Study tips to make learning, memory stick

You are never too old to learn something new; you've no doubt heard that before, but there is science behind that saying.

Cognitive psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis are studying the best ways to learn better and remember longer, and have compiled a list of sure-fire techniques for success.

Gloria Seper's math class soaks it all in; there's a test coming up, and they want to ace it.

"I usually study three nights ahead like our teacher told us to," said Nina Edwards, an elementary school student.

Three nights of study or more may sound like overkill, but science says it's exactly what the brain needs.

Psychology professors Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel are leading experts on human learning and memory.

"People underestimate how many times they need to practice something before they really know it," Roediger said.

Think you'd be fine running through information once or twice? Wrong! The experts say students need to review five to seven times.

That's why they say it's best to break up study; a little bit every day and different topics every few days.

"You don't want to cram it all in one day, cause then like you have to process so much," said Sam Finch, an elementary school student.

Also, mix up your learning, variety helps.

"If you're a college student and you're taking five subjects well, try to study a little bit on each one every day," Roediger said.

For students of all ages, when it comes time to remembering or retrieving information, play detective - ask yourself questions, like "what if," "how" and "why."

"Once you explain why, that understanding leads to perfect memory," McDaniel said.

Quizzing students helps keep information at the top of their minds and the tips of their tongues.

Professor Roediger says many students will want to re-read the textbook as they are studying. Roediger cautions students not to do that. He says re-reading gives the brain false cues. He, McDaniel and Peter Brown have more tips in their book, "Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning."