Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning

Today I'm share five powerful mental reframes that reduce exam stress and help you perform when pressure is high. We zoom out from perfectionism, comparison, and frustration with the system, so you can revise with focus and walk into the exam room calmer and more in control. Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Today, in the lead-up to exam season, we’re diving right into how to perform well in high-stakes, high-pressure situations with expert Dr Brian Hite. And who better to ask about high stakes than a stuntman, former army resilience trainer, sports psychologist and coach who specialises in performance under pressure. Dr Brain tackles exam pressure and tough questions, the 4 important stages of a high-stakes performance, and real-time tools you can use to stay calm: all interspersed with re...

Got a lot on your plate at the moment? Today we're helping you thrive in a demanding exam season with the help of "the easy button": specific moves you can make to take some of the pressure off in the short-term and free up a little extra time and brainspace to focus on your studies. Take a listen, and let us know in the comments where YOU'LL be pressing that easy button in future! Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams* * Hosted ...

Perfectionism can feel like ambition for many students, but it often fuels anxiety, procrastination, and a harsh inner critic that makes studying harder than it needs to be. We’re joined today by Harvard-trained clinical psychologist, author and perfectionism expert Dr Tara Cousineau, to unpack the psychology and triggers of perfectionism. Dr Tara shares practical skills everyone can employ for putting self-compassion before self-criticism, and learning how to strive for excellence whil...

Today, I'm sharing one question that cuts through revision stress and helps you decide what to study next: what kind of learning feels most difficult right now? Tune in to find out why mental resistance is a signal to prioritise that work and how you can, rather than leave it to one side, actually lean into it and do more of the practice that matters most. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to s...

Many of the students and scholars I speak to struggle with stress, anxiety and overwhelming emotions: about exams, assignments, academic pressure or feeling behind. So today we're chatting with Dr Jennifer Veilleux, clinical therapist and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Arkansas. Dr Jenn explains all her key practical strategies, rooted in scientific research, that can make up an effective emotional toolkit for students. We explore how acknowledging, understa...

Everything's a u shaped curve: don't work too hard, but not too little either, for best results. Explore how understanding this "sweet spot" principle can help you find the balance in your study routine, as well as get the right balance in other areas of your study strategy too, such as how many spaced repetitions are optimal for you, or the right mix of different study methods for your needs. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills...

Unlock the secrets behind how a top student in Australia crushed his finals and secured a top 1% score in his state — and learn exactly how you can apply his disciplined strategies to your own exams. Harry's journey proves that success isn’t just about talent; it's about precision, routine, and metacognitive awareness. We break down: - The role of consistent daily habits in high-stakes exams - How to use spaced retrieval practice effectively - How to track exam practice and "vibe" Tune in t...

Small can be mighty when it comes to setting the right study goals, especially at first! Learn why consistency is queen, and how a "do-able come rain or shine" study routine is the key to building and maintaining momentum in your learning, and maximising your progress in the long-run. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less str...

What if the fastest way to learn better is to understand why and where learning breaks down? In this episode, I’m joined by leading UK educator and author Alex Quigley to unpack his eight predictable failure points that derail studying — and the practical, research-backed strategies that fix them. Failure is normal. Success comes from recognising the signals early and responding with the right tools: retrieval practice, spaced learning, improved planning and evaluation, and metacognitive refl...

What if improving results across an entire school came down to a handful of simple learning habits, done well, every day? In this episode we sit down with two headteachers from top-performing UK schools – Andy Green (Copleston High School) and Peter Lee (Q3 Academy Langley) – to discover how the science of learning effectively has influenced their leadership, teaching approaches, and the learning experiences of their students when put into practice across an entire school community. We ...

What is metacognition? And how can you use it to plan smarter, reflect on exams and evaluate your daily learning with clarity? We’re joined by Nathan Burns, aka Mr Metacognition, to explore his favourite stackable metacognitive learning strategies that will have you reflecting on and improving your studying at home and in the classroom – from this moment, right through exam season and beyond. Discover how to think metacognitively about: answering questions carefullypre-exam season revis...

Join William for a quick pep talk on showing due respect to the exam you're sitting, with surprising benefits for your motivation, enjoyment of the study process and even your end result. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/...

In this episode, learn how to conquer distraction and build a healthier relationship with technology using quick wins for a digital detox. Our guest is digital detox expert, technologist and TEDx speaker Colin Corby. We explore how constant digital distractions affect attention span, deep learning, reading comprehension, critical thinking, sleep, and productivity — especially for students. Colin shares practical, realistic digital detox strategies, quick wins and fun micro-challenges you ca...

In today’s mini episode we’re taking a look at the surprisingly helpful question of what you do on your study breaks. Choosing the right break activities can help you return to work on time, ready to go again, perhaps with some fresh insights and certainly some fresh energy. The wrong break activity can suck you into a spiral of procrastination that turns a 10 minute breather into 50 minutes of doom scrolling. Choose a smarter break with the 10 ideas we share today for a smarter study break. ...

A short trailer episode for new listeners to get a taste of the show. Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

To kick off the new year we’re sitting down with neuroscientist, international speaker and author Dr Sarah McKay to translate decades of neuroscience research into straightforward tactics students can use today for better sleep, enhanced focus and improved grades. Dr Sarah McKay has a distinguished career as one of Australia's best known science communicators. She's passionate about translating brain science into practical strategies to improve health, well-being, and performance. Sarah boast...

Today, we're turning good intentions and a long list of things you need to do or should do or would like to do into consistent action! Key ideas today include: • fresh start effect as useful motivation • split goals into one-off and ongoing tasks • schedule one-off tasks in the diary • design daily habits with clear what, when, and why • use weekly blocks for deep, flow-based work • set seasonal habits around exams or deadlines • share your habit plan for accountability • simple homework to...

In this final very special episode to round out 2025, we welcome world-renowned personality expert Professor Brian Little to help us answer the question: who are you really? As one of the great scholars of our time in the field of personality psychology, Professor Little's wonderfully engaging teaching style has also won him “favourite teacher” accolades at Harvard and found him described as a cross between seeing Robin Williams and Einstein on stage. Professor Little helps us explore h...

Discover the three core ways to prioritise better in your studying, to get through what you need to do in much less time with as little impact as possible on the quality of your output. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/ ...

We’re joined today by Scott Hardiman, a confidence coach who specialises in helping people rebuild their confidence and get their drive back. Scott shares his own relatable and inspiring student story, from bullying and anxiety to finding his confidence mindset. Plus his top six tricks – easy daily practices, micro-experiments that everyone can try – to build up your own confidence and face any high-stress situation: • the impact of taking action • using your “stretch zone” ...

A practical guide to using the time boxing time management strategy to boost focus, sharpen your prioritisation, overcome prioritisation, mitigate perfectionism and ultimately get your work done faster. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudye...

Today we’re revisiting the Zettelkasten system for capturing and organising your notes, with esteemed expert Bob Doto. Bob has effectively codified the Zettelkasten methodology, written the excellent go-to primer on the topic, and moderates the popular r/Zettelkasten subreddit community. So few have thought more about the practical implementation of Zettelkasten than Bob. And today we’re breaking down a lean Zettelkasten workflow for anyone interested in starting the method, but with a partic...

Today, I'm sharing a simple way to study faster by clearing mental clutter and turning a long or disordered to‑do list into a sharp plan for today. There is surprising power in the right daily task list to boost focus, reduce decisions, and build momentum. Discover how my all-new "SOCK" method for the perfect daily to-do list can transform your day. When you start with a list that is Specific, Ordered and Clear, you can Knock it out in no time! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memo...

We're back today for another Student Story: celebrating successfully beating a high-stakes test, and learning all the study techniques that made the difference between pass and fail. Our guest today is veterinary dermatologist Alissa, who confidently passed her specialist exam after spending some time as my coaching client - she put in the hard work, studied smarter and took home a well-deserved win. Alissa shares her practical tips on what made the difference to her confidence and studying s...

Join us for another episode in our popular Student Stories series, featuring Dr Frank Douglas, a scholar for whom education was pivotal in his life's journey. From his beginnings in Guyana to his work in global pharma leadership, we'll follow Frank's journey of "bouncing forward": of scholarships and hard work, undertaking a PhD in America, facing racial discrimination in the workplace, and beginning a new career after medical school. Frank also shares his clear methods for turning setb...

Sometimes less just really is more! We're exploring the value knowing when to let things go. We're stopping, dropping, trimming and de-prioritising to make space for the things that matter most. So today, we’ve got three solutions for when three key areas of life get overwhelming and out of balance: Self-careStudy strategies Study tasks** Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter...

Social connections are critical for mental and physical wellbeing, and they significantly impact academic performance. Dr. Kimberly Horne shares evidence-based insights on nurturing friendships even during busy periods of study and examination preparation. • Loneliness affects concentration, GPA, and even immune system function • College social terrain differs dramatically from high school, requiring new connection strategies • Introverts can benefit from sitting in the same class spot and k...

Enter Zettelkasten: a powerful and sophisticated note-making system for more advanced users. A secret superpower to help you be more productive, cut procrastination, have more and better insights, and streamline the research/writing process. Here to teach us how to use the strategy is Dr Sönke Ahrens, author of How To Take Smart Notes and widely regarded as the world's top authority on the art of Zettelkasten note making. ** Find out more about Dr Sönke Ahrens: • Discover more resources on hi...

We explore five essential habits that can transform your academic performance by taking small, consistent actions throughout your studies rather than cramming at the end. Doing these little things well from the beginning will make your academic life significantly easier when exam time arrives. • Stay organised as you go along – identify and remove your specific bottlenecks to staying organised • Learn what excellence looks like in your subject from day one – seek examples and guidance early ...

First broadcast as Episode 154, we're revisiting this epic interview with giant of the "science of effective study" world, the great Professor John Dunlosky. In today's must-listen episode, we discover: Why learning should be challengingA taxonomy for thinking about 10 popular study strategies - which work best, and for what?How to master "successive re-learning"Plus an expert's take on whether to use digital flashcards, dual coding, watching online video and more!Featured today: John's book...

Charlie Colenutt shares his journey from disillusioned lawyer to author, exploring what makes work fulfilling based on interviews with 100 people across diverse professions. You'll learn: •How the most satisfied workers can see clear, immediate results from their efforts • That career satisfaction shows little correlation with income beyond meeting basic needs • Many fulfilled workers had experienced career crises before finding satisfaction • Career paths are rarely planned and usually invol...

A simple daily practice to have happier, more productive days: gratitude journalling for students. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/ Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni...

Happiness isn't just about feeling good – it's about living in alignment with your values and purpose while managing inevitable stress more effectively. • Stress is the primary barrier to happiness, hijacking your brain and making good decisions difficult • Toning your vagus nerve through humming, breath work, movement, connection and nature helps reset your nervous system • Self-care doesn't just take time – it expands time by improving decision-making and clarity • Colour-code tasks as red...

Discover the power of clear purpose and a compelling vision with today's double bill episodes featuring two guests: Ian Chamandy and Steve Gamlin. *** First, we dive into the world of purpose with coach, entrepreneur and author Ian Chamandy: Unpack the value of having a really clear view of your purpose in life and as a scholarLearn how to distil that purpose into helpful statementDiscover the tangible effect on confidence and decision makingLearn how knowing your purpose can help drive your ...

The psychological principle of "Cognitive Load Theory" has considerable power to understand how our brain thinks. There are some fascinating and powerful applications when you're taking exams to help your brain thinking smoother and faster. Discover five of my favourite exam-hall tips and tricks to help your brain work faster, make fewer mistakes, and score more marks when it matters most. For more, check out Outsmart Your Exams: >> https://geni.us/exams* * Hosted by William Wadsworth,...

Join the University of Oxford's Lecturer in Study Skills Dr Alix Hibble for a next-level masterclass on the academic writing process. Discover how you can save considerable time AND produce significantly better end results with a better strategy for reading, researching, outlining and writing your essays and dissertations. A must-listen for anyone with any kind of writing to do as part of their academic journey. Enquire about academic writing coaching with Dr Alix at: >> https://e...

Learn how to overcome procrastination when working on large academic projects with today's guest, Dr Alison Miller. https://www.theacademicwritersspace.com/ * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/ Get a copy of Outsmart Your Ex...

Meditation has some fantastic benefits for scholars, including: - Wellness benefits: managing stress, nerves, anxiety and more - Productivity benefits: boosting focus and increasing your output each day But it's not always easy to fit into our busy lives. Our guest today shares a wealth of ingenious tips and tricks for integrating mindful moments to give you a boost throughout your day and at key moments like waiting outside an exam or hitting a challenging question in your studies. - Read th...

Top tips and tricks to get the most out of your flashcard training (testing) time, to accelerate your learning and maximise your knowledge retention. Resources mentioned today: >> Work with me 1-on-1: https://examstudyexpert.com/coaching >> VIP supporters' club Patreon: https://examstudyexpert.com/VIP >> What to do the day before an exam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwrkFFkCACg * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills c...

Part 4a the Flashcard Mastery Course. Today: the common trap of making a large set of flashcards without testing them, why we commonly get into this situation, and what to do about it. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. Work with me: https://examstudyexpert.com/coaching Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just ...

Part 3 of 4 of the Flashcard Mastery Course. Today: Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient in your flashcard making process, clever tricks for specific learning challenges. Bonus material and more on the Exam Study Expert Patreon: >> https://examstudyexpert.com/VIP/ Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Part 2 of 4 of the Flashcard Mastery Course. Today: Flashcard Fundamentals - why use them, and the basics of good technique COMING UP: - Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient in your flashcard making process, clever tricks for specific learning challenges - Part 4: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard TRAINING - getting more from the all-important testing phase, how to space out your testing, dealing with stubborn cards that are hard to le...

Welcome to the first in a special four-part audio course on how to learn ultra-effectively by mastering the flashcards, not the only effective study strategy, but my personal favourite and a huge listener favourite among our listeners too. Today: discover the science that underpins the power of the flashcard. Coming up: - Part 2: Flashcard Fundamentals - why use them, and the basics of good technique - Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient in...

I'm in philosophical mood today, exploring the big reasons for the Exam Study Expert mission, and exactly what we hope to help you with! Whether you're brand new to the show or a regular listener, I hope you find fresh inspiration and maybe a a few questions clarified in today's audio essay. * * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and...

For regular listeners, a brief update after a couple of unannounced weeks off-air, what happened, and when we'll be back in action (spoiler alert: v. soon!!). Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

This week on the show: Top tips for learning for high stakes examsMaintaining your sense of self-worth and protecting your mental health4 top tips for keeping test-taking nerves at bayAdvice for prospective / current nursing studentsOur guest today is Dr Morgan Taylor, an experienced advisor to nursing students. Today's conversation is mainly quite general and non-nursing specific, and relevant to anyone preparing for any high-stakes exam, though we do also dive into Morgan's specific passion...

Today, we're talking neurodiversity in education. Whether you're a student with a neurodiverse brain, a parent to one or a teacher to one, today's episode is rich on practical advice to help you navigate the specific challenges you might have in the education system at school and college! My guest today is Christopher Wyatt, a diagnosed Autistic with ADHD as well as physical disabilities, who has also had extensive experience as a parent to neurodiverse children, a researcher, an educator, a...

How to concentrate on your studies? I’m going to be talking to one of the world’s leading authorities on how to manage your attention, and focus on what really matters to you, Professor Stefan van der Stigchel. We’ll be walking through an entire day of concentration to show you step-by-step what you can do to help maximise your focus, including: “Attention rituals” – learning from Darwin and BeethovenHow to take effective breaksDesigning your environment for maximum concentrationIs it OK to l...

Today, Nkechi L Ifediora joins us to break down her ABCD principles of smarter living: Assess / acceptanceBoundariesCommunityDecision makingNkechi is a doctor, director, Mum, executive coach, writer and influencer, who's built a large following through her practical and compassionate advice on living smart. Join Nkechi's 50,000+ followers on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkechilifedioraofficial/And learn about her work and her book on her website: https://nkechilifediora.com/ The Exa...

Finding the balance on a vacation or in a holiday season can be tricky. In this episode, you'll learn: All I Want For Christmas is to do the bajillion things I've been meaning to do all term/semester. How to prioritise effectively to avoid panic or disappointment.Don't They Know It's Christmas... and I've got work today? Managing relationships with family or friends in the holidays.Santa Claus Is Coming To Town... to visit a coffee shop or library - how to work around distractions in the hol...

A year-end special: ask me anything about how to study, I'm answering your questions about learning, study habits and more. Today's questions include: Tips for maths and numerical subjects (1:45)How to improve when you're struggling (6:40)How to deal with a "bad teacher" (11:10)How to study at the last minute, and prioritise when time is limited (14:40)What to do when reviewing ahead of a new semester / term (18:55)Building motivation to learn a subject you're not enjoying (19:35)Daily...

3 mistakes to avoid when taking your next exam. Featuring Lucy Parsons, from the School Success Formula podcast and lifemoreextraordinary.com * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/ Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award...

My guest today is a non-traditional student and aspiring neurologist who shares her story of overcoming set backs and challenges, the power of resilience through difficult personal circumstances, and how to cultivate a growth mindset and overcoming beliefs that may be limiting your potential. Erika is also a mindset influencer and coach, find her on instagram @the_ErikaGrace. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious...

#4/4 in our "pep talks" mini series. Keeping it all in perspective! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/ Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams * As an Ama...

#3/4 in our "pep talks" mini series. Today, we're talking about connecting (or deepening your connection) with your sense of purpose in your studies. What's YOUR why? * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/coaching/ THE SCHOLARS WAY min...

#2/4 in our "pep talks" mini series in which I want to talk about releasing you from the overwhelming need to prepare perfectly. This is not a get out of jail free card that lets you off doing the work! Rather, this is about making peace with what is possible when the maths of how much you have to do simply doesn’t fit into the time you have available. Not always easy - here's some pointers to help in these situations. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researc...

Stay hungry; be humble. Keep learning; be outstanding. An Exam Study Expert pep talk. Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Today's episode is all about taking core principles from other domains, and using them to help us study smarter and ace our exams. We'll be asking paramedics and emergency responders to help us respond to answers better. Musicians will teach us valuable lessons about preparing for the performance (or exam) not just being able to succeed well in the rehearsal (or pre-exam study). We'll learn when less can be more from athletes. High-end chefs will show us a thing or two about maintaining a...

In this week's episode we're tackling the world of time management with expert and coach David Buck. We'll delve into: Finding focusOvercoming distractionsAvoiding procrastinationThe importance of self-care And how to schedule your calendar for a healthy balanceMentioned in this episode: >> Episode 162: Stop Procrastinating & Start Studying Now With These 3 Powerful Methods >> Episode 39: Brian Tracy - Eat That Frog & Excel In School / College Find out more about Dav...

Today, we feature a listener who dreamed of earning a place at a top law school in Finland. Only 10% of candidates are accepted. It all comes down to a highly competitive exam, with a pile of learning material released just 30 days before exam day. She had failed before—would she make the cut this time? (Spoiler alert: yes, she did—tune in to find out what she did to eventually beat the exam!) Hers is a story of: Success after repeated attempts, not just through brute-force perseverance, but ...

A good planning process is the foundation for success in any long-form written assignments like essays, dissertations and theses - and even your first novel! Discover the process I use for both non-exam and in-exam scenarios, helping you overcome procrastination, and write better, in less time! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work ...

Join us today for a look at tools and tactics you can use to speed up research and writing projects in your academic studies, featuring: My 3 top pick AI tools for students of all kinds.Featured interview with the founder of SciSpace, Saikiran Chandha, an innovative suite of tools to shortcut much of the manual processes in academic research, such as making previously-laborious literature reviews effortless.Dissertation "time to completion" researcher Dr. Joel Goodin from National University,...

What is interleaving? Why is it so powerful for helping you learn faster and remember more? How can you use it? Listen in today, and all will be revealed with the help of Dr Veronica Yan. Veronica will also be talking us through her insights on barriers to actually adopting effective learning strategies, including interleaving, but also many of the other strategies we’ve covered in recent weeks as part of Learning Science season on the podcast. Find Dr Veronica Yan online at: Twitter: @...

Discover the power of note making to extend your brain, with today's guest, information architect and author of "Duly Noted", Jorge Arango. * Featured in this episode: 155. Cognitive Load Theory "Brain Hacks" For Students - Ollie Lovell: https://examstudyexpert.com/ollie-lovell/ David Allen, Getting Things Done Dr Fiona McPherson, Effective Note-taking Obsidian: https://obsidian.md/ Find out more about Jorge: Jorge’s website: https://www.jarango.com/ And his book: Duly Noted: Extend Your Mi...

In today's episode we're back with giant of the "science of effective study" world, Professor John Dunlosky. We're discussing note-taking: effective note-taking in class on paper or your laptop, and how to make the most of your classes, lectures and instructors' resources. Featured today: John's book "Study Like A Champ": https://geni.us/dunloskyEpisode 154 with Professor Dunlosky: https://examstudyexpert.com/john-dunlosky/ * * * * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologis...

24 of my favourite tips, tricks and strategies to level up your study game instantly. They're quick to absorb, quick to apply, and quick to start giving you big results! From finding full focus to magical memory methods, there's something in here for everyone. Which will YOU try first? * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and les...

Overcome procrastination when studying with my 3 favourite strategies to get moving NOW! Mentioned in this episode: Printable calendar chain template: https://examstudyexpert.com/chain1-on-1 exam success coaching: https://examstudyexpert.com/coachingThe Scholars' Way mindset / productivity course: https://examstudyexpert.com/tswWorkshops for schools: https://examstudyexpert.com/workshops Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help a...

Today's guest is mindset coach Jennifer Keable, who will be rounding off this mini-series on finding academic calm. Jennifer's story of how she found a healthy balance between success and wellness covers academic anxiety, burnout and imposter syndrome. Plus, she offers plenty of tips on how to find and prioritise that balance yourself. * * * * Discover more about Jennifer: Visit her website: >> https://jenniferkeable.com/ * * * * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, ...

In the second part of this mini-series on finding calm in your academic journey, we’re exploring anxiety and managing stress for students. Our guest today, Heather Lillico, is a holistic nutritionist and a yoga and meditation instructor. Heather talks about her own very relatable struggles with anxiety during her academic career, as well as offering a wealth of practical, actionable advice on how to reduce your stress and anxiety with a holistic approach. Heather guides us through her three-p...

Many listeners to the Exam Study Expert podcast are pretty high achievers, and with that, you tend to push yourself hard. Pushing too hard, for too long, with too little recovery can result in us getting run down and burnt out. Today's episode is all about understanding burnout, what it is, steps to avoid it, and steps to get out of it and recover. Today's guest, Hannah is an incredible authority on the subject of how to avoid and overcome burnout: whether you’re a student, professio...

Today we are joined by two experts on the topic of effective learning, or “wise learning”: educational psychologist Dr Wallace Panlilio and cognitive neuroscientist Dr Artyom Zinchenko. Artyom and Wallace guide us through what it means to be a wise learner, and how you can apply that knowledge when it comes to managing anxiety about tests and exams. They pair plenty of takeaways from recent research studies into test anxiety in students with concrete advice and strategies you can apply to min...

We’re wrapping up our Memory and Learning series here on the Exam Study Expert podcast by diving into the marvellous, and at times a little magical, world of mnemonic memory techniques. Our guide today is bestselling author and formidable memory enthusiast, Anthony Metivier, who takes us on a fantastic journey full of practical strategies – and a six-step system - capable of transforming how you learn and remember information. Featuring a wide cast of memory-capturing characters, from O...

Like a good workout, the best learning should be a bit of a stretch but not impossible. That's the principle desirable difficulty in action. I consider it a more "advanced" principle for learning effectively, but it's a very powerful idea to understand and be able to use if you're looking to make your learning as efficient as possible. Tune in to learn how, and take YOUR learning to the next level! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skill...

Memory and learning month continues with an introduction to the powerful "cognitive load theory" principle, and how we can use it to supercharge your brain. Learn faster. Understand more. Overcome procrastination. Cognitive Load Theory could help with all of these, and more! ** Get Ollie's "Cognitive Load Theory Mastery" course - highly recommended for teachers wanting to go deep on this powerful idea : >> https://examstudyexpert.com/CLT (The above link will redirect to Ollie's co...

Our Memory & Learning series continues with giant of the "science of effective study" world, Professor John Dunlosky. In today's must-listen episode, we discover: Why learning should be challengingA taxonomy for thinking about 10 popular study strategies - which work best, and for what?How to master "successive re-learning"Plus an expert's take on whether to use digital flashcards, dual coding, watching online video and more!Part of Memory & Learning series here on the Exam Study Exp...

We're concluding our special "Teaching Learning Skills" mini-series this week with a case study on building a tutor time study skills programme. Packed with highly practical details, with today's special guest Katie Holmes. Follow Katie: @KatieEHolmes_, https://twitter.com/KatieEHolmes_ From your host: Retrieval buy-in lesson resource: >> https://ExamStudyExpert.com/retrieval-lesson Discover the Revision Census >> https://examstudyexpert.com/revision-census * Hosted by Wi...

Today, we're continuing our special educator-focused mini series with a chance to step back and take stock of the rise of evidence-based practice in education. Our headline guest today is founder of the researchED conference series, Tom Bennett OBE, and I'm joined towards the end of the episode by a couple of other recent guests giving their perspectives on the question of how far we've come in terms of getting evidence into education, and how we might develop further in this direction...

To kick off this week's special "for teachers" series, we're welcoming Dr Haili Hughes to talk about how to be an effective mentor to students in their study skills, and what good pedagogy for "learning to learn" should include. - Mentoring in Schools [book]: https://geni.us/haili* - Follow Haili @HughesHaili: https://twitter.com/HughesHaili * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not ha...

Memory & Learning series continues with Amarbeer Singh Gill, author of "Dunlosky's Strengthening The Student Toolbox In Action". We're unpacking some of less-known strategies from John Dunlosky's famous 2013 review of the most effective study strategies. Join us to learn when (and how) to use strategies like: Elaborative interrogationSelf-explanationMental imagerySummarisationInterleaving and other tips for studying maths Part of the Memory & Learning series here on the Exam Stud...

We're kicking off a new series on Memory & Learning with a deep-dive into memory fundamentals. We're guided in this fascinating and illuminating conversation by Peps McCrea award-winning teacher educator and author. Even if you're familiar with some of the basics, Peps has a wonderful way of using analogy to deepen your intuition about what's really going on when we learn and later recall information. With practical takeaways interspersed throughout, this episode is not to be mis...

Retrieval practice is the shortcut to learning faster and remembering more, but nearly everyone under-utilises it (at least some of the time), even once you know about it and why it matters. Why? Today I'm breaking down the big 5 barriers to consistent retrieval practice that I most commonly see, and show you how to overcome them. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 69. Rose's student story (high school student)Episode 71. Divine's student story (accounting professional exams)Episode 73. Mi...

There’s no such thing as a “visual learner”. The idea that some of us are “visual learners” and learn best through imagery is a myth, and has been widely debunked by psychologists. (See https://examstudyexpert.com/brain-science-quiz/ for this and more myths about learning and the brain!). But in many ways, we are ALL visual learners. Because visuals, when used properly, can have a big benefit for our learning, not least through the powerful “dual coding” effect. Highly respected teachin...

Can you remember what you learned last week? How about last month? Spaced learning is an INCREDIBLY powerful strategy for getting knowledge into memory - and making it stick there. Renowned Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel of the Learning Scientists project and Teaching Innovation & Learning Enhancement network joins us to break down exactly what you need to know to get up and running with spaced learning. Your grades will never be the same again...! Twitter: @PimpMyMemoryLearning Scientists...

Today we have a special episode for the parents among our audience: I'm chatting to Dr Tamara Soles, child psychologist and parent herself, all about the most effective ways to support your child on their academic journey. Dr Tamara has plenty of insights for parents: on our connections with our children, raising well-rounded and motivated individuals, handling academic pressure, and approaching neurodiversity effectively in education. Tune in, and bring a pen - I sure did! Find out...

Maximise your productivity with these 7 brilliant list formats, each with a special job to help you get things done and stay on the straight-and-narrow! The Everything ListToday's PrioritiesThe Someday Maybe ListThe Tangents ListChecklistsMental Resistance ListRed & Green ListEnjoy! Mentioned in today's episode: My book Outsmart Your Exams: https://geni.us/exams*Exam Success Secrets (course): https://examstudyexpert.com/exam-secrets/The Study Smarter Network: https://examstudyexpert.com/...

Tune in today to discovery the secrets to staying organised, keeping on top of things even when things get busy, and saving time on things that don’t matter to spend more time on the things that do. Today's guest is Dr Frank Buck, who has a doctorate in time management in education, who has been ranked #1 in the "time management" category by Global Gurus for 4 years running. Learn more at https://frankbuck.org/ * * * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher...

Today, we're diving into the surprisingly powerful choice of where to study - a decision that can boost your motivation, focus, productivity and maybe even your memory recall! Where do YOU do your best work? Mentioned today: Episode 87: Five Fun Memory Effects & How They Can Help Your StudyingEpisode 140: Gifted & Neurodivergent Scholars Unleashed - Dr Matthew Zakreski * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help amb...

Unlock the potential of your unique brain with Dr. Matthew Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity and mental health. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of neurodivergent brains, exploring conditions like ADHD, autism, OCD, dyslexia, and giftedness. Dr. Matt's insights illuminate the strengths and challenges associated with each, empowering you to embrace your individuality and thrive academically and beyond. Whether you're neurodivergent, su...

This 5-minute daily planning / journalling habit has had a big impact on what I've achieved in the past few weeks - I think it could help you too! Focus on what mattersGet motivated to make rapid progressApproach the day with a clearer, calmer mindHabits to nurture a positive mindset Tune it to today's bitesize episode to find out how. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so...

Strap in for a transformative journey with Derek Johnson, US Army veteran and personal development maestro. In this episode, Derek unveils his secrets to building resilience, overcoming adversity, and the art of turning life's tests into a triumphant comeback story. For more on Derek's life-changing philosophies and to witness real transformation stories, visit his website at: http://fitwithderick.com/ For a dose of daily motivation, follow him on social media @fitwithderick * * ...

In my contribution to the Motivation Series here on the Exam Study Expert podcast, I'm sharing the top 7 reasons you want to get started with your exam prep (or project work) sooner. So many put off starting till later than we intend, and find themselves at best stressed, at worst, underperforming. Let's not let that happen to you :-) Fuel your get up and get to get going sooner with this pep talk and powerful set of reasons, and reap the many rewards that come from an early start to your ...

Our "Motivation To Study" series continues this week with an inspiring, fascinating and highly practical conversation with Peps McCrea, who has synthesised the motivation research into 5 drivers. Where does motivation come from? And crucially, what can we do to build and nurture it? Tune in to fine out! Discover Peps' work via: - Peps' website: https://pepsmccrea.com/ - "Evidence Snacks" email at: https://snacks.pepsmccrea.com/ - Motivated Teaching [book] at: https://geni.us/motivated-te...

To kick off a mini-series on motivation on the Exam Study Expert podcast, we're revisiting a gem from the archives, in this conversation with leading motivation scholar Dr Erika Patall. Today, we're cutting through the endless advice you can find on the Internet and getting right to the heart of the science of motivation Let's discover what really works and what doesn’t when it comes to finding your get up and go! I'm joined by Dr Erika Patall, one of the most prolific and respected stars o...

Make your phone work for you with these super-quick steps you can do right now! - REJOICE as you decrease those pesky phone-based distractions - RELISH a lasting little boost to your daily productivity - FEEL GOOD as you nurture positive life habits - REVATALISE your device function, as you free up storage and decrease battery drain - And generally get a whole fresher, lighter and cleaner feel towards the device you look at dozens (if not hundreds!) of times a day. Prefer a video versio...

Today, we're looking back on the year we've all had, taking a moment to celebrate the progress we've made, and what we've achieved, as well as looking forward to next year. What's your "word of the year"? A powerful concept to guide and shape your intentions over the year to come, and help you have the year you'd like. * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace th...

Got a bit of time off school / university / work for the holiday season? Might be a great chance to catch up (/ get ahead..!) on your studies. But it's not always easy to balance rest time, family time, productive time, or to manage expectations around the holiday season (your own expectations, and those of anyone you live with). In this episode, we break down some top tips for navigating the holiday season, and emerge feeling rested AND productive! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory ...

Today we're looking at how students can use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Bard to support their learning and revision. From speeding through your note-making to innovative ways to recruit an AI tool as a free interactive tutor or quizzing partner, there are a wealth of ways students today can put the latest tech to work for them to help them study smarter, not harder. Enjoy! * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. ...

I asked the Exam Study Expert community what their favourite productivity tips were, either their best overall tip, or one that's a little bit "weird" or unusual / original, perhaps that they came up with for themselves. Thank you to everyone who submitted tips - some really nice ideas, and I hope you enjoy the resulting episode! Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).