AUTHOR OF Positive Prescription 1. Skip the laptop: Writing by hand activates more regions of the brain than typing, and may even foster better memory recall. Computers in lectures reduce comprehension not just for the student using the computer, but everyone around them. 2. Study smart: Forget highlighting, underlining, rereading and summarizing. Studies show they are not efficient methods of learning. Instead, practice active recall, a research proven method to master material. It entails actively recalling information from memory and self-testing. 3. Find the right roommate: Find a smart roommate. A Dartmouth study shows that a studious roommate’s habits have a positive effect on the less studious roommate’s grades. It’s the simplest way to boost GPA. 4. Sign up for seminars: Skip the big lecture class and take a seminar instead. Research suggests that students listening passively learn less. Engaged discussion in a smaller seminar setting facilitat