Study smarter, not harder: Learning expert shares studying tips to reduce academic load on students

Learning strategist Deena Kara Shaffer on what students should consider when making a study schedule.

One expert is sharing ways in which students can prepare for exams and tests that can ease the pressure and help them retain more information – by studying smarter, not harder.

Deena Kara Shaffer, a learning strategist based in Toronto, shared tips for ways students can feel prepared for their exams, without having to cram.

Shaffer told CTV Your Morning earlier this week, about the three-two-one method, which allows time for students to prepare for exams a few weeks in advance.

“With all of the deadlines, the labs, the readings, the essays that students have... studying for a test that’s a few weeks away, it just keeps getting pushed off until we’re now cramming a day or two before,” she said.

With the three-two-one method, students are recommended to start studying for a big exam three weeks earlier, two weeks before a test and one week before a quiz.

Shaffer recommends focusing on studying for shorter windows – 45 minutes - with breaks in between. This will help result in more confidence when the exam or test comes around.

She also advocates for the concept of “non-toxic productivity.”

Shaffer explained that students are often overwhelmed and stressed out by their workload, which results in less sleep and physical activity.

That is why well-being strategies are critical to academic performance, so that students aren’t “running themselves into the ground,” she added.

“Rest, sleep and movement help with memory, attention, and we can all use a little more focus,” Shaffer said. “These are essential learning strategies.”

A student’s understanding of their rhythms and in-built cadence, like what part of the day they feel more alert and focused, can also help improve their studying habits, according to Shaffer.

“I want students to really think about when are you likelier to have energy and focus,” she said. “When are those things going to be on your side? If you are a morning (person), if that’s when you have your fullest energy, please don’t try to study at night. It is going to not go very well.”

When it comes to AI, Shaffer said it can be a “superb tool” to help students practice for exams, because it allows them to create mock exams and practice tests.

“Any time you feel a little bit confused, like it’s not going very well.. ask for more questions,” she said. “There is no better way to prep for your next test.”