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Study Less, Study Smart: A guide to effective study techniques and enhanced learning
This book presents proven strategies to enhance learning and reduce wasted study time in any learning situation.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2015
108 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Marty Lobdell
6 books30 followersProfessor Marty Lobdell taught Human Sexuality, Human Development and General Psychology for over 40 years at Pierce College. During this time, he won numerous awards for teaching excellency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 27, 2018
Full of great tips.
The first tip is the Pomodoro technique.
then it follows:
1. create a study library and use a study lamp (which after some use will trigger your focus mode automatically)
2. mindfulness
3. discover the meaning
1. trying to learn something that does not mean anything...find the meaning
2. think about how useful it is
3. deep x surface processing
4. discover the meaning of what I am studying
5. always engage in deeper processing
6. see connections between what I learn and what I know
7. how can you apply the new concept?
1. when and where would the concept be valuable
2. everything connects with we already know
4. mnemonics
5. SQ4R
1. survey
2. question
3. read
4. record
5. recite
6. review
7. always to sq4r with the study material
8. survey
1. glence through the entire article, chapter, whatever
2. notice headings
3. pictures
4. graphs
5. summaries
9. question
1. what will be answered
2. learn better when looking for answers
10. read, record, recite, review
1. take notes
2. recite them
3. review what you read
4. be certain you can recall
6. note taking
1. write key points
1. facts
2. definitions
3. concepts
2. elaborate your notes asap
1. separate the paper in two
2. in one part is the key points
3. in the other the elaboration of each
4. cite details
5. examples
6. applications
2. underlining/highlighting may hurt efforts
1. do not confuse recognition with knowing
2. can you not look and remember? recall
3. putting the concept in our own words
7. attendance
8. study groups
9. enough sleep
The first tip is the Pomodoro technique.
then it follows:
1. create a study library and use a study lamp (which after some use will trigger your focus mode automatically)
2. mindfulness
3. discover the meaning
1. trying to learn something that does not mean anything...find the meaning
2. think about how useful it is
3. deep x surface processing
4. discover the meaning of what I am studying
5. always engage in deeper processing
6. see connections between what I learn and what I know
7. how can you apply the new concept?
1. when and where would the concept be valuable
2. everything connects with we already know
4. mnemonics
5. SQ4R
1. survey
2. question
3. read
4. record
5. recite
6. review
7. always to sq4r with the study material
8. survey
1. glence through the entire article, chapter, whatever
2. notice headings
3. pictures
4. graphs
5. summaries
9. question
1. what will be answered
2. learn better when looking for answers
10. read, record, recite, review
1. take notes
2. recite them
3. review what you read
4. be certain you can recall
6. note taking
1. write key points
1. facts
2. definitions
3. concepts
2. elaborate your notes asap
1. separate the paper in two
2. in one part is the key points
3. in the other the elaboration of each
4. cite details
5. examples
6. applications
2. underlining/highlighting may hurt efforts
1. do not confuse recognition with knowing
2. can you not look and remember? recall
3. putting the concept in our own words
7. attendance
8. study groups
9. enough sleep
November 8, 2020
This is not actually a book, but rather article (the printed version is 35 pages, half of them are empty). I'd recommend to watch Marty Lobdell lecture instead of buying/reading this book.
Here are my notes from the book:
13 rule to study effectively (smarter).
1. When feel that you're not learning efficiently (usually after 25-30 minutes of learning) - take a break and reinforce prior studying behavior.
2. Create a study. I.e. have dedicated place to learn (work). If there is no dedicated space/desktop then have a table lamp and put it wherever is your current working/learning place. Switch it on while working/learning. Do not use it for any other purposes. After a while the lump becomes a clue to focus on the materials.
3. You remember or learn best when you intend to learn the materials. Every time you want to learn something, think "I intend to learn this material". Such mindfulness impacts learning effective.
4. Discover the meaning. Learn the meaningless materials is very difficult task. Think how this material relates to things that you already know and understand. Find such connections.
5. Engage in deeper processing. Think how to apply or use the new concept. Ask yourself when or where the concept has value. Have you seen application of similar concepts?
6. Use mnemonic device to memorize facts. Acronyms, acrostics and interacting images.
1. Acronyms - e.g. the Great Lakes are HOMES (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior)
2. Acrostics - e.g. My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nachos (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)
3. Interacting Images - to pair a fact that you're attempting to remember with an image that guarantees the correct recall.
7. Always SQ4R:
1. Survey - Glance through entire book/article you read.
2. Question - We learn better when we're looking for answers. As you survey, think of questions that you will attempt to answer when you read.
3. Read, Record, Recite, Review - take notes, recite what you read, review what you read and notes. The more active you're while learning the better.
8. Have only key points, facts, definitions or concepts from the lecture in your notes.
9. Elaborate on your notes as soon as possible (before you forget meaning of some notes)
10. Be certain you can recall what you've underlined and you're not simply recognizing it.
11. Attend class regularly
12. Whenever possible, form study groups (e.g. each student learn potions of materials, learn and share with others).
13. Get enough sleep
Here are my notes from the book:
13 rule to study effectively (smarter).
1. When feel that you're not learning efficiently (usually after 25-30 minutes of learning) - take a break and reinforce prior studying behavior.
2. Create a study. I.e. have dedicated place to learn (work). If there is no dedicated space/desktop then have a table lamp and put it wherever is your current working/learning place. Switch it on while working/learning. Do not use it for any other purposes. After a while the lump becomes a clue to focus on the materials.
3. You remember or learn best when you intend to learn the materials. Every time you want to learn something, think "I intend to learn this material". Such mindfulness impacts learning effective.
4. Discover the meaning. Learn the meaningless materials is very difficult task. Think how this material relates to things that you already know and understand. Find such connections.
5. Engage in deeper processing. Think how to apply or use the new concept. Ask yourself when or where the concept has value. Have you seen application of similar concepts?
6. Use mnemonic device to memorize facts. Acronyms, acrostics and interacting images.
1. Acronyms - e.g. the Great Lakes are HOMES (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior)
2. Acrostics - e.g. My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nachos (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)
3. Interacting Images - to pair a fact that you're attempting to remember with an image that guarantees the correct recall.
7. Always SQ4R:
1. Survey - Glance through entire book/article you read.
2. Question - We learn better when we're looking for answers. As you survey, think of questions that you will attempt to answer when you read.
3. Read, Record, Recite, Review - take notes, recite what you read, review what you read and notes. The more active you're while learning the better.
8. Have only key points, facts, definitions or concepts from the lecture in your notes.
9. Elaborate on your notes as soon as possible (before you forget meaning of some notes)
10. Be certain you can recall what you've underlined and you're not simply recognizing it.
11. Attend class regularly
12. Whenever possible, form study groups (e.g. each student learn potions of materials, learn and share with others).
13. Get enough sleep
November 16, 2020
Es imposible meterte más contenido de calidad en tan poco espacio. Magnífico resumen, claro, eficiente y al grano. Lo digo en serio. Son 35 páginas, que en realidad son menos porque una parte importante están en blanco. Ojalá las hubiera tenido en la universidad.
August 25, 2021
This short book (so short that its "bookness" becomes questionable) provides useful, research-based pieces of advice on how to learn effectively. It's really readable, and easy to apply as well. The author also had a lecture on the same subject. Both the lecture and the book are equally helpful.
December 20, 2023
A great book gives a review when it's necessary
February 4, 2020
We always discard these type of books saying everything that is written has already been said a lot of times. The speciality of this book is it's language and precision. The rules are very effective and work very well. It does not matter whether you're in school or college or preparing for any exam. The tools are very useful. The author has also posted a video about these tools on youtube. This book is extension of that video and provides a deeper view on study habits. It is a must read for anyone who is interested in the basic way of learning anything.
May 2, 2019
Must read book for every school/college students. Marty Lobdell was a professor of General phycology at Pierce College. One of the his lectures is under same name as of book is on YouTube. He had told all the reasons and adviced tricks and tips for one to get ingage with their studies.
The book and the video on YouTube contains the same information.
The book and the video on YouTube contains the same information.
January 5, 2021
Short but sweet
This is a pretty information dense book, I only wish I had it when I was at school. The author clearly knows his subject well and I have a feeling he just scratches the surface of that knowledge.
The only criticism I have is that the book is very short, I would be very pleased to read more.
This is a pretty information dense book, I only wish I had it when I was at school. The author clearly knows his subject well and I have a feeling he just scratches the surface of that knowledge.
The only criticism I have is that the book is very short, I would be very pleased to read more.
August 18, 2020
Saw lecture on Youtube! Great stuff !
Its almost verbatim from youtube . I watched it and read this. I think most of this is well-known but rarely practiced. I needed to re.-learn how to study and this is perfect guide.
Its almost verbatim from youtube . I watched it and read this. I think most of this is well-known but rarely practiced. I needed to re.-learn how to study and this is perfect guide.
October 21, 2020
Short and to the point
Short and sweet book about studying tips, reached the right approach to trying to learn. Would be useful for people in all facets of life, be it a student, a full time worker or someone just learning new things as a hobby.
Short and sweet book about studying tips, reached the right approach to trying to learn. Would be useful for people in all facets of life, be it a student, a full time worker or someone just learning new things as a hobby.
November 28, 2020
I guess I should have read this when I was 14 years old... being 44 right now, it didn't bring to me anything new... :-/
As someone already suggested: it is probably better just to watch the author's talk about it than reading this, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlU-z...
As someone already suggested: it is probably better just to watch the author's talk about it than reading this, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlU-z...
January 13, 2021
I would recommend watching his lecture on youtube before reading this book, the book was helpful since I was able to have it slow down and process information, but I wouldn't purchase it. I borrowed it off of Kindle Unlimited. If that isn't a option youtube it for sure!!
January 17, 2021
It's more of an article than a book. But I can say that I am honoured to have read this book and attended the lecture on YouTube. This was such an amazing book. I got to know some new strategies to read study material like SQ4R.
June 8, 2021
Wonderfully written.
Written in a way that makes sure we make the most of our time and can get further ahead in our education in a systemic way instead of dreading the experience of learning.
Written in a way that makes sure we make the most of our time and can get further ahead in our education in a systemic way instead of dreading the experience of learning.
February 17, 2022
This book was easy to ready, to the point, and not dull.
I definitely will try to use these methods for long-term studying as a freshman in college.
I loved his Youtube lecture on this.
Thanks, Mr. Marty Lobdell.
I definitely will try to use these methods for long-term studying as a freshman in college.
I loved his Youtube lecture on this.
Thanks, Mr. Marty Lobdell.
July 18, 2022
Es un buen libro que da consejos muy útiles a estudiantes. Lo malo es que los consejos que da requieren mayor esfuerzo por parte de los estudiantes y la mayoría no se llevarán a cabo, además de que la mayor parte de lo que aquí viene ya lo conocemos todos.
May 18, 2024
Creo que debería ser de lectura obligatoria en el Instituto. También creo que los profesores tendrían que tenerlo como referencia para enseñar a sus alumnos a estudiar, porque su labor no debería estar enfocada en dar la materia únicamente...
Es cortito, conciso y eficiente.
Es cortito, conciso y eficiente.
August 16, 2019
nice short read
Feels like really basic principles, but a good reinforcement. Nicely outlined as well. I would most likely revisit this when I hit a mental block.
Feels like really basic principles, but a good reinforcement. Nicely outlined as well. I would most likely revisit this when I hit a mental block.
April 3, 2020
a lot of typos in the kindle version, but in combination with the youtube video this content is this excellent advice for all students. loved it
April 6, 2020
Well written
Easy tips to boost memory retention
Just give realistic goals and strategies to utilise and succeed. No pseudoscience, just facts
Easy tips to boost memory retention
Just give realistic goals and strategies to utilise and succeed. No pseudoscience, just facts
April 12, 2020
good
useful to learn the skills for effective studying. Especially the tips will help college students who struggle with massive volumes to study
useful to learn the skills for effective studying. Especially the tips will help college students who struggle with massive volumes to study
June 1, 2020
Short and Succinct
Good read, easy to understand! However, I will say that it is very similar to the lectures of his on YouTube, not much extra benefit derived.
Good read, easy to understand! However, I will say that it is very similar to the lectures of his on YouTube, not much extra benefit derived.
August 28, 2020
This book was written following the great success of Marty university lesson you can watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlU-z...
I loved the talk, and I loved the book as well as it was giving more example to understand all the concepts he told in his talk.
I loved the talk, and I loved the book as well as it was giving more example to understand all the concepts he told in his talk.
December 13, 2020
Useful and made me wish I got it back in my school days.
Also, there is a video lecture by Prof. Lobdell describing main concepts: https://youtu.be/IlU-zDU6aQ0
Also, there is a video lecture by Prof. Lobdell describing main concepts: https://youtu.be/IlU-zDU6aQ0
February 12, 2021
Pretty short.
June 26, 2021
Práctico, directo y súper útil. Cabecera para cualquier proceso de estudio/actualización/exámenes. También tenéis un vídeo en YouTube con el mismo titulo. El tío es dios, merece mucho la pena.
August 16, 2021
I loved it
Concise, effective and unique. Totally worth it. The fact it is focused on learning than passing exams make it ever better.
Concise, effective and unique. Totally worth it. The fact it is focused on learning than passing exams make it ever better.
December 13, 2021
Great incite.
Very concise, has categorised the main points. easily, I have learnt something. If you want more detail up to you.
Very concise, has categorised the main points. easily, I have learnt something. If you want more detail up to you.
August 5, 2022
Great summary of how to study efficiently, and practical.
November 24, 2024
The information presented is now outdated so I decided to put the book down quite early, unfortunately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews