We all want to make the most of the time we spend studying. We want to learn content quickly and efficiently. Many try to prepare for an exam the night before, but that doesn’t produce the longest-term learning. For some, it may score high on the test, but what happens next? Understanding three key words / concepts will maximize learning.

• Frequency: refers to the frequency with which a person reviews the learning content

• Duration: refers to how long a person reviews the learning content.

• Intensity: refers to the degree of attention paid to the learning content.

To maximize learning, one should review the material in short, frequent periods with complete focus. The younger the student, the shorter the study period should be. Even babies can learn in periods that last seconds and are repeated throughout the day. Young children can fully focus on one topic for minutes. As we develop, we can concentrate for longer periods of time, but we must still keep the periods short enough to maintain full concentration.

Study for tests: Students taking class notes should review and possibly rewrite or rewrite those notes after each class. If the student takes notes on a computer, reread and make corrections shortly after the lecture. When possible, highlighting a textbook or notes will help in the review process. Note cards can be used to review key terms, dates, places, etc. Older students should do this every school day, at least. Younger students should divide the time to do shorter study sessions several times a day. Many students benefit from periods of no more than 10 minutes.

Using flash cards to enter spelling words / vocabulary words / sight words and other information – There may be times when flash memory cards are used to “test” and see if a person knows the information, but most of the time flash memory cards should be used as input. With young children, a parent / guardian can quickly read the information for the child while viewing. To spell, have the child say the word, say the individual letters, close their eyes, and then visualize. Repeating this process for short, frequent sessions throughout the day is the most effective way to learn.

Using the audio input to learn math facts – For more efficient input, math operations should be presented in the dominant ear without music. Headphones provide the most intense presentation. If music is an important part of the presentation, both ears should be used, preferably with headphones.

What about the breaks? Some people benefit from active breaks: walking, running, jumping on a trampoline. Sometimes, just getting up to go to the bathroom or have a snack is enough. Sometimes changing activities will work just fine. Alternating activities of different kinds will help keep everything fresh, intense. Frequently applied short-duration activities are more effective than long, infrequent study sessions.

Applying the concepts of frequency, duration, and intensity will maximize learning for all.