The advantage of online, self-paced courses are being able to work on them when it fits your schedule.

The disadvantage is figuring out how approach your learning. We have some recommendations here.

stick figure sitting and writing with an idea cloud over her head with an arrow pointing to the writing surface. Practice Bringing Information to Mind - Retrieval Practice

Retrieval Practice

If you have ever used flashcards, studied with friends by quizzing each other, or had to write a paper on a topic, you have used retrieval practice. Creating a concept map or notes from memory can be a great way

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Stick figure woman writing. near her it says 1 Testing 2 Spacing 3 Sketching. Aroudn the outside reads Space out your studying over time and space practice

Spaced Practice

Similar to retrieval practice, spaced practice has to do with how you remember information. Spaced practice means reviewing materials after some time away from learning it. Spacing studying helps make retrieval more effective. See below for details or review this

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Stick figure sweating while walking up a slope of letters reading ACB CBA BCA over Topics. Around reads Switch between ideas while you study and Interleaving

Interleaving

Interleaving means switching between topics. Like spacing practice, interleaving allows your brain to work a bit more to remember information you learned, making a stronger learning connection. See below for details or review this downloadable poster. How to Do It

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Stick figure leans over a box with eg on it. Around the top Use specific examples to understand abstract ideas and concrete examples

Concrete Examples

Connecting abstract ideas to specific examples helps you to understand them better and remember them more easily. See below for details or review this downloadable poster. How to Do It Collect examples your teacher has used, and look in your

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Stick figure woman with a thought bubble with gears in it. Around the top it reads Explain and describe ideas with many details and Elaboration underneath

Elaboration

Elaboration means as you are reading and studying, you take an active role in thinking about the information by asking questions, making connections, and relating it to your own experiences. This process involves retrieval practice, concrete examples, and interleaving. See

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Stick figure with a speaking bubble reaching out to a diagram. Over the top it reads Combine words and visual and Dual Coding at the bottom

Dual Coding

Dual coding is a scientific way to say that learning through a combination of reading, listening, and/or looking at images or videos makes a stronger learning that any of those on their own. This can include finding various types of

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