1st Edition
Ace That Test A Student’s Guide to Learning Better
We know students have more to learn than ever before and there is a lot of pressure to perform well on tests, demonstrating superior learning. However, common study strategies such as cramming, highlighting text, and repeated reading have little impact in the longer-term. This exciting new book reveals the effective study strategies that will help you to use your time more efficiently, ace your tests, and retain information over time.
In full color and accompanied by beautifully illustrated graphics, Ace That Test offers evidence-based learning strategies that students can use during their study sessions, including dual coding and the power of retrieving what they know. Including concrete examples of the ways students can use each strategy, illustrations to leverage dual coding principles of learning, and questions and activities for retrieval practice, the book covers:
• How to prepare your mind for learning
• Making better decisions about what you study
• Planning study sessions
• Use visuals and words to aid understanding
• Understanding concepts
• Improving learning in the long run
• Reading and note-taking strategies
With QR codes linking to answers to embedded questions and supplemental material, this is essential reading for college, university, and school students as well as educators teaching study skills or learning to learn courses.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Part 1: Introduction
- The science of learning is flexible (and so is this book)
- Science literacy: Why should you trust the advice in this book?
- Assigned work and studying are not the same, and you need to do both!
- Your brain is part of your body: Preparing your mind for learning
- The myth of multitasking: Preparing your environment for learning
- How do I know what I (don’t) know?
- Planning your study sessions is important
- Bring to mind what you can remember
- Find multiple concrete examples
- Use visuals and words to help you understand
- Describe and explain how things work
- Jumble it all up
- Use effective note-taking strategies
- Avoid strategies that don’t work
- Conclusion: Believe in yourself
Part 2: Getting ready to learn
Part 3: Study strategies that work
Glossary
Index
Biography
Megan Sumeracki (@DrSumeracki) earned her Ph.D. at Purdue University and is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Rhode Island College. She is one of the original co-founders of The Learning Scientists and is a co-author of the award-winning book Understanding How We Learn: A Visual Guide.
Cynthia Nebel (@PsyDocCindy) earned her Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis and is a Senior Lecturer in the Leadership and Learning in Organizations Ed.D. program at Vanderbilt University where she both teaches the science of learning and leads doctoral students through their capstone research.
Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel (@pimpmymemory) earned her Ph.D. at the University of Mannheim and is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Glasgow. She is dedicated to teaching, science communication, and outreach. She founded the Teaching Innovation & Learning Enhancement (TILE) network that spans across different disciplines and educational sectors.
Althea Need Kaminske (@DrSilverFox) earned her Ph.D. at Purdue University and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery and the Senior Director of Student Academic Support and Achievement at Indiana University School of Medicine. She is a co-author of the book Five Teaching and Learning Myths – Debunked.
Karina Tiller (@by__karina), our illustrator, earned her BFA in Graphic Design at Webster University and now works as a Creative Director in the modern furniture industry by day and an illustration artist by night. She has given numerous lectures and talks, and her work has been published in both print and digital editorial.
"The Learning Scientists have done it again! In their new book Ace That Test they seamlessly meld scientific research with practical application in an easily accessible manner certain to help students gain agency over their learning. Excellent book."
Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, The Science of Learning Group, Melbourne, Australia
"Ace That Test is the ‘must read’ handbook for students providing current and efficient learning and study habits. Students world-wide deserve the opportunity to learn from this book and employ the evidenced-based practical tips to improve their academic performance and lifelong learning."
Deanne Clark, Brisbane, Australia
"The Learning Scientists have long been my go-to source for accurate, lively, and useful advice about teaching and learning. In this excellent book, all students have a practical, research-based resource explaining how best (and how not!) to study, remember, and learn."
Andrew Watson, author of Learning Begins and The Goldilocks Map
"Ace That Test delivers multiple evidence-based approaches to learning, including practical examples, and it is engaging and easy to comprehend. The step-by-step approaches, with just the right amount of humor and anecdotes, make this a fantastic resource, encouraging real learning, for students and educators alike."
James Barraclough, Director of Undergraduate Initiatives, Washburn University, USA
