Study Strategies Flashcards

Which reading strategy is most effective before starting a new textbook chapter?

Answer: Survey headings, subheadings, and summary sections to build a mental framework first

Previewing the structure of a chapter activates prior knowledge and creates a mental outline that aids comprehension as you read.

A student has a 90-minute study block. How should they structure it for maximum effectiveness?

Answer: Break it into focused 25–30 minute segments separated by short breaks

Breaking long study blocks into segments with short breaks sustains concentration and prevents cognitive fatigue.

What is the difference between recognition and recall, and which is more demanding cognitively?

Answer: Recognition means identifying a correct answer when seen; recall means retrieving it from memory — recall is more demanding

Recall requires generating an answer without cues, making it cognitively harder and a more powerful study technique than recognition-based tasks.

A student creates a concept map linking vocabulary words, definitions, and examples. This technique primarily aids which type of learning?

Answer: Meaningful learning by organizing relationships between ideas

Concept maps externalize connections between ideas, supporting meaningful understanding rather than surface-level memorization.

Which approach best helps a student who keeps forgetting material they studied a week ago?

Answer: Schedule brief review sessions every few days using spaced repetition

Spaced repetition schedules reviews at increasing intervals, targeting material just as it is about to be forgotten to maximize long-term retention.

When a student uses the SQ3R method, what does the 'R' for 'Recite' ask them to do?

Answer: Close the book and state the main ideas in their own words after reading each section

The Recite step of SQ3R requires closing the book and self-testing on the section's content, reinforcing memory through retrieval.

A student notices they understand a concept clearly right after class but are confused when they try to explain it a week later. This is best described as which phenomenon?

Answer: The fluency illusion, where familiarity is mistaken for genuine understanding

The fluency illusion occurs when re-reading or recent exposure creates a feeling of knowing that fades without deeper processing or retrieval practice.