Study Strategies for Effective Learning: Using Interactive Learning Tools to Empower Students

Students can make it to college never having learned effective study methods. Their study habits may seem ingrained, and previous assessment successes may lead students to believe that their methods are efficient and effective. However, some common study habits do not promote long-term knowledge retention. Curricula are packed full of important information for students, often not leaving time away from instruction that will support students in knowing how to best understand and apply the content. Educators must trust that students can develop individual methods of studying to practice material and prepare for assessments. In reality, many factors, including scheduling, lack of pacing and spacing, bulk studying habits, anxiety, and student-instructor relationships, impact a student’s ability to develop a study plan that can support their overall academic success. 

A newly created interactive student resource, Study Strategies for Effective Learning (SSEL), outlines key concepts in intentional learning, knowledge retention, and assessment preparation. Instructional technologists have a unique opportunity to combine the benefits of technology and education research to create useful resources for students that are accessible and engaging. SSEL includes informational videos based around five main strategies, as outlined in Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel. A fictional student case study offers students examples of what to do in situations where they may need assistance in navigating the demands of their courses giving students a familiar face to guide them through the different strategies discussed. Supplemental resources related to the ideas presented are included for students to collect and utilize within, and outside, of their courses. 

Fall 2021 Pilot

In partnership with instructional designers, faculty, and students, SSEL has become a multifaceted tool that addresses relevant concerns and needs of students at various levels. The resource was first piloted in Fall 2021 and included 22 courses offered by the Whiting School of Engineering. Prior to its implementation, pilot faculty completed surveys in which they shared feedback and reflected on its relevance based on their experience with student performance. Of the 60 unique survey responses received from students in pilot courses, 64% found the tool somewhat valuable, valuable, or highly valuable. Student feedback also highlighted the need to address scheduling and creating study plans. Revisions that incorporate this student feedback were made ahead of the Spring 2022 term.

Interactivity

SSEL was built using Kaltura Interactive Video Paths – a functionality of our media host service that allows for the creation of in-video hotspots and learning paths between multiple videos. The result is a “choose your own adventure” style video resource that prioritizes student choice in their navigation and consumption of the study strategies videos. As one of the many tools available for faculty, Kaltura Paths was chosen to host this resource for its compatibility with existing courses and ability to present connected information in a unique and central space. From the main introductory video, students are immediately able to take control and navigate through different videos to reach the information they need. All users can choose to review the tips on note-taking and self-quizzing, learn how to create their own study schedules, or get support in finding study partners for upcoming exams.

Students can access strategic studying information in only 15 minutes of video content. The supplemental resources also broaden the discussion of effective study by providing relevant articles, webpages and templates for time management, support from JHU advising, and apps that aid in study material creation (i.e. flash cards, online study partner collaboration). The academic support and motivational guidance within the videos assure students that they are fully capable of enacting the resource’s strategies.

Future Integration

A select number of students and instructors have access to SSEL this semester as we prepare to make it available to all students and courses. Faculty still have an opportunity to be a part of this testing group and provide the resource to their students through the end of the Spring 22 term. By including this resource in your course, you can support students in learning how to approach studying and assessment with confidence and help deepen understanding within, and between, your course and other areas of study.

Interested in adding this study resource to your course?

Email [email protected] to have this helpful study resource added to your Blackboard site for the Spring 22 term.

References

Brown, P. C., Roediger, H. L., III, & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make it stick: The science of successful learning. Harvard University Press.