Fact-checking myths about learning

... FALSE!

Many students suffer from procrastination. It is often difficult to find the motivation to study or complete certain tasks, especially when you feel like you still have a lot of time on your hands. But the consequences can be fatal – stress, time pressure and bad grades are just a few examples.

However, it is important to remember that procrastination is normal and that everyone has a bad day now and then. If you are constantly putting off a certain task, it might be because you are unsure how to do it or what steps you need to take.

Apps for organizing your daily studies de

... CORRECT!

When it comes to cognitive transfer, taking notes by hand helps you to consciously deal with the subject matter and then apply what you have learned. When you listen to something and write it down, the most important aspects are filtered and presented in a concise manner. This has been proven to enhance memory. However, taking ‘mindless’ notes and merely copying text is counter-productive.

... CORRECT! BUT ALSO…

... FALSE!

Various studies have shown that glucose can improve your concentration and memory, especially when performing mentally demanding tasks. Glucose is a quick source of energy for the brain and can improve cognitive function in the short term. 

Just as quickly as glucose supplies energy, however, it saps it from the body again. Your blood sugar will often drop to below pre-glucose levels just 20 minutes later. You can ensure balanced blood sugar levels by opting for long-chain carbohydrates (e.g. whole grains). So the perfect breakfast on the morning of an examination would be muesli or porridge with milk or yoghurt and some fruit or juice.

You can get more tips from the ‘Student Health Management’ team at the University of Jena.

Healthy study guide  de

... CORRECT!

International studies show that physical exercise improves concentration and helps you study more effectively. This is because exercise stimulates the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, causing the body to release more endorphins. This improves your mood and reduces stress, putting you in the perfect frame of mind to study.

And there’s more good news coming out of the studies: It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do – any exercise is good for you, no matter whether you like team sports or brisk walks. Your mind will be stimulated as soon as you start moving.

From ‘A’ for ‘Aikido’ to ‘Z’ for ‘Zumba’ – the University Sports Centre has something for everyone.

University Sports Centre de