The Pilot's Guide to More Effective Studying
04/02/25 • 62 min
Explore the most effective strategies to learn and retain complex information. These tips are designed to help you prepare for FAA exams, refresh knowledge for proficiency checks, or to assist during a new type rating.
Covering topics such as active recall, visualization, interleaved practice, spaced repetition, gamification, and lifestyle strategies like nutrition, physical activity, and proper rest, you’ll find actionable tips for improving your knowledge and retention.
Listen and discover how to optimize your study habits to improve retention, with a touch of humor and real-life examples to help you put these techniques into action today.
00:00 Introduction to Effective Study Techniques
01:54 The Importance of Proper Study Techniques
06:04 Active Recall and Teaching Others
06:58 The Feynman Technique and Tennis Ball Method
12:32 Visualization Techniques for Better Learning
18:00 The Power of Handwritten Notes
21:19 Interleaved Practice: Mixing Topics for Better Retention
26:23 Mind Mapping: Connecting the Dots
29:10 Spaced Repetition: Reinforcing Knowledge Over Time
31:59 Quizlet: The Ultimate Flashcard App
35:09 Introduction to Pomodoro Technique
35:59 Benefits of Short Bursts and Breaks
37:34 Gamification in Learning
38:38 The Perfection Game Story
45:22 Leveraging First Principles
49:04 Lifestyle Strategies for Effective Learning
54:00 The Importance of Proper Rest
56:02 Caffeine and State-Dependent Learning
58:00 Recap and Listener Engagement
References for Study Techniques and Learning Strategies:
Active Recall & Spaced Repetition
Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27.
Teaching Others (Feynman Technique)
Feynman, R. P. (1985). Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! Adventures of a Curious Character. W.W. Norton & Company.
Rohrer, D., & Taylor, K. (2007). The effects of overlearning and distributed practice on the retention of mathematics knowledge. Journal of Educational Psychology, 99(1), 123–133.
Cormier, S. M., & Hagman, J. (1987). Learning and memory: A comprehensive reference. Academic Press.
Minimize Distractions & Focused Study Environment
Shallice, T. (2004). The effect of distractions on studying. In: Cognitive Control (pp. 285-302). MIT Press.
Study Schedule and Time Management
Britton, B. K., & Tesser, A. (1991). Effects of time management practices on college grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83(3), 405–410.
Physical Activity & Cognitive Function
Chang, Y. K., Labban, J. D., Gapin, J. I., & Etnier, J. L. (2012). The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis. Brain Research, 1453, 87–101.
Gómez-Pinilla, F. (2008). Brain foods: The effects of nutrients on brain function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(7), 568–578.
Hydration & Cognitive Performance
McDonnell, L. M., & McMahon, M. (2010). The impact of dehydration on cognitive performance. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 29(1), 26–33.
Sleep and Memory Consolidation
Walker, M. P., & Stickgold, R. (2006). Sleep, memory, and plasticity. Annual Review of Psychology, 57, 139–166.
Explore the most effective strategies to learn and retain complex information. These tips are designed to help you prepare for FAA exams, refresh knowledge for proficiency checks, or to assist during a new type rating.
Covering topics such as active recall, visualization, interleaved practice, spaced repetition, gamification, and lifestyle strategies like nutrition, physical activity, and proper rest, you’ll find actionable tips for improving your knowledge and retention.
Listen and discover how to optimize your study habits to improve retention, with a touch of humor and real-life examples to help you put these techniques into action today.
00:00 Introduction to Effective Study Techniques
01:54 The Importance of Proper Study Techniques
06:04 Active Recall and Teaching Others
06:58 The Feynman Technique and Tennis Ball Method
12:32 Visualization Techniques for Better Learning
18:00 The Power of Handwritten Notes
21:19 Interleaved Practice: Mixing Topics for Better Retention
26:23 Mind Mapping: Connecting the Dots
29:10 Spaced Repetition: Reinforcing Knowledge Over Time
31:59 Quizlet: The Ultimate Flashcard App
35:09 Introduction to Pomodoro Technique
35:59 Benefits of Short Bursts and Breaks
37:34 Gamification in Learning
38:38 The Perfection Game Story
45:22 Leveraging First Principles
49:04 Lifestyle Strategies for Effective Learning
54:00 The Importance of Proper Rest
56:02 Caffeine and State-Dependent Learning
58:00 Recap and Listener Engagement
References for Study Techniques and Learning Strategies:
Active Recall & Spaced Repetition
Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27.
Teaching Others (Feynman Technique)
Feynman, R. P. (1985). Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! Adventures of a Curious Character. W.W. Norton & Company.
Rohrer, D., & Taylor, K. (2007). The effects of overlearning and distributed practice on the retention of mathematics knowledge. Journal of Educational Psychology, 99(1), 123–133.
Cormier, S. M., & Hagman, J. (1987). Learning and memory: A comprehensive reference. Academic Press.
Minimize Distractions & Focused Study Environment
Shallice, T. (2004). The effect of distractions on studying. In: Cognitive Control (pp. 285-302). MIT Press.
Study Schedule and Time Management
Britton, B. K., & Tesser, A. (1991). Effects of time management practices on college grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83(3), 405–410.
Physical Activity & Cognitive Function
Chang, Y. K., Labban, J. D., Gapin, J. I., & Etnier, J. L. (2012). The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis. Brain Research, 1453, 87–101.
Gómez-Pinilla, F. (2008). Brain foods: The effects of nutrients on brain function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(7), 568–578.
Hydration & Cognitive Performance
McDonnell, L. M., & McMahon, M. (2010). The impact of dehydration on cognitive performance. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 29(1), 26–33.
Sleep and Memory Consolidation
Walker, M. P., & Stickgold, R. (2006). Sleep, memory, and plasticity. Annual Review of Psychology, 57, 139–166.
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