Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning
In this episode, I discuss science-supported protocols to optimize your depth and rate of learning of material and skills. I explain the neurobiology of learning and neuroplasticity and how correctly timed, self-directed test-taking can be leveraged to improve learning and prevent forgetting. I discuss the study habits of the most successful learners, ways to limit distractions, how to set study goals, and how tests can be used as tools to learn, not just as a means for evaluating one’s mastery of learned material. A surprising aspect of tests, specifically self-testing soon after exposure to new material, is that they can significantly improve your ability to learn, apply, and maintain new knowledge. I also discuss tools to improve focus and alertness while studying.By the end of this episode, you will have learned various science-supported actionable tools you can use to better learn, remember, and apply new information.Access the full show notes, including referenced articles, books, people mentioned, and additional resources at hubermanlab.com.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps00:00:00 Improve Studying & Learning00:02:11 Sponsors: Eight Sleep, BetterHelp & Waking Up00:06:45 Offsetting Forgetting00:08:22 Learning & Neuroplasticity00:13:06 Periodic Testing00:16:09 Focus & Alertness, Sleep, Tool: Active Engagement00:21:37 Tool: Improve Focus, Mindfulness Meditation, Perception Exercise00:24:38 Sleep & Neuroplasticity, Tool: Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)00:28:29 Tools: Study Habits of Successful Students00:36:21 Sponsor: AG100:37:33 Studying & Aspiration Goals; Challenging Material00:42:54 Tool: Testing as a Learning Tool00:48:23 Self-Testing, Repeated Testing00:55:29 Testing Yourself & Knowledge Gaps01:01:11 Sponsor: LMNT01:02:23 New Material & Self-Test Timing01:07:21 Familiarity vs Mastery01:10:55 Self-Testing & Offsetting Forgetting01:15:53 Best Type of Self-Tests; Phone & Post-Learning Distractions01:22:03 Tool: Gap Effects; Testing as Studying vs. Evaluation01:25:40 Tool: Emotion & Learning, PTSD, Deliberate Cold Exposure, Caffeine01:33:28 Tool: Interleaving Information; Unskilled, Mastery & Virtuosity01:39:10 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network NewsletterDisclaimerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Huberman Lab
The Huberman Lab podcast is hosted by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. The podcast discusses neuroscience and science-based tools, including how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health, as well as existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works.
Huberman has made numerous significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function, and neural plasticity, which is the ability of our nervous system to rewire and learn new behaviors, skills, and cognitive functioning. He is a McKnight Foundation and Pew Foundation Fellow and was awarded the Cogan Award, given to the scientist making the most significant discoveries in the study of vision, in 2017.
Work from the Huberman Laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine has been published in top journals, including Nature, Science, and Cell, and has been featured in TIME, BBC, Scientific American, Discover, and other top media outlets.
In 2021, Dr. Huberman launched the Huberman Lab podcast. The podcast is frequently ranked in the top 10 of all podcasts globally and is often ranked #1 in the categories of Science, Education, and Health & Fitness.
- No. of episodes: 318
- Latest episode: 2025-07-14
- Health & Fitness Science Life Sciences
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