
Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning
Don’t work harder, work smarter: how to study effectively and get the grades of your dreams with winning review strategies, killer memory techniques and exam preparation tips you won’t hear anywhere else. Join Cambridge educated psychologist, study techniques researcher, coach and tutor William Wadsworth as we dive into the secrets of academic success.Looking for the grades of your dreams? Want to know the real secrets to preparing for and taking exams? Through a powerful combination of rich personal experience and the very latest learning and memory science, William and his expert guests are here to help. Here's to results day smiles!
Latest episodes

May 2, 2024 • 46min
153. Building Your School's Study Skills Programme - Katie Holmes [FOR TEACHERS]
We're concluding our special "Teaching Learning Skills" mini-series this week with a case study on building a tutor time study skills programme.Packed with highly practical details, with today's special guest Katie Holmes.Follow Katie: @KatieEHolmes_, https://twitter.com/KatieEHolmes_From your host:Retrieval buy-in lesson resource:>> https://ExamStudyExpert.com/retrieval-lessonDiscover the Revision Census>> https://examstudyexpert.com/revision-census*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.TEACHING RESOURCES: https://examstudyexpert.com/workbookSPEAKING / WORKSHOPS: https://examstudyexpert.com/workshopsPodcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

May 1, 2024 • 32min
152. Tom Bennett on Evidence-Based Education [FOR TEACHERS]
Tom Bennett, founder of researchED, discusses the journey of evidence-based education, debunking myths and promoting critical thinking. They explore the evolution of evidence-based teaching practices, effective study techniques, and the importance of funding and support for educators. The episode highlights the impact of evidence-based strategies on student outcomes and acknowledges contributors in education.

Apr 30, 2024 • 23min
151. Dr Haili Hughes - mentoring scholars & effective study skills teaching [FOR TEACHERS]
To kick off this week's special "for teachers" series, we're welcoming Dr Haili Hughes to talk about how to be an effective mentor to students in their study skills, and what good pedagogy for "learning to learn" should include.- Mentoring in Schools [book]: https://geni.us/haili*- Follow Haili @HughesHaili: https://twitter.com/HughesHaili*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.TEACHING RESOURCES: https://examstudyexpert.com/workbookSPEAKING / WORKSHOPS: https://examstudyexpert.com/workshopsGet 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!).

Apr 28, 2024 • 46min
150. Dunlosky's Student Toolbox In Action - Amarbeer Singh Gill [Mem / Learn Month]
Memory & Learning series continues with Amarbeer Singh Gill, author of "Dunlosky's Strengthening The Student Toolbox In Action".We're unpacking some of less-known strategies from John Dunlosky's famous 2013 review of the most effective study strategies.Join us to learn when (and how) to use strategies like:Elaborative interrogationSelf-explanationMental imagerySummarisationInterleaving and other tips for studying mathsPart of the Memory & Learning series here on the Exam Study Expert podcast this month.Dunlosky's Strengthening the Student Toolbox: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1021069.pdfSingh's website and book: https://unpackingeducation.wixsite.com/home/book*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.Edited by Kerri Edinburgh.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

9 snips
Apr 21, 2024 • 41min
149. Peps McCrea: Understanding Memory [Mem / Learn Month]
Memory expert Peps McCrea delves into the cognitive architecture of memory, emphasizing the organic nature and vulnerability of memories. Strategies like retrieval practice and connecting ideas are discussed. The significance of internalizing knowledge for critical thinking and the comparison between reading on paper vs. screens for learning are explored. Insights on evidence-informed teaching practices and a teaser for a collaborative series on study strategies wrap up the engaging discussion.

Apr 7, 2024 • 22min
147. Overcoming Retrieval Resistance
Retrieval practice is the shortcut to learning faster and remembering more, but nearly everyone under-utilises it (at least some of the time), even once you know about it and why it matters.Why?Today I'm breaking down the big 5 barriers to consistent retrieval practice that I most commonly see, and show you how to overcome them.Mentioned in this episode:Episode 69. Rose's student story (high school student)Episode 71. Divine's student story (accounting professional exams)Episode 73. Michael's student story (school / university student career)Episode 75. Charlie's student story (law conversion exams)Episode 108. Sibo's student story (board-level medical exams)Episode 111. Adam's student story (dyslexia and finance exams)Episode 123 on How Many Hours Should You Study Episode 53 on Are You Working Too Hard *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/coachingSCHOOL WORKSHOPS https://examstudyexpert.com/workshopsGet 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!).

Apr 1, 2024 • 30min
146. REWIND: Oliver Caviglioli: Visual Learning Strategies For Students
There’s no such thing as a “visual learner”.The idea that some of us are “visual learners” and learn best through imagery is a myth, and has been widely debunked by psychologists. (See https://examstudyexpert.com/brain-science-quiz/ for this and more myths about learning and the brain!).But in many ways, we are ALL visual learners.Because visuals, when used properly, can have a big benefit for our learning, not least through the powerful “dual coding” effect.Highly respected teaching and learning expert Oliver Caviglioli joins me to explain all, and break down exactly how YOU can take advantage of the power of visuals in your own studies.Part of Learning Science Season here on the Exam Study Expert Podcast.Find Oliver online:On Twitter: @OliCavPersonal website: https://www.olicav.com/ Dual Coding book: https://geni.us/dualcoding Teaching Walkthroughs: https://www.walkthrus.co.uk/ First broadcast as Episode 48, on March 14th 2021.*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/SCHOOLS / UNIVERSITIES discover staff CPD / keynote talks and student revision and study skills workshops at: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/revision-workshops/ 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 purchasesPodcast Edited by Benoît André.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Mar 24, 2024 • 33min
145. REWIND: Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel (Learning Scientist) on Spaced Learning
Can you remember what you learned last week?How about last month?Spaced learning is an INCREDIBLY powerful strategy for getting knowledge into memory - and making it stick there.Renowned Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel of the Learning Scientists project and Teaching Innovation & Learning Enhancement network joins us to break down exactly what you need to know to get up and running with spaced learning.Your grades will never be the same again...!Twitter: @PimpMyMemoryLearning Scientists: https://www.learningscientists.org/TILE: https://tile.psy.gla.ac.uk/Carolina’s personal website: http://www.carolinakuepper-tetzel.com/First broadcast as Episode 47, on March 7th 2021.*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/SCHOOLS / UNIVERSITIES discover staff CPD / keynote talks and student revision and study skills workshops at: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/revision-workshops/ 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 purchasesPodcast Edited by Benoît André.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

7 snips
Mar 16, 2024 • 36min
144. On Supportive Parenting & Handling Pressure, with Dr Tamara Soles
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Tamara Soles, a child psychologist and founder of the Secure Child Centre, shares her expertise on supporting children's academic journeys. She discusses the importance of fostering strong family connections and the impact of academic pressure on relationships. Dr. Soles offers insights into motivating children beyond traditional rewards, understanding neurodiversity in education, and managing exam stress with healthy habits. Her practical advice aims to nurture well-rounded, resilient kids ready to face challenges.

Mar 10, 2024 • 21min
143. The 3 Types Of Lists Every Student Should Know (+ 4 More You Might Find Handy)
Maximise your productivity with these 7 brilliant list formats, each with a special job to help you get things done and stay on the straight-and-narrow!The Everything ListToday's PrioritiesThe Someday Maybe ListThe Tangents ListChecklistsMental Resistance ListRed & Green ListEnjoy!Mentioned in today's episode:My book Outsmart Your Exams: https://geni.us/exams*Exam Success Secrets (course): https://examstudyexpert.com/exam-secrets/The Study Smarter Network: https://examstudyexpert.com/study-smarter-networkThe Checklist Manifesto (book): https://geni.us/checklists**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/** 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!).