When we face exams or oppositions, it is very common that all the books used are underlined, written and with the pages somewhat worn. It is normal that when you open the pages you will find words marked with different colours: yellow, orange, green. Always to help to memorize them better. However, this may not be as effective as is believed.
Make It Stick: The Science of Succesful Learning, a book published by Harvard University, is responsible for dismantling some widely used habits as study techniques that do not have as much use as they have been given. Especially some that we all use.
As explained in The Confidential, the authors Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel point out that it is useless to repeat the same text over and over again, that memorization is not based solely on knowledge of the words, because first you have to understand and then the terms are remembered.
All study is based on the memorization of concepts and for the authors of the book the underline or repetition only "provide a false sense of mastery", but they do not help the correct understanding of the subjects: they are patches for specific moments.
This does not mean that underlining is useless. It is very useful when serving to go directly to the content that we are interested in studying and helping when making listings. It is an advanced tool, but not a memorization mechanism.
According to the published book, one must remember to get enough sleep, study in several phases instead of undergoing long marathons, combine different subjects or agendas at the same time and write by hand. Through these strategies, the brain works more productively and better test results.
- rereading a textbook
- underlining and highlighting key themes
- burning an idea into your memory by going over it again and again and again in a single intense session
- waiting until you fully understand an idea to try to apply it or explain it
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