeping on top of things even when things get busy, and saving time on things that don’t matter to spend more time on the things that do. Today's guest is Dr Frank Buck, who has a doctorate in time management in education, who has been ranked #1 in the "time management" category by Global Gurus for 4 years running. Learn more at https://frankbuck.org/ * * * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher...

Today, we're diving into the surprisingly powerful choice of where to study - a decision that can boost your motivation, focus, productivity and maybe even your memory recall! Where do YOU do your best work? Mentioned today: Episode 87: Five Fun Memory Effects & How They Can Help Your StudyingEpisode 140: Gifted & Neurodivergent Scholars Unleashed - Dr Matthew Zakreski * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help...

Unlock the potential of your unique brain with Dr. Matthew Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity and mental health.  In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of neurodivergent brains, exploring conditions like ADHD, autism, OCD, dyslexia, and giftedness. Dr. Matt's insights illuminate the strengths and challenges associated with each, empowering you to embrace your individuality and thrive academically and beyond. Whether you're neurodivergent, suspect...

This 5-minute daily planning / journalling habit has had a big impact on what I've achieved in the past few weeks - I think it could help you too! Focus on what mattersGet motivated to make rapid progressApproach the day with a clearer, calmer mindHabits to nurture a positive mindset Tune it to today's bitesize episode to find out how. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so...

Strap in for a transformative journey with Derek Johnson, US Army veteran and personal development maestro. In this episode, Derek unveils his secrets to building resilience, overcoming adversity, and the art of turning life's tests into a triumphant comeback story.  For more on Derek's life-changing philosophies and to witness real transformation stories, visit his website at: http://fitwithderick.com/ For a dose of daily motivation, follow him on social media @fitwithderick * * * Hosted...

In my contribution to the Motivation Series here on the Exam Study Expert podcast, I'm sharing the top 7 reasons you want to get started with your exam prep (or project work) sooner. So many put off starting till later than we intend, and find themselves at best stressed, at worst, underperforming. Let's not let that happen to you :-) Fuel your get up and get to get going sooner with this pep talk and powerful set of reasons, and reap the many rewards that come from an early start to your...

Our "Motivation To Study" series continues this week with an inspiring, fascinating and highly practical conversation with Peps McCrea, who has synthesised the motivation research into 5 drivers. Where does motivation come from? And crucially, what can we do to build and nurture it? Tune in to fine out! Discover Peps' work via: - Peps' website: https://pepsmccrea.com/ - "Evidence Snacks" email at: https://snacks.pepsmccrea.com/ - Motivated Teaching [book] at:...

To kick off a mini-series on motivation on the Exam Study Expert podcast, we're revisiting a gem from the archives, in this conversation with leading motivation scholar Dr Erika Patall. Today, we're cutting through the endless advice you can find on the Internet and getting right to the heart of the science of motivation Let's discover what really works and what doesn’t when it comes to finding your get up and go! I'm joined by Dr Erika Patall, one of the most prolific and respected stars...

Make your phone work for you with these super-quick steps you can do right now! - REJOICE as you decrease those pesky phone-based distractions - RELISH a lasting little boost to your daily productivity - FEEL GOOD as you nurture positive life habits - REVATALISE your device function, as you free up storage and decrease battery drain - And generally get a whole fresher, lighter and cleaner feel towards the device you look at dozens (if not hundreds!) of times a day. Prefer a video...

Today, we're looking back on the year we've all had, taking a moment to celebrate the progress we've made, and what we've achieved, as well as looking forward to next year. What's your "word of the year"? A powerful concept to guide and shape your intentions over the year to come, and help you have the year you'd like. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace...

Got a bit of time off school / university / work for the holiday season? Might be a great chance to catch up (/ get ahead..!) on your studies. But it's not always easy to balance rest time, family time, productive time, or to manage expectations around the holiday season (your own expectations, and those of anyone you live with). In this episode, we break down some top tips for navigating the holiday season, and emerge feeling rested AND productive! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory...

Today we're looking at how students can use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Bard to support their learning and revision. From speeding through your note-making to innovative ways to recruit an AI tool as a free interactive tutor or quizzing partner, there are a wealth of ways students today can put the latest tech to work for them to help them study smarter, not harder. Enjoy! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach....

I asked the Exam Study Expert community what their favourite productivity tips were, either their best overall tip, or one that's a little bit "weird" or unusual / original, perhaps that they came up with for themselves. Thank you to everyone who submitted tips - some really nice ideas, and I hope you enjoy the resulting episode!

Today, I want to talk you through 6 list types you might consider using to help you stay organised, calm and in control. Some will be familiar to you - though perhaps with a fresh spin you'd not considered before - others will likely be entirely new! The To Do List - and the 3-part system I'm favouring currentlyThe Browser Tab "To-Do" List HackThe Stop List - to help with overwhelmThe Checklist - de-risk the big momentsThe Red & Green List - for when times are toughThe Mental Resistance...

Unleash the power of real clarity on what matters (and what doesn't), and what you need to do to get you closer to your destination in your studies, with your version of the powerful "boat go faster" question. Plus, finding flow state more often, for enhanced productivity, creativity, and above all, enjoyment of your studies! Join The Scholar's Way and find peace, purpose and flow in your studies today, at: >> https://examstudyexpert.com/TSW * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory...

How to organise your time and stay productive - even when you're balancing a full time job and full time degree! In this instalment of the ever-popular student stories series, we also touch on: The importance of keeping an open mindLevelling up by learning how to learnThe power of helping others and knowing when to ask for helpSpecific learning tips for quantitative / numerical / problem-based subjects* Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study...

It all starts with your mindset: that's the foundation on which it all rests. And I mean both your final result, and your enjoyment (or otherwise) of the path to success. Today, I'm looking back on my own mindset journey as a scholar, and breaking down the top lessons learned from 3 separate challenges I faced at 3 separate times along my journey as a scholar through my time and school and university. If you're inspired today to level up your own mindset toolbox: Visit...

Earlier this year, Ruth Poundwhite (Ep. 97) talked about the "discomfort in resting" that so many high-achievers share. I had a number of messages saying this really struck a chord, I want to pick up on that thread today, with help of special guest Camilla Walker. We'll be exploring why getting real rest can be so challenging, why it's so necessary, and introducing you to a practice that's specially designed to help, called "deep rest". Links and resources from this episode: >> To...