And it's no surprise that many of us are determined to study smarter instead of longer.

大多數人認為，與其投注更多時間，不如一心一意有技巧地唸書。

But which study tips and tricks actually work scientifically, and can help you get those perfect grades?

但究竟哪些唸書的技巧與訣竅是科學證實有效，使你能在考場上大獲全勝的呢？

First step, research shows that study sessions are most effective in small short chunks.

第一步，研究指出，若將學習時段切割成大量細小的部分執行，成效會更好。

Instead of cramming in a ten hour study session, it's much more effective to spread it out into twenty thirty-minutes sessions over a few weeks.

與其一下子來個十小時的臨時抱佛腳，倒不如這樣做效果更好：把這十小時分成二十個三十分鐘的小段落，分散於數週。

This is because your brain is better at encoding information into the synapses in short repeated sessions as opposed to one large one.

這是因為大腦在把訊息編碼進入神經突觸時，短期且重複的學習效果比冗長的學習更好。

And this is why even learning different skills, whether it's swimming, tennis, or a singing lesson often follows the same format.

這也是為什麼學習不同才藝時，無論是游泳、網球或學唱歌，經常遵照這種學習模式。

And well, cramming and pulling all nighters may be a ritual, it turns out that this is linked to the lowest grades.

即使現今大家對挑燈夜戰習以為常，研究結果顯示這卻與爛成績息息相關。

After prolonged nocturnal study sessions, reasoning and memory may be negatively effected for up to 4 whole days.

經歷了長時間熬夜的學習時段，對於推理能力跟記憶力在接下來的整整四天，可能會有不良的影響。

Instead, setting up specific times in a day, or during the week, just to study primes your brain by creating a routine,

反之，在一天或一週內，設定特定的讀書時間，藉由創造一個日常規律來讓大腦對於讀書這件事有所準備。

and over time studying actually becomes easier, as your brain is trained to learn in those moments.

久而久之，因為大腦被訓練成在規律的時段學習，讀書就會變得簡單許多。

And well, many of us spend hours passively rereading our notes or highlighting a textbook, studies have shown this to be ineffective.

另外，許多人被動地反覆讀著筆記或在課本上畫重點，被研究指出是無濟於事的。

It doesn't improve your understanding of topics nor does it link key concepts together.

這樣做既不會讓你更了解主題，也不會把重點概念連結在一起。

It can even be detrimental, as it draws your attention to less important information.

尤有甚者，你的專注力會被瑣細的資訊影響，從而造成反效果。

Flashcards, on the other hand, are proven to be excellent memory reinforcement tools.

另一方面，「抽字卡」則被證實為很棒的記憶強化工具，

Whether, during your schedule study times, or during off times like a bus ride home.

無論是於安排好的念書時段使用、亦或是像搭公車回家等非唸書時間，都大有助益。

It also helps to have a specific goal for each study session.

為每一個讀書時段訂定明確目標也大有幫助。

Instead of aimlessly studying, pick one aspect you're focused on.

與其亂槍打鳥式地唸，倒不如就集中火力在某一個方面。

Whether it's balancing chemical equations or learning how to conjugate french verbs.

可以是練習平衡化學等式，或是熟稔法文的動詞人稱變化。

If you can't explain it simply, then you don't understand it well enough.

而若你沒辦法簡潔地解釋你唸的東西，就代表你理解地不夠透徹。

In studies where individuals were asked to learn a passage and then half were told they will be tested on the material while the other half were told they would have to teach it to other students

在一些研究實驗裡，實驗對象被要求讀一段短文，一半被告知說等等會有相關測驗，另一半則被告知要向一群學生解釋該篇短文。

participants expecting to teach it, did much better on understanding the main points.

研究結果顯示後者對於短文重點的理解程度遠遠優於前者。　

When you're expected to teach, your brain organizes the information in a more logical coherent structure.

當你被指望要教別人時，大腦就會以更有邏輯條理的方式組織那些資訊。

Of course, practice, practice, practice!

當然了，「一回生，二回熟，三回成高手！」

Not only do practice tests put your brain in the environment but even if you make mistakes, they help identify gaps in your knowledge

做些模擬試題不僅僅能讓大腦熟悉考試的環境，即便你犯了些無傷大雅的錯誤，它們也能找出你知識上的缺口。

Practice tests have also been shown to increase confidence, thereby leading to better performance.

模擬試題也被證明能提昇自信心，因而能促發更好的表現。

So where should you be studying ?

嗯，所以哪些地方最適合唸書呢？

Research shows that having a designated sacred spot for study, that's well equipped with every tool you might need is best.

研究指出，擁有一個文具一應俱全、私人指定的讀書專用秘密基地是最好的。

Just like setting times, this primes your brain for studying.

好比前面說的時程設定，這樣做可以讓大腦有萬全的準備。

Have an awesome study playlist? Not so fast!

準備好播放美妙絕倫的音樂清單了嗎？先別那麼急！

Well, some studies have shown that certain types of classical music can help improve concentration,

一些研究確實顯示，特定類型的古典音樂能夠幫助改善注意力，

a recent studies has shown that learning with rhythmic background noise can be detrimental to focus and those not using music, very much better.

近期研究卻指出，一邊唸書一邊聽節奏太強的背景音樂有礙於集中精神，相反地，不聽音樂的學習成效更加顯著。

And if you haven't already, put away your phone!

還是唸書時手機不離身嗎？快遠離你的手機！

This is a no brainer. But your text and social media notifications severely decrease concentration.

不用想也知道，簡訊和社群網站的通知會嚴重地擊垮你的專注力。

Of course, exams can be extremely stressful,

當然，大考帶來的壓力十分龐大，

so if you want some tips on how to deal with exam anxiety, check out our ASAP THOUGHT videos which breaks down some tips for that.

所以你如果想學一些應付考試焦慮的小撇步，來看看 ASAP THOUGHT 的影片吧！我們會逐步解說那些消除焦慮的步驟。

Link in the description.

連結在影片下方。

And a big thank you to TD bank for sponsoring this video.

誠摯感謝 TD Bank (道明加拿大信託銀行) 贊助影片的製作。

If you're heading to campus this fall, click on the link below or visit td.com/student to see how TD can help you start school with a plan.

如果你今年秋天將準備入學，點擊下方的連結或拜訪 td.com/student 這個網站，因為 TD 幫你擬定了開學季的作戰計畫。

We know how hard and tough it can be getting buried in books and bills and TD has some great solutions for you.

我們都能體會開學之初，那些淹沒無度的教科書啊、帳單啊是多麼艱苦的負擔，而 TD 有為你準備一些解決良方。

Be sure to check it out.

請務必去賞光一下！

And subscribe for more weekly science videos.

最後，記得訂閱我們的頻道觀賞每週科學知識的影片喔。