Your brain works differently when you speak aloud. When stuck on a problem, most people retreat into silent thought. They read the same information repeatedly, hoping for a rare breakthrough. But silent thinking uses only part of your brain’s problem-solving machinery. When you verbalise a problem—speaking it aloud to another person—you activate language centres that… Read More »Hold my duck: A problem-solving hack
One morning, I had to present a project but woke up twenty minutes behind schedule. I grabbed my notes and sprinted across campus, mentally reviewing my key points between gasps for air. When I burst through the classroom door, the professor immediately called me up to present. Still breathing hard, heart pounding, I launched into… Read More »The cardio speech hack
As a student, I wasted countless hours re-reading textbooks and reviewing notes, only to feel my hard-earned knowledge melt away days later. In my frustration, I wondered why I bothered learning if I was doomed to forget. No matter how much I crammed before exams, the information never seemed to take permanent root in my… Read More »The 2-7-30 rule for remembering more of what you study
I dreaded the telltale of nerves before a big exam or presentation. My heart pounding, sweaty palms, thoughts spiralling into a maze of what-ifs. I’d take deep breaths, try to relax, attempt to banish the butterflies. But fighting my anxiety only seemed to make it worse. What I didn’t realize then was that anxiety was… Read More »Reframe your anxiety to increase performance
Boredom has gotten a bad rap. We associate it with laziness, wasted time, and a lack of purpose. But what if we’ve been looking at boredom all wrong? We’re constantly plugged in, scrolling through endless feeds, consuming bite-sized content. But the key to unlocking our creative potential lies not in more stimulation but in embracing… Read More »Intentional boredom for increased creativity
The clock is ticking, and your big exam starts in less than an hour. Every second counts, so you’re tempted to use each one for some last-minute cramming. But what if I told you that putting down the flashcards and picking up a jump rope could do more for your test performance than another round… Read More »The 10-minute brain boost before your exam
How many times have you sat down to learn something new, only to find yourself mindlessly scrolling social media 10 minutes later? Constant distraction and maintaining concentration can feel like an uphill battle. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The 20-5-5 method is a simple approach to learning. By breaking your study sessions… Read More »The 20-5-5 method for focused learning
There’s a secret that every good teacher knows: if you want to master a subject, teach it. There’s nothing quite like explaining an idea to someone else to shine a light on what you know and what you only thought you knew. When you’re teaching, you can’t hide behind vague notions or half-formed concepts. You… Read More »Teaching for effective learning
Alexi Pappas, a filmmaker and runner, once set her sights on a dream that seemed impossible: competing in the Olympics. While your own ambitions might differ – perhaps you’re striving for business success, or you’re determined to become fluent in a new language – the lessons Pappas learned on her journey can help you turn… Read More »The rule of thirds for learning
A surprisingly potent technique can significantly enhance your ability to commit new knowledge to memory. Take a short break to rest completely after your study session. Studies have demonstrated the remarkable benefits of incorporating 10-15 minutes of quiet rest immediately after studying new material. During these breaks, minimize all forms of mental stimulation. Avoid checking… Read More »The power of rest for enhancing memory and learning
