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TikTok has unexpectedly become a powerful platform for educational content, leading to the rise of “StudyTok.”
This trend has revolutionised how students approach learning, offering a variety of bite-sized tips and study hacks tailored to different learning styles. From aesthetic note-taking videos to “study with me” live streams, students increasingly turn to StudyTok for quick and engaging ways to enhance their academic performance.
But how effective are these trends, and can students use them to boost their academic performance?
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular StudyTok trends, analyse their impact on learning, and provide guidance on how to use them effectively.
1. Using Flash Cards
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StudyTok has breathed new life into the classic flashcard method, offering a fresh approach to this time-tested study technique. The trend encourages students to divide their flashcards into three stacks based on their familiarity with the information.
The first stack contains well-known material that students can confidently review once a week. The second stack holds information that students recognise but haven’t fully mastered, requiring review every other day. The third stack comprises unfamiliar or forgotten information that needs daily revision.
This structured approach helps students prioritise their study efforts effectively. Students can address knowledge gaps more efficiently when they give more attention to weaker areas. However, the method isn’t without its challenges. Students often find themselves drawn to familiar topics, as these provide a sense of comfort and accomplishment. While this tendency is natural, it can hinder progress in more challenging areas if not managed properly.
The flashcard method promotes rote memorisation, making it particularly useful for subjects requiring extensive fact recall. However, students should know that creating and managing an extensive flashcard system can be time-consuming.
2. Candle Study Method
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The Candle Study Method offers students an atmospheric and focused approach to their study sessions. This technique begins with lighting a candle, creating a warm and inviting ambience to help reduce stress and increase concentration. Students then commit to studying until the candle burns out, using the gradually diminishing flame as a visual timer and motivation to remain focused.
To enhance accountability, some students opt to study with a friend, turning the solitary act of learning into a shared experience. This partnership can provide mutual encouragement and help maintain focus throughout the session. Before beginning, students set specific, achievable goals for their study period. Clear objectives direct their efforts and provide a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
Many students combine the Candle Study Method with other proven techniques, like the Pomodoro method, for added structure. This combination allows for structured breaks, prevents burnout, and maintains high concentration levels throughout the study session.
3. The “Shut Up and Study” Live Streams
StudyTok has created a unique and increasingly popular trend: the “Shut Up and Study” live streams. In these sessions, students show their study time, inviting viewers to join a virtual, silent study group. This innovative approach transforms solitary study sessions into a shared experience, fostering community and mutual accountability among participants.
As streamers focus intently on their work, viewers study alongside them, creating a collective atmosphere of concentration and productivity. This virtual study environment provides several benefits to learners. It offers motivation by showcasing others’ dedication to their studies, potentially inspiring viewers to match that level of commitment.
The method helps prevent feelings of isolation often accompanying long study sessions, particularly for students studying remotely.
During these study sessions, learners maintain focus for extended periods. Seeing others consistently engaged in their work encourages them to persist with their studies, even when motivation wanes.
Students should approach this method mindfully. While it can be an excellent motivational tool, it may become a distraction if students spend more time watching the stream than engaging with their study materials.
To maximise the benefits of this approach, students should prioritise active participation in their studies while using the stream primarily as background motivation.
4. Colour-Coding and Aesthetic Notes
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Colour-coding and creating aesthetic notes have taken StudyTok by storm, transforming mundane study materials into visually striking works of art.
Learners use various coloured pens, highlighters, and markers to categorise information, making their notes functional and visually appealing. This method goes beyond simple highlighting, with many students creating elaborately decorated notes and study guides that rival professional designs.
The popularity of this trend has led to a proliferation of “study with me” videos on the platform. In these videos, students showcase their note-taking process in real time, offering viewers insights into their organizational techniques and artistic approaches. These videos serve as both inspiration and instruction for others looking to enhance their note-taking methods.
The effectiveness of this approach varies among students. For some, colour and aesthetic design significantly enhance visual memory and recall. Creating these beautiful notes can also aid in information retention, as students engage more deeply with the material while deciding how to present it visually. Organising information into colour-coded categories helps students better understand relationships between concepts and improves comprehension.
However, students should consider the time-consuming nature of this method. While the process can be enjoyable and potentially beneficial for learning, it may also detract from actual content mastery if too much time is spent on the artistic aspects rather than engaging with the material.
Students who adopt this method should strive to balance creating visually appealing notes and ensuring they thoroughly understand the content they’re studying.
5. Mnemonic Devices and Memory Palaces
StudyTok has revitalised classic memory techniques, introducing mnemonic devices and memory palaces to a new generation of learners. Students create catchy acronyms or rhymes to encapsulate complex information.
These methods transform dry facts into engaging, memorable content. They are particularly useful for subjects requiring extensive memorization, like anatomy or historical dates. Adding creativity and personal connection to study material makes students more interested in learning.
However, these techniques are only sometimes applicable. While excellent for fact-based recall, they may need help developing critical thinking skills or understanding complex concepts.
Creating effective mnemonics or memory palaces also requires time and creativity, which some students might struggle to balance with their regular study routine.
Despite these considerations, the popularity of these methods on StudyTok highlights their potential to make studying more enjoyable and effective. As with any study approach, students should experiment to find techniques that best suit their learning style and course demands.
6. How Students Can Use StudyTok Effectively
- Be selective: Not all trends will work for every student or subject. Experiment to find what suits your learning style.
- Balance consumption and application: Spend more time applying techniques than watching videos.
- Adapt trends to your needs: Modify popular methods to fit your specific study requirements.
- Use as supplementary tools: StudyTok should complement, not replace, traditional study methods and materials.
- Be mindful of time: Set limits on TikTok usage to avoid it becoming a distraction.
- Verify information: Cross-check study tips and subject matter with reliable sources.
7. Conclusion
StudyTok has undeniably changed the landscape of self-directed learning, offering innovative and engaging study methods. While these trends can be valuable, students should approach them critically and use them as part of a balanced, comprehensive study strategy.
Students who thoughtfully incorporate StudyTok into their study routines can stay motivated and energised while gaining a solid, meaningful grasp of their subjects.
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