Exam Study Expert: Study Tips And Psychology Hacks To Learn Effectively And Get Top Grades

In this final very special episode to round out 2025, we welcome world-renowned personality expert Professor Brian Little to help us answer the question: who are you really?As one of the great scholars of our time in the field of personality psychology, Professor Little's wonderfully engaging teaching style has also won him “favourite teacher” accolades at Harvard and found him described as a cross between seeing Robin Williams and Einstein on stage. Professor Little helps us explore how your personality traits, character and goals interact to shape your learning, engagement, memory, attention and ability to flourish. We connect the Big Five personality traits with study strategies, teaching craft, and the real costs and benefits of acting out of character. With plenty of concrete examples to help you approach life in personal projects in a way that suits who you are.Plus a whole segment especially for educators looking for novel ways to engage every student, especially those who are struggling.**Find ou

Discover the three core ways to prioritise better in your studying, to get through what you need to do in much less time with as little impact as possible on the quality of your output.*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.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

We’re joined today by Scott Hardiman, a confidence coach who specialises in helping people rebuild their confidence and get their drive back. Scott shares his own relatable and inspiring student story, from bullying and anxiety to finding his confidence mindset. Plus his top six tricks – easy daily practices, micro-experiments that everyone can try – to build up your own confidence and face any high-stress situation: • the impact of taking action • using your “stretch zone” • physiology and posture • keeping an evidence bank of confidence-boosters • the importance of keeping your promises • and the power of self-awareness**Find out more about today’s guest, Scott Hardiman:• Discover more resources on his website: https://further-coaching.com/**Recommendations from today’s episode:• The Brain by David Eagleman: https://geni.us/thebrain *• Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: https://geni.us/giantwithin *• Virginia Valian’s essay “Learning to Work” from Working It Out: 23 Women Writers, Artists, Scientists,

A practical guide to using the time boxing time management strategy to boost focus, sharpen your prioritisation, overcome prioritisation, mitigate perfectionism and ultimately get your work done faster. *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.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Today we’re revisiting the Zettelkasten system for capturing and organising your notes, with esteemed expert Bob Doto. Bob has effectively codified the Zettelkasten methodology, written the excellent go-to primer on the topic, and moderates the popular r/Zettelkasten subreddit community.So few have thought more about the practical implementation of Zettelkasten than Bob. And today we’re breaking down a lean Zettelkasten workflow for anyone interested in starting the method, but with a particular interest in academic use.From initial note-taking through to the anatomy of different note types, and with clear steps and live examples, Bob will help you see the value of making connections between your notes, thoughts and ideas.**Find out more about today’s guest, Bob Doto:• Discover more resources on his website: https://bobdoto.computer/• Discover his book, System for Writing: https://geni.us/bobdoto *• Join in the conversation on the Zettelkasten subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Zettelkasten/**Discover more r

Today, I'm sharing a simple way to study faster by clearing mental clutter and turning a long or disordered to‑do list into a sharp plan for today. There is surprising power in the right daily task list to boost focus, reduce decisions, and build momentum.Discover how my all-new "SOCK" method for the perfect daily to-do list can transform your day. When you start with a list that is Specific, Ordered and Clear, you can Knock it out in no time!*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.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a

We're back today for another Student Story: celebrating successfully beating a high-stakes test, and learning all the study techniques that made the difference between pass and fail.Our guest today is veterinary dermatologist Alissa, who confidently passed her specialist exam after spending some time as my coaching client - she put in the hard work, studied smarter and took home a well-deserved win.Alissa shares her practical tips on what made the difference to her confidence and studying success:how she learnt to balance a schedule of digital studying with the demands of a hectic family life  how she prioritised effective flashcard technique for an information-heavy exam mastering holistic, calming exam tactics to make a difference on the day and the benefits of working with a study coach (me!) to personalise the techniques we discuss here on the podcast to your own needs**Find out more about Exam Study Expert:Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coac

Join us for another episode in our popular Student Stories series, featuring Dr Frank Douglas, a scholar for whom education was pivotal in his life's journey. From his beginnings in Guyana to his work in global pharma leadership, we'll follow Frank's journey of "bouncing forward": of scholarships and hard work, undertaking a PhD in America, facing racial discrimination in the workplace, and beginning a new career after medical school.Frank also shares his clear methods for turning setbacks into strengths through hard work, perseverance and understanding how to turn your own problems into solutions for everyone.Delving into racial history in America, this episode, released during Black History Month 2025, celebrates Frank's achievements and extraordinary life.**You might also enjoy:Episode 18 of the Exam Study Expert podcast, featuring industry Titan Josaia Mar : https://examstudyexpert.com/coconut-shells-to-industry-titan-when-i-grow-up-month/**Find out more about Dr Frank Dougla

Sometimes less is more! Today we're exploring the value of stopping, dropping, trimming and deprioritising to make space for the things that matter most. 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.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Social connections are critical for mental and physical wellbeing, and they significantly impact academic performance. Dr. Kimberly Horne shares evidence-based insights on nurturing friendships even during busy periods of study and examination preparation.• Loneliness affects concentration, GPA, and even immune system function• College social terrain differs dramatically from high school, requiring new connection strategies• Introverts can benefit from sitting in the same class spot and keeping notes about conversation topics• Scheduling social time should be as intentional as scheduling study time• "Micro connections" of just 5 minutes can provide significant benefits during busy periods• Finding your "tribe" through shared interests makes forming deeper connections easier• Friendships serve as anchors during challenging times on campusIf you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving us a review, following the show, or supporting us on Patreon. Your engagement helps us reach mor

Enter Zettelkasten: a powerful and sophisticated note-making system for more advanced users.A secret superpower to help you be more productive, cut procrastination, have more and better insights, and streamline the research/writing process.Here to teach us how to use the strategy is Dr Sönke Ahrens, author of How To Take Smart Notes and widely regarded as the world's top authority on the art of Zettelkasten note making.*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.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

We explore five essential habits that can transform your academic performance by taking small, consistent actions throughout your studies rather than cramming at the end. Doing these little things well from the beginning will make your academic life significantly easier when exam time arrives.• Stay organised as you go along – identify and remove your specific bottlenecks to staying organised• Learn what excellence looks like in your subject from day one – seek examples and guidance early• Address confusion immediately rather than postponing understanding – don't let knowledge gaps compound• Create a "tangent list" for interesting but non-essential topics – balance core learning with exploration• Practice memory journaling daily – spend five minutes retrieving key points to consolidate learning• Keep your approach simple – start with one or two manageable habits rather than trying to do everything*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I

First broadcast as Episode 154, we're revisiting this epic interview with giant of the "science of effective study" world, the great Professor John Dunlosky.In today's must-listen episode, we discover:Why learning should be challengingA taxonomy for thinking about 10 popular study strategies - which work best, and for what?How to master "successive re-learning"Plus an expert's take on whether to use digital flashcards, dual coding, watching online video and more!Featured today:John's book "Study Like A Champ": https://geni.us/dunloskyJohn's original paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1529100612453266Episode 45 with Learning Scientists cofounder Jude Weinstein Jones https://examstudyexpert.com/yana-weinstein-jones/Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills specialist. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.Get more fro

Charlie Colenutt shares his journey from disillusioned lawyer to author, exploring what makes work fulfilling based on interviews with 100 people across diverse professions.You'll learn:•How the most satisfied workers can see clear, immediate results from their efforts• That career satisfaction shows little correlation with income beyond meeting basic needs• Many fulfilled workers had experienced career crises before finding satisfaction• Career paths are rarely planned and usually involve significant randomness or luck• Young workers often face disappointment when workplace rhetoric about meaning doesn't match reality• Being honest with yourself about your motivations is crucial when making career decisionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a review – it means the world to us as creators!*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

A simple daily practice to have happier, more productive days: gratitude journalling for students.*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*Today's references:Jeliseh, M.T., Valizadeh, M., Zohrabi, M. and Xodabande, I. (2025), Enhancing Language Teachers' Well-Being Through Positive Psychology Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Study Focusing on Gratitude Journaling. Psychology in the Schools. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.70005Tolcher, K., Cauble, M., & Downs, A. (2022). Evaluating the effects of gratitude interventions on college student well-being. Journal of American College Health, 72(5), 1321–1325. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.20760

Happiness isn't just about feeling good – it's about living in alignment with your values and purpose while managing inevitable stress more effectively.• Stress is the primary barrier to happiness, hijacking your brain and making good decisions difficult• Toning your vagus nerve through humming, breath work, movement, connection and nature helps reset your nervous system• Self-care doesn't just take time – it expands time by improving decision-making and clarity• Colour-code tasks as red (urgent), yellow (needs attention), green (ongoing) or grey (time-wasters) to manage overwhelm• Create space between receiving feedback and responding to avoid reactive decisions• When confused or uncertain, ask for clarification rather than guessing• Focus on enjoying the learning process rather than fixating solely on gradesVisit expandyourhappy.com to learn more about Dr. Heather Frederick's work and resources.Heather's podcast is at https://happydocstudent.com/Her 5.0-star rated book is at https:/

Discover the power of clear purpose and a compelling vision with today's guests, Ian Chamandy and Steve Gamlin.*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.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

The psychological principle of "Cognitive Load Theory" has considerable power to understand how our brain thinks. There are some fascinating and powerful applications when you're taking exams to help your brain thinking smoother and faster.Discover five of my favourite exam-hall tips and tricks to help your brain work faster, make fewer mistakes, and score more marks when it matters most.For more, check out Outsmart Your Exams:>> https://geni.us/exams**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.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks&quo

Join the University of Oxford's Lecturer in Study Skills Dr Alix Hibble for a next-level masterclass on the academic writing process.Discover how you can save considerable time AND produce significantly better end results with a better strategy for reading, researching, outlining and writing your essays and dissertations.A must-listen for anyone with any kind of writing to do as part of their academic journey. Enquire about academic writing coaching with Dr Alix at:>> https://examstudyexpert.com/academic-writing-coaching/*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.Question

Learn how to overcome procrastination when working on large academic projects with today's guest, Dr Alison Miller.https://www.theacademicwritersspace.com/*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.Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).