Biological Brain
The Learning Scientist
Focus and Productivity
Mindset and Goal Setting
The "Study Smart" Lab
100

This part of the brain is the "CEO," responsible for executive functioning, decision-making, and impulse control.



What is the Prefrontal Cortex?

100

This strategy involves drawing information out of your head (like flashcards) rather than putting it in.

What is retrieval practice?

100

This time-management technique involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.

What is the Pomodoro Method?

100

In this mindset, a person believes that their intelligence and talents are static traits that cannot be changed.

What is a Fixed Mindset?

100

This document is your "map" to an "A," outlining exactly how a project or essay will be graded.

What is a rubric?

200

This almond-shaped structure acts as the brain’s "alarm system," processing emotions like fear and stress.

What is the Amygdala?

200

Combining words with visuals to represent information is known as this technique.

What is Dual Coding?

200

This 4-quadrant tool helps you categorize tasks by Urgency and Importance.

What is the Eisnehower Matrix (Method)?

200

The "G" in the S.M.A.R.T. goal acronym stands for this (Wait! Trick question: What does the "M" stand for?).

What is Measurable?

200

This strategy involves connecting new information to personal experiences or existing knowledge to make it "stick."

What is elaboration?

300

This is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.


What is Neuroplasticity?

300

This method involves explaining a concept in simple terms, as if you were teaching it to a child.

What is the Feynman Method?

300

This is the process of breaking a large, overwhelming project into smaller, manageable "bites."

What is chunking?

300

This mindset views failure as an opportunity for growth and believes that effort leads to mastery.

What is a Growth Mindset?

300

During a test, you should always answer the easy questions first to build momentum—this is a key component of what skill set?

What are test taking strategies?

400

While the Cerebrum handles high-level functions, this "little brain" at the rear deals with balance and motor control.

What is the Cerebellum?

400

To avoid cramming, students use this technique, which spreads study sessions out over several days or weeks.

What is spaced practice?

400

To clear mental clutter before a test, you might perform this "cleansing" exercise where you write down everything you know.

What is Brain Dump?

400

To be effective, the "R" in a S.M.A.R.T. goal ensures the goal is either?

What is Relevant or Realistic?

400

Engaging in discussions, solving problems, and self-quizzing are all examples of this superior form of learning.

What is active learning?

500

If you can’t remember where you parked your bike, blame this structure, which is vital for converting short-term memories into long-term ones.

What is the hippocampus?

500

This occurs when the amount of information being processed exceeds the capacity of the working memory.

What is Cognitive Load?

500

These are the high-level mental processes—like planning and self-monitoring—that act as the "air traffic controller" for the brain.

What is Exeuctive Functioning?

500

This type of learning involves simply reading or listening without engaging, which often leads to the "illusion of competence.

What is passive learning?

500

When a student experiences a "hijack" where the Amygdala shuts down the Prefrontal Cortex due to high stress (like during a final exam), it is often a result of this specific cognitive state being exceeded.

What is Cognitive Load (or Stress-Induced Cognitive Overload)?