Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning

William Wadsworth
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Don’t work harder, work smarter: how to study effectively and get the grades of your dreams with winning review strategies, killer memory techniques and exam preparation tips you won’t hear anywhere else. Join Cambridge educated psychologist, study techniques researcher, coach and tutor William Wadsworth as we dive into the secrets of academic success.Looking for the grades of your dreams? Want to know the real secrets to preparing for and taking exams? Through a powerful combination of rich personal experience and the very latest learning and memory science, William and his expert guests are here to help. Here's to results day smiles!

  1. AUG 24

    [REWIND] Mastering Effective Study: Insights from John Dunlosky (Ep 154 replay)

    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 from your host and the world of Exam Study Expert at: Six Pillars of Exam Success Cheat Sheet: https://examstudyexpert.com/Pillars[FOR SCHOOLS] retrieval practice lesson resource pack https://examstudyexpert.com/retrieval-lesson[FOR SCHOOLS] Revision Census research https://examstudyexpert.com/Revision-Census[FOR SCHOOLS] student workshops / staff CPD keynotes https://examstudyexpert.com/workshops* * 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!).

    41 min

  2. AUG 12

    197. Beyond The Exam: Finding Meaning in Work - and where is Charlie now

    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 decisions If 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 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!).

    46 min

  3. JUN 29

    196. Gratitude Journalling for Students

    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.70005 Tolcher, 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/10.1080/07448481.2022.2076096 Redwine LS, Henry BL, Pung MA, Wilson K, Chinh K, Knight B, Jain S, Rutledge T, Greenberg B, Maisel A, Mills PJ. Pilot Randomized Study of a Gratitude Journaling Intervention on Heart Rate Variability and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Stage B Heart Failure. Psychosom Med. 2016 Jul-Aug;78(6):667-76. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000316. PMID: 27187845; PMCID: PMC4927423. * *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!).

    10 min

  4. JUN 22

    195. The Happy Student - with Dr Heather Frederick

    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 grades Visit 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://geni.us/happy-student* * 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!).

    40 min

  5. JUN 15

    194. The Motivated Student - Set The Vision With Steve Gamlin + Find Your Purpose with Ian Chamandy

    Discover the power of clear purpose and a compelling vision with today's double bill episodes featuring two guests: Ian Chamandy and Steve Gamlin. *** First, we dive into the world of purpose with coach, entrepreneur and author Ian Chamandy: Unpack the value of having a really clear view of your purpose in life and as a scholarLearn how to distil that purpose into helpful statementDiscover the tangible effect on confidence and decision makingLearn how knowing your purpose can help drive your studies and career choicesVisit https://purposeu.ai/about/ to learn more about Steve Gamlin's work and resources at PurposeU. *** Next up, meet author, coach and vision board expert, Steve Gamlin, and: Learn how to improve all areas of your life by visualising where you want to be one year from nowDiscover how to identify your core valuesLearn how to create an effective vision board focused on realistic goalsFind out the importance of celebrating the small wins alongside the big achievements!Visit https://stevegamlin.com/ to learn more about Steve Gamlin's work and resources. Find Steve's podcast the Motivational Firewood Podcast here: https://stevegamlin.com/podcast/ *** 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!).

    51 min

  6. JUN 8

    193. Five Brain Hacks for Higher Exam Scores

    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" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

    26 min

  7. JUN 1

    192. Academic Writing Masterclass: Better, Faster, Clearer - with Dr Alix Hibble

    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. Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

    49 min

  8. MAY 25

    191. Stop Procrastinating And Finish Your Dissertation/Essay - with Dr Alison Miller

    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!).

    43 min
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About

Don’t work harder, work smarter: how to study effectively and get the grades of your dreams with winning review strategies, killer memory techniques and exam preparation tips you won’t hear anywhere else. Join Cambridge educated psychologist, study techniques researcher, coach and tutor William Wadsworth as we dive into the secrets of academic success.Looking for the grades of your dreams? Want to know the real secrets to preparing for and taking exams? Through a powerful combination of rich personal experience and the very latest learning and memory science, William and his expert guests are here to help. Here's to results day smiles!

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