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 studyi...
Jan 28, 2024•18 min•Ep. 137
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-teaching* ...
Jan 22, 2024•39 min•Ep. 136
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 of mod...
Jan 15, 2024•34 min•Ep. 135
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 version of this...
Jan 07, 2024•23 min•Ep. 134
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 their ex...
Dec 31, 2023•15 min•Ep. 133
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 psycholo...
Dec 17, 2023•15 min•Ep. 132
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 help ...
Dec 14, 2023•22 min•Ep. 131
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!)....
Dec 05, 2023•12 min•Ep. 130
Unleash the power of real clarity on what matters (and what doesn't), and what you need to do to get you closer to your destination in your studies, with your version of the powerful "boat go faster" question. Plus, finding flow state more often, for enhanced productivity, creativity, and above all, enjoyment of your studies! Join The Scholar's Way and find peace, purpose and flow in your studies today, at: >> https://examstudyexpert.com/TSW * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologi...
Nov 19, 2023•17 min•Ep. 128
How to organise your time and stay productive - even when you're balancing a full time job and full time degree! In this instalment of the ever-popular student stories series, we also touch on: The importance of keeping an open mind Levelling up by learning how to learn The power of helping others and knowing when to ask for help Specific learning tips for quantitative / numerical / problem-based subjects * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills...
Nov 12, 2023•24 min•Ep. 127
It all starts with your mindset: that's the foundation on which it all rests. And I mean both your final result, and your enjoyment (or otherwise) of the path to success. Today, I'm looking back on my own mindset journey as a scholar, and breaking down the top lessons learned from 3 separate challenges I faced at 3 separate times along my journey as a scholar through my time and school and university. If you're inspired today to level up your own mindset toolbox: Visit https://examstudyexpert.co...
Nov 05, 2023•22 min•Ep. 126
Earlier this year, Ruth Poundwhite (Ep. 97) talked about the "discomfort in resting" that so many high-achievers share. I had a number of messages saying this really struck a chord, I want to pick up on that thread today, with help of special guest Camilla Walker. We'll be exploring why getting real rest can be so challenging, why it's so necessary, and introducing you to a practice that's specially designed to help, called "deep rest". Links and resources from this episode: >> To experien...
Oct 29, 2023•19 min•Ep. 125
Join Exam Study Expert's very own Drs Alix Hibble and Kerri Edinburgh for a candid look at the ups and downs of the PhD experience. You'll learn top tips with the benefit of hindsight on mindset, time management, goal-setting and more. Plus, why research is awesome! As mentioned in this episode: The Scholar's Way: our signature mindset programme for students and scholars of all kinds: https://examstudyexpert.com/tsw Kerri's article on imposter syndrome: https://examstudyexpert.com/imposter-syndr...
Oct 22, 2023•37 min•Ep. 124
Today, we're diving into our "most often asked questions" list, and tackling the perennial question of how many hours should you be studying for each day. The answer is "it depends" (oh, come on, you knew I'd say that!), but in this episode, I don't duck the question, join me as I break down: The 5 key things that it depends ON, so you can make the right call in your circumstances The main guiding principle for deciding a sensible study-hours goal And my perspective on different specific hours t...
Oct 15, 2023•25 min•Ep. 123
Today, I'm diving into four tricks your mind might play on you which cause you to lose time or feel frustrated in your studies, and what you can do about them. There's some of my favourite psychology in here, classic judgement & decision making theory as applied to the world of studying and scholarship - let's dive in! Featured today: The Scholars Way, our new signature 3-day mindset course for students and scholars. Learn more and get access at: >> https://examstudyexpert.com/TSW * * ...
Oct 08, 2023•20 min•Ep. 122
Today, we're talking to Sowmya, a law student who's facing 12 exams ... in just four weeks time! Join us as we discuss: The impact of anxiety Avoiding procrastination How to find the drive to study by focusing on your goals Effective methods for managing your time in the final lead-up to exams And the best revision methods for covering a LOT of material in a short space of time Want to talk to us about getting our coaching support in the run-up to YOUR exams? We're here to help! Find out more at...
Oct 01, 2023•29 min•Ep. 121
Exam Study Expert's very own Dr Alix Hibble was at one of the world's major education research conferences last week. In today's episode, she shares her top 5 trends in education research in 2023, and takeaways for students. Tune in to learn more about: The danger of a bad label or identity at school or in your studies and what to do about it Nurturing engagement in your studies and growth mindset Getting the most out of virtual learning Getting the most out of AI tools like ChatGPT (without "ch...
Sep 24, 2023•15 min•Ep. 120
Over the years, my take on effective learning strategies has got clearer and simpler: I think there are only THREE effective approaches to learning. Everything else is just variations on one of those 3 themes. I reveal all in today's episode! For more on the science of memory and effective learning strategy, check out our signature course Total Memory Mastery at: >> https://examstudyexpert.com/Memory OR get access to Total Memory Mastery as part of a Study Smarter Network membership: >&...
Sep 17, 2023•24 min•Ep. 119
Discover the power of personal development for your scholarship (and for life) with the one and only Alan Donegan. The power to level up is in your hands! Resources mentioned in this episode: - Notes From A Friend (book): https://geni.us/notesfromafriend * - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (book): https://geni.us/coveyhabits * - Rebel Business School (courses): https://therebelschool.com/ - Rebel Finance School (course): https://www.alandonegan.com/rebelfinance.html - Extraordinary Life Cour...
Sep 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 118
We're talking language learning for skills, profit and above all FUN with Kerstin Cable of fluentlanguage.co.uk. Discover: Kerstin's top reasons to learn languages (it certainly got ME inspired to dive back into my French learning!) How to bridge the "motivation valley" after the honeymoon period Finding what works best for YOU as a language learner And much more! In many ways, this episode represents a case study on applying many recent themes from the podcast in practice - listen out for proce...
Sep 04, 2023•39 min•Ep. 117
The world is a better place when we all make that little extra effort to be kind to each other. Here are some of my top tips for being kind to your fellow scholars when it comes to studying for and taking exams. Let's spread a little kindness today: why not share this podcast with a friend! * 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 s...
Jul 09, 2023•14 min•Ep. 116
Top tips for studying and taking exams with autism, with the hugely knowledgeable, passionate and helpful specialist mentor and researcher, Brian Irvine. Books / tools / resources mentioned in this episode: Buy loops (specialist noise cancelling in-ear buds): https://geni.us/buyloops * Grab a copy of our exam technique book Outsmart Your Exams at https://geni.us/exams * * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books and tools at no extra cost to you :-) * * * * * *...
Jul 02, 2023•30 min•Ep. 115
Today, we're exploring study strategies for an ADHD brain with Eric Tivers from the ADHD reWired podcast, the #1 rated ADHD podcast on Apple Podcasts. Discover time management, focus, distraction, in-class and project planning strategies in this highly practical instalment. (Psst... most of this is GREAT advice even if you don't have ADHD!) For more, visit ADHDreWired.com . * Hosted by William Wadsworth & Dr Alix Hibble, memory psychologists, independent researchers and study skills coaches....
Jun 25, 2023•34 min•Ep. 114
Today we welcome Jenn Clark and Dr Gavin Reid, two top dyslexia experts to help us better understand the dyslexic brain, and the study strategies that help students with dyslexia succeed at school, university and beyond! Select book recommendation by Gavin and Jenn: The Dyslexia Workbook for Adults: https://geni.us/dyslexiaforadults* Dyslexia Tools Workbook for Teens: https://geni.us/dyslexiaforteens* The Big Book for Dyslexia Activities for Kids & Teens: https://geni.us/dyslexiaforkids* Dys...
Jun 18, 2023•49 min•Ep. 113
A rebroadcast gem from the archives: discover the secrets of how mastering your mindset can set you up for success with renowned mindset scholar, Professor Timothy D. Wilson. Why does mindset matter? How to change the stories you tell yourself, and put yourself on the path to success? How to respond to disappointment and setbacks? Professor Wilson is the author of one of my all-time favourite books on mindset and motivation, "Redirect: Changing The Stories We Live By". It's outstanding. I'd high...
Jun 11, 2023•35 min•Ep. 112
Discover how Adam overhauled his learning strategy and ended up placing first in his country (twice!) after applying principles from the How To Study Effectively series on the podcast. How To Study Effectively series: https://examstudyexpert.com/revise-smarter/ Learn more about the new Total Memory Mastery course, as part of my signature Study Smarter Network programme: https://examstudyexpert.com/study-smarter-network/ * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher a...
Jun 04, 2023•34 min•Ep. 111
Today, the 5 things I recommend doing the day before an exam to set you up for success! Psst. want to see a video version of this episode? It's a special benefit for Exam Study Expert newsletter subscribers. Join the newsletter today to get instant access to the video version, at https://examstudyexpert.com/video-version-access/ (it's free!). Want to dive further into exam technique? Save your seat on my exam technique workshop, Outsmart Your Exams LIVE at https://examstudyexpert.com/ExamSuccess...
May 21, 2023•15 min•Ep. 110
Today, we're confronting the toughest of exam questions, and building the mental fortitude and practical toolkit needed to engage even when you're completely foxed at first. It could be the difference between a good grade and a truly great one! Save your seat on my exam technique workshop, Outsmart Your Exams LIVE at https://examstudyexpert.com/ExamSuccess Learn more about the Study Smarter Network and enrol today at https://examstudyexpert.com/Network * Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psych...
May 14, 2023•18 min•Ep. 109
Today, we're talking to Sibo, 3 weeks before she's due to take her specialist exams to become a psychiatrist. In this conversation, you'll learn: How to get maximum benefit from your final few weeks and days of study ahead of a big exam How to boost your confidence going into a challenging exam process Some considerations to increase your mark on test-day itself Want to talk to us about getting our coaching support in the run-up to YOUR exams? We're here to help! Let's have a chat: For professio...
May 07, 2023•41 min•Ep. 108
When it comes to flashcards, you can go down one of two routes: either digital apps like Anki, Quizlet, Brainscape and more, or "old school" paper flashcards. Which will give you the best results? In this episode, we unpack the pros and cons of each approach, to help you find the best route for you! * 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 a...
Apr 23, 2023•17 min•Ep. 107
