Exam Study Expert: Study Tips And Psychology Hacks To Learn Effectively And Get Top Grades

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 setbacks into strengths through hard work, perseverance and understanding how to turn your own problems into solutions for everyone.Delving into racial history in America, this episode, released during Black History Month 2025, celebrates Frank's achievements and extraordinary life.**You might also enjoy:Episode 18 of the Exam Study Expert podcast, featuring industry Titan Josaia Mar : https://examstudyexpert.com/coconut-shells-to-industry-titan-when-i-grow-up-month/**Find out more about Dr Frank Dougla

Sometimes less is more! Today we're exploring the value of stopping, dropping, trimming and deprioritising to make space for the things that matter most. 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 Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

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 keeping notes about conversation topics• Scheduling social time should be as intentional as scheduling study time• "Micro connections" of just 5 minutes can provide significant benefits during busy periods• Finding your "tribe" through shared interests makes forming deeper connections easier• Friendships serve as anchors during challenging times on campusIf you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving us a review, following the show, or supporting us on Patreon. Your engagement helps us reach mor

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.*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 Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

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• Address confusion immediately rather than postponing understanding – don't let knowledge gaps compound• Create a "tangent list" for interesting but non-essential topics – balance core learning with exploration• Practice memory journaling daily – spend five minutes retrieving key points to consolidate learning• Keep your approach simple – start with one or two manageable habits rather than trying to do everything*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I

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 "Study Like A Champ": https://geni.us/dunloskyJohn's original paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1529100612453266Episode 45 with Learning Scientists cofounder Jude Weinstein Jones https://examstudyexpert.com/yana-weinstein-jones/Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills specialist. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.Get more fro

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 involve significant randomness or luck• Young workers often face disappointment when workplace rhetoric about meaning doesn't match reality• Being honest with yourself about your motivations is crucial when making career decisionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a review – it means the world to us as creators!*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

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.us/exams*Today's references:Jeliseh, M.T., Valizadeh, M., Zohrabi, M. and Xodabande, I. (2025), Enhancing Language Teachers' Well-Being Through Positive Psychology Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Study Focusing on Gratitude Journaling. Psychology in the Schools. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.70005Tolcher, K., Cauble, M., & Downs, A. (2022). Evaluating the effects of gratitude interventions on college student well-being. Journal of American College Health, 72(5), 1321–1325. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.20760

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 (urgent), yellow (needs attention), green (ongoing) or grey (time-wasters) to manage overwhelm• Create space between receiving feedback and responding to avoid reactive decisions• When confused or uncertain, ask for clarification rather than guessing• Focus on enjoying the learning process rather than fixating solely on gradesVisit expandyourhappy.com to learn more about Dr. Heather Frederick's work and resources.Heather's podcast is at https://happydocstudent.com/Her 5.0-star rated book is at https:/

Discover the power of clear purpose and a compelling vision with today's guests, Ian Chamandy and Steve Gamlin.*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 Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

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, 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 Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks&quo

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://examstudyexpert.com/academic-writing-coaching/*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 Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Question

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 Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

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 dayBut 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 the book "Meditation for The Real World" by Ann Swanson: https://geni.us/qDZ7IZk*- Get started meditating with the Headspace app: headspace.pxf.io/n15mXM*- Join the Exam Study Expert VIP supporters club on Patreon for a beautiful rejuvenating deep rest practice and much more: https://examstudyexpert.com/VIP*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 stre

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 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 Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

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/coachingQuestions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

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 techniqueCOMING 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 learn, and moreENTIRE COURSE AVAILABLE NOW - all four parts - as early access for supporters of the Exam Study Expert podcast on Patreon, join us today at https://examstudyexpert.com/patreon*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/coachingQuestions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a te

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 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 learn, and moreENTIRE COURSE AVAILABLE NOW - all four parts - as early access for supporters of the Exam Study Expert podcast on Patreon, join us today at https://examstudyexpert.com/patreon*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and st

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 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 Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).