SK Learning

21/09/2024

Today let's continue to look into another powerful learning strategy from The Learning Scientists: Interleaving.

Interleaving is a study method where you switch between different topics or types of problems during a study session, rather than focusing on one subject for an extended period. This approach might seem counterintuitive, but research shows it's incredibly effective, especially for subjects involving problem-solving like computer science.

Key benefits of interleaving:
- Helps you choose the right strategy to solve problems
- Enhances your ability to see connections between different ideas
- Improves long-term retention and understanding

How to practice interleaving effectively:
- Switch between topics, but not too frequently
- Spend enough time on each idea to cover substantial ground
- Make connections between different concepts as you switch
- Review ideas in a different order to reinforce understanding

As you might expect, interleaving works best when combined with other effective learning strategies like the retrieval practice or elaboration techniques we have mentioned previously. Simply rereading or rewriting notes isn't enough!

At SK Learning, we incorporate interleaving into our teaching methods to help students develop a deeper, more flexible understanding of their subjects. By mixing up topics and problem types, we're preparing our students not just for exams, but for real-world application of their knowledge.

If we take a GCSE Computer Science syllabus as an example:
- Start with a session on data representation, focusing on binary and hexadecimal conversions.
- Switch to a programming concepts session, covering topics like selection statements and loops.
- Move to a computer architecture session, studying CPU components and memory types.
- Return to data representation, this time focusing on binary arithmetic and binary shifts.
- Switch back to programming, practicing algorithm design and pseudocode.
- Study networking concepts, covering topologies and protocols.

This approach is really beneficial - it helps students see connections between different areas of the syllabus and improve their ability to apply knowledge across topics. For instance, understanding binary representation aids in grasping how data is stored and processed by the CPU.
More on this excellent studying technique here:
https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/8/11-1?rq=interleaving

This is the fourth in a series of six posts designed to help students learn how to study effectively. The purpose is to provide students with a resource that can help them take charge of their own learning. So far, we have posted on...

07/09/2024

We understand that helping your child succeed in their studies is a top priority, and we want to share an effective learning strategy that can make a significant difference: spaced practice. Once again this comes from the excellent work of the Learning Scientists.
Unlike cramming, which involves intense studying right before an exam, spaced practice spreads out study time over a longer period. For instance, dedicating 5 hours of study across two weeks is far more effective than cramming those same 5 hours the night before a test. 🗓️
Here’s How to Get Started:
- Plan Early: Encourage your child to set aside a little time each day for studying, even if exams are months away. This may feel unusual at first, but it will become a beneficial habit.
- Review Strategically: Instead of reviewing immediately after class, suggest that they wait a day or two to allow their brain to process the information before revisiting it.
- Stay Consistent: Remind them to continue studying in small chunks leading up to exams. This approach builds a solid foundation of knowledge rather than cramming at the last minute.
💡 Effective Study Tips:
- Encourage the use of active learning techniques such as retrieval practice and elaboration instead of simply re-reading notes.
- It’s okay if they forget some information between sessions; this can actually strengthen their memory through the act of recall.
- Mixing up subjects during study sessions can help keep their brain engaged and enhance learning.
🤔 Why Cramming Doesn’t Work:
While cramming might seem effective for passing a test, it has significant drawbacks:
- It often takes more time overall to achieve the same level of understanding.
- Information learned through cramming is quickly forgotten after the exam, wasting valuable study time.
- Cramming frequently comes at the expense of sleep, which is crucial for learning and overall health.

By embracing spaced practice, your child can adopt a healthier and more efficient way to learn. This strategy not only prepares them for upcoming exams but also fosters long-term retention of knowledge that will benefit them in the future.

Link to the original article and plenty of resources:
https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/7/21-1?rq=spacing

11/08/2024

Let's look once more at the work of The Learning Scientists, this time focusing on their technique of Elaboration.
These cognitive psychological scientists focus on evidence-based study techniques that have been shown to help students become more motivated, study more efficiently, and feel less anxious about tests.
Here’s how we apply their theories, particularly focusing on elaboration and elaborative interrogation.

Elaboration
Elaboration involves explaining ideas in detail and connecting them to personal experiences or memories. This technique encourages students to deepen their understanding by integrating new information with what they already know.

Elaborative interrogation is a specific form of elaboration, which involves asking "how" and "why" questions to explore the material further. This approach helps students generate explanations, fostering a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.

How We Encourage Elaboration
Questioning: Students make a list of ideas they need to learn and ask questions like "Why does this happen?" or "How does this work?"
Connecting Ideas: We guide students to find similarities and differences between concepts to see how they interrelate.

Relating to Life: Students are encouraged to connect their studies to real-life experiences, making learning more relevant and engaging.

Benefits of Elaborative Interrogation
- Promotes long-term retention by integrating new information with existing knowledge.
- Encourages critical thinking and comprehension by exploring relationships between ideas.
- Prepares students for exams and real-life applications by organising knowledge effectively.

At SK Learning, we utilise these techniques extensively, particularly in small group settings, to enhance our students' learning experience and academic success. More on this technique, including examples of use, here:

This is the second post in a series designed to help students learn how to study effectively. The purpose is to provide students with a resource that can help them take charge of their own learning. Today’s post is about using elaboration (particularly elaborative interrogation) ...

27/07/2024

At SK Learning, and in fact throughout our teaching, we lean heavily on the excellent work by The Learning Scientists. The Learning Scientists are cognitive psychological scientists who test and formulate theories of studying based on empirical research, and the results of their work is that students who encounter their techniques are:

- More motivated to study
- Able to study more efficiently and effectively
- Tend to be less fearful of tests

It only seems fair therefore that we outline some of their theories in more detail. With our students we encourage them to use some or all of the following:
- Retrieval Practice
- Elaboration
- Spaced Practice
- Interleaving
- Concrete Examples
- Dual coding

Let’s unpick Retrieval Practice today.

Retrieval practice is a learning technique that involves recalling information from memory after some time has passed since initially learning it. This method is much more effective for children than simply reviewing notes or immediately reciting information, both of which tend to give a false sense of security, especially if they are revising for exams!

Key aspects of retrieval practice::
- Recall learned information without immediately referencing the original source
- Strengthen your memory and application skills over time

How we can encourage our children to practise retrieval:
- Use practice tests or questions without looking at notes or textbooks.
- Create your own questions or exchange them in study groups.
- Use flashcards and focus on recalling information before checking.
- Write down everything you know about a topic from memory.
- Sketch or draw information from memory.
- Create concept maps linking main ideas and their relationships.

After practising retrieval:
- Check your answers against reliable sources to correct misunderstandings.
- Identify areas of strength and weakness through feedback.
- Practise retrieving the same information again after a set amount of time.

At SK Learning we utilise these techniques a great deal, and it is particularly effective in small groups. More information on this can be found on the excellent Learning Scientists website here:
https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/6/23-1

We will post some of our other favourite study techniques on here in the coming days.