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

Many of the students and scholars I speak to struggle with stress, anxiety and overwhelming emotions: about exams, assignments, academic pressure or feeling behind.So today we're chatting with Dr Jennifer Veilleux, clinical therapist and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Arkansas. Dr Jenn explains all her key practical strategies, rooted in scientific research, that can make up an effective emotional toolkit for students. We explore how acknowledging, understanding and regulating your feelings can improve your mental health, your exam performance and your enjoyment of academic life at school or university.Listen in to discover when to listen to your feelings, when to calm them, and how to stop anxiety and procrastination from running the show.

Everything's a u shaped curve: don't work too hard, but not too little either, for best results.Explore how understanding this "sweet spot" principle can help you find the balance in your study routine, as well as get the right balance in other areas of your study strategy too, such as how many spaced repetitions are optimal for you, or the right mix of different study methods for your needs. *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!).

Unlock the secrets behind how a top student in Australia crushed his finals and secured a top 1% score in his state — and learn exactly how you can apply his disciplined strategies to your own exams. Harry's journey proves that success isn’t just about talent; it's about precision, routine, and metacognitive awareness.We break down:- The role of consistent daily habits in high-stakes exams- How to use spaced retrieval practice effectively- How to track exam practice and "vibe"Tune in to see how disciplined consistency, metacognitive awareness, and smart practice can transform your results too.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Small can be mighty when it comes to setting the right study goals, especially at first! Learn why consistency is queen, and how a "do-able come rain or shine" study routine is the key to building and maintaining momentum in your learning, and maximising your progress in the long-run.*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!).

What if the fastest way to learn better is to understand why and where learning breaks down?In this episode, I’m joined by leading UK educator and author Alex Quigley to unpack his eight predictable failure points that derail studying — and the practical, research-backed strategies that fix them.Failure is normal. Success comes from recognising the signals early and responding with the right tools: retrieval practice, spaced learning, improved planning and evaluation, and metacognitive reflection of your studying. If you want to study less but learn more, this episode shows you how to close knowledge gaps, balance your confidence and find the motivation to turn struggles into steady progress.** ⭐About today’s guest, Alex Quigley: Alex Quigley is a well-known figure in UK education: author of several popular books & a monthly column for the Times Educational Supplement, he's a former teacher who now works at the Education Endowment Foundation. 

What if improving results across an entire school came down to a handful of simple learning habits, done well, every day? In this episode we sit down with two headteachers from top-performing UK schools – Andy Green (Copleston High School) and Peter Lee (Q3 Academy Langley) – to discover how the science of learning effectively has influenced their leadership, teaching approaches, and the learning experiences of their students when put into practice across an entire school community.We unpack how clear routines in the classroom, research-led CPD, well-communicated simple revision strategies, and a tight teaching playbook can improve engagement, consistency and exam results school-wide. This episode is slightly different to our normal fare, but it is packed with practical insights. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, parent or student, you’ll come away with concrete ideas for building a culture of effective learning – in the classroom and at home.**Three invitations for (UK) educators:1.      Come and watc

What is metacognition? And how can you use it to plan smarter, reflect on exams and evaluate your daily learning with clarity?We’re joined by Nathan Burns, aka Mr Metacognition, to explore his favourite stackable metacognitive learning strategies that will have you reflecting on and improving your studying at home and in the classroom – from this moment, right through exam season and beyond. Discover how to think metacognitively about:answering questions carefullypre-exam season revision as a wholepost-exam and post-mock reflectionsmonitoring how your learning is going

Join William for a quick pep talk on showing due respect to the exam you're sitting, with surprising benefits for your motivation, enjoyment of the study process and even your end result.*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!).

In this episode, learn how to conquer distraction and build a healthier relationship with technology using quick wins for a digital detox.Our guest is digital detox expert, technologist and TEDx speaker Colin Corby. We explore how constant digital distractions affect attention span, deep learning, reading comprehension, critical thinking, sleep, and productivity — especially for students.Colin shares practical, realistic digital detox strategies, quick wins and fun micro-challenges you can apply immediately to areas including environments, routines and social accountability.Your post-listening task: share your own digital detox intentions in comments below for that accountability, our best encouragement and support.**About today’s guest, Colin Corby:• Discover more resources on his website: https://thedigitaldetoxcoach.com/**About Exam Study Expert:Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they ca

In today’s mini episode we’re taking a look at the surprisingly helpful question of what you do on your study breaks.Choosing the right break activities can help you return to work on time, ready to go again, perhaps with some fresh insights and certainly some fresh energy.The wrong break activity can suck you into a spiral of procrastination that turns a 10 minute breather into 50 minutes of doom scrolling.Choose a smarter break with the 10 ideas we share today for a smarter study break.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

A short trailer episode for new listeners to get a taste of the show.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

To kick off the new year we’re sitting down with neuroscientist, international speaker and author Dr Sarah McKay to translate decades of neuroscience research into straightforward tactics students can use today for better sleep, enhanced focus and improved grades.Dr Sarah McKay has a distinguished career as one of Australia's best known science communicators. She's passionate about translating brain science into practical strategies to improve health, well-being, and performance. Sarah boasts a PhD in neuroscience from Oxford University, has presented on ABC Catalyst (the only science show on primetime TV in Australia), authored several books on brain health, given a fascinating TEDx talk on napping, and is regularly quoted in media around the world.So we’re in expert hands for this jam-packed episode, where Sarah and I dig into everything from nutrition to naps, and digital distractions to self-reflection. We map out:• a simple brain model: bottom up, outside in and top down• the 7 basics that affe

Today, we're turning good intentions and a long list of things you need to do or should do or would like to do into consistent action!Key ideas today include:• fresh start effect as useful motivation• split goals into one-off and ongoing tasks• schedule one-off tasks in the diary• design daily habits with clear what, when, and why• use weekly blocks for deep, flow-based work• set seasonal habits around exams or deadlines• share your habit plan for accountability• simple homework to lock in your cadenceYour homework: take a second to drop your intention in the comments: what are you going to do, is it every day or every week, for how long, at what time, and what's your why for it?*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

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