Advanced Study Strategies and Critical Thinking Skills

Study Notes

Advanced Study Strategies include memory enhancement techniques and cognitive strategies, analytical reading and note-taking practices, efficient information retrieval and organization, and advanced writing skills and test-taking strategies
Critical Thinking Skills are "higher order" abilities. These include deeper and more articulated analysis and reasoning.
Benefits of Elaborative Encoding include increased understanding, improved recall, enhanced problem-solving, improved creativity, easier communication and reduced cognitive overload
Memory Enhancement and Cognitive Strategies*
Memory enhancement techniques include:
Elaborative Encoding Techniques
Memory Palace Method
Mnemonics for Complex Information Retention
Elaborative Encoding involves using verbal or visual associations and explanations to improve memory. This is done by Breaking down information into smaller chunks, building mental models, attaching emotional significance, and engaging in discussions.
**Memory Palace Method ** is also known as the Method of Loci. It is an ancient memory technique that was popularized by the poet Simonides of Ceos in 500 BCE. This technique involves creating a mental image of a familiar location and associating information with specific places within that location.

Re-Reading can be an effective technique due to the depth of understanding achieved by reading the text again.
Integration involves associating new information with existing knowledge.
Annotation means taking or making notes while reading a text.
Argument mapping involves creating a mental structure of figures and points.
Developing a positive testing mindset cultivates a positive and confident outlook, and simulates real testing conditions.
Practice is a critical component of raising test performance

Analytical Reading is a high-level cognitive ability that uses reading techniques to understand complex information. This includes skimming (locating main points) , locating the main idea, scanning( finding specific information), and Pre-viewing (purposeful pre-reading).
Note-taking is a critical part of academic writing. Types of note-taking include summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing.
Test-taking strategies involve recognizing needs, rehearsing approaches, time management, taking advantage of multiple-choice formats and maintaining focus on details.

Critical reading is a close and thorough evaluation.
Evaluating arguments and evidences is a key part of critical reading.
Everyone has implicit biases and unconscious biases.
Types of biases include stereotyping, confirmation bias, conformity bias, inconsistency questioning, beauty bias, halo/ horn effect, cultural noise and name bias.

Reading is not effortless. It requires a process that includes pre-reading, while reading, and post-reading stages.
Pre-reading focuses on identifying the purpose, reading titles and headings, and checking visuals.
While-reading involves reading and rereading the text to ensure proper understanding of ideas.
Post-reading examines comprehension using basic reading skills, rapid reading, locating specific information, and the main idea, skimming, scanning, and pre-viewing.
Literal reading involves understanding ideas.
Skills under this category include note-taking, paraphrasing, summarizing, inferential reading( reading between lines), and critical reading (close and thorough evaluation).

Developmental Reading involves systematic instructions for students regarding how to read.
Pleasure Reading is a passive type of reading for enjoyment.
Functional Reading is used to help students learn basic literacy skills.
Remedial Reading corrects the effects of poor teaching and poor learning.