Studying can feel tiring and burdensome at times. Luckily, thanks to the work of hundreds of studies, psychologists have identified ways to study smarter and maximize efficiency. This article reveals the pitfalls of commonly used study techniques and provides psychology-based tips for enhancing memory and retention. Furthermore, the most highly supported study strategies are explained in detail.

 

Notes

            One of the key aspects of studying is taking good notes. When choosing between a computer versus paper-and-pencil, research indicates that handwriting notes is the far superior, if inconvenient, option. While the speed of typing allows you to record what is being said word-for-word, the problem is that the brain functions like a tape recorder and requires little cognitive processing. Handwriting notes forces you to synthesize and re-word material to extract only the essential points. The sensorimotor experience of writing activates far more brain regions, requiring you to use your motor cortex to pen each letter, which adds more intention and aids in memory. While notes are crucial to success, they come with a word of caution. In fact, contrary to popular practice, re-reading notes is not a very productive way to study. While covering past material feels reassuring, passively reading information does not actively solidify memory in the same way that engaging with the material would. Memory does not function like a camera, and simply recognizing information in notes is a very different psychological process than being able to recall that same information during a test. As such, alternative study methods are recommended to ensure full retention of information.

 

Study Methods

            Among the many ways to actively solidify memory, creating and taking practice tests has emerged as one of the most effective techniques. Taking practice tests forces you to practice retrieving information and significantly enhances long-term memory. Whether or not you immediately ace your practice tests is irrelevant. Simply anticipating the concepts you will be tested on and struggling to find answers provides valuable insight into your progress. Just as scrimmages are essential to preparing for sports games, practice tests are an important tool that help you emulate the test and identify areas of confusion. Using flashcards to test yourself can be beneficial to this end, however, it may be more effective to replicate the format of the actual exam. 

            Another highly effective study method involves “elaborative interrogation” or actively forcing yourself to explain the context of why an event happened, or why a process occurs. Explaining the dynamics underlying surface-level information requires you to form connections with prior knowledge, strengthening retention and deepening understanding. Elaborative interrogation may take the form of annotating questions in the margins or explaining concepts to a friend. 

            Lastly, the technique of “interleaving” is not so much about how you study, but the order in which you study it. Interleaving involves studying material across several different topics in one session rather than studying each topic in a discrete block. Interleaving different varieties of problems allows the brain to identify similarities and distinctions between the information, which is vital for memory. The process of encountering a variety of problems keeps the mind alert and helps the brain learn to recognize circumstances where different concepts should be applied. Rather than dedicating whole blocks of time to one topic, such as graphs, it is more beneficial to intermix the practice with other skills like algebra and word problems. The same could be said of larger subjects. Rather than studying history for two hours and then studying English, alternating between both every thirty minutes can increase the amount of neural networks and connections formed. 

 

A word of caution

            As test day approaches, many students resort to cramming in hopes of covering as much material as possible. While cramming may sometimes be unavoidable, research has consistently found that spacing out studying leads to superior retention of information.  When information is first learned, it is often stored in short-term memory and is forgotten within hours or days. Some models, like Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve, predict that after one hour, the brain may only remember about 60% of the new information, and that after one week, this number has dropped to around 30%. Thankfully, this curve of forgetting can be broken by consistently revisiting the material across longer time intervals. Each time the material is reviewed your memory of the topic is reset to 100%, and when the concept is revisited multiple times, the rate of forgetfulness slows dramatically. Planning ahead and scheduling shorter, more frequent study sessions dramatically enhances your long-term grasp of the material. Employing structured systems like the Pomodoro Technique, which prescribes twenty-five minutes of intense focus spaced out by five-minute breaks, allows the brain to recharge and empowers you to study with maximum focus while avoiding burnout.

 

References

Biwer, F., Wiradhany, W., oude Egbrink, M. G. A., & de Bruin, A. B. H. (2023). Understanding effort regulation: Comparing ‘Pomodoro’ breaks and self-regulated breaks. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 00, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12593

How to use interleaving for deeper learning. Coursera. (2023, November 29). https://www.coursera.org/articles/interleaving 

Hu, C. (2024, February 21). Why writing by hand is better for memory and learning. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-writing-by-hand-is-better-for-memory-and-learning/ 

Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013, September 1). Psychologists identify the best ways to study. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/psychologists-identify-best-ways-to-study/ 

Murre, J. M., & Dros, J. (2015). Replication and Analysis of Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve. PloS One, 10(7), e0120644. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0120644

Penn, P. (2024, October 6). How to study effectively. Psyche. https://psyche.co/guides/how-research-from-psychology-can-help-you-study-effectively