Author
Sashmathi K S | M.Sc. Applied Psychology
Studying is not just about spending long hours with books; it’s about learning in a way that actually works. Using effective study methods and techniques helps students focus, understand, and remember information more efficiently. These strategies make learning organised and manageable, reduce stress, and turn study sessions into productive, goal-oriented routines. By studying smarter rather than harder, students can retain knowledge longer, improve academic performance, and build habits that support lifelong learning.
There are many study methods, but before implementing any of them, it is important to first set up a proper learning environment and maintain a healthy body. A calm and organised environment helps children stay focused and reduces distractions such as noise or clutter. Similarly, when a child is in good health, they have more energy and are better able to concentrate.
A healthy diet plays a key role in cognitive functioning. Children should eat nutritious snacks during study sessions to maintain energy levels. Getting a proper 8 hours of sleep is also essential, as it improves brain functioning, memory, and concentration. Being calm and relaxed before starting to study allows the child to engage more deeply with the material without feeling tired or bored.
What Happens in Your Brain When You Study
When you study, your brain forms memories through three major stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. First, during encoding, the brain transforms new information into a form it can keep by strengthening the communication between neurons. In the storage phase, this information is organised and moved into long-term memory, a process that happens most effectively during sleep when the brain builds more stable neural pathways. Finally, retrieval allows you to access what you’ve learned, and every time you recall something, the neural network behind that memory becomes even stronger.
1. Encoding: Turning information into memory
Encoding is the process by which the brain absorbs information from your senses and converts it into a meaningful, storable format. This involves building new neural circuits and the way you encode them, whether through visuals, sounds, or a deeper understanding. They affect how well the information sticks. Attention plays a crucial role here; if you’re distracted, the brain may not encode the material properly, making it much harder to remember later.
2. Storage: Keeping and reinforcing information
Storage is the stage where encoded information is maintained over time. The brain does this through memory consolidation, strengthening neural connections so short-term memories become long-term ones. Sleep is especially important at this stage. During deep sleep, the brain organises what you learned and “locks in” important memories using specific neural patterns known as sharp wave ripples. Without proper sleep, new memories are far less likely to be stored effectively.
3. Retrieval: Bringing stored memories back to mind
Retrieval is the act of pulling up stored information when you need it. To retrieve something, the brain reactivates the exact network of neurons linked to that memory. The more often you practice recalling information, the stronger and more accessible those memory pathways become. Retrieval isn’t passive; the brain actively pulls together information from multiple regions, such as visual areas, sound-processing regions, and language centres, to reconstruct the memory.
The Most Effective Study Methods
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is simple and effective. You set a timer for 25 minutes of focused studying, followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four rounds, take a longer 15-minute break. This method boosts focus, prevents burnout, and increases productivity.
Why it works: Our brains can focus intensely for short periods, but attention naturally drops after about 25–30 minutes. By breaking study time into manageable chunks and scheduling regular breaks, the Pomodoro Technique keeps the mind fresh and alert.
Time Blocking
Time blocking involves dividing your day or week into smaller chunks of time and assigning specific tasks to each block. It’s like using a to-do list combined with a schedule. This method provides a clear plan and helps the child focus on one task at a time, avoiding multitasking, which can reduce concentration and effectiveness.
For example, a student might block 9–10 AM for math homework, 10–11 AM for history reading, and 11–11:30 AM for a short review. This approach reduces multitasking, which research shows decreases concentration and efficiency
The Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique is an effective strategy for quickly learning and understanding concepts by explaining them in simple terms. It follows the idea: “If you want to understand something well, try to explain it simply.”
Steps:
- Step 1: Set the Stage: Write the subject or concept at the top of a sheet of paper and note everything you know about it.
- Step 2: ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5): Explain the concept in your own words as if teaching someone with no prior knowledge.
- Step 3: Assess & Study: Identify the gaps or errors in your explanation and review your notes to correct them.
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Step 4: Organise, Simplify & Review: Rewrite the explanation in even simpler terms, avoiding complex language. Review to strengthen your understanding.
Leitner system
The Leitner system is a flashcard-based study method that uses spaced repetition to strengthen memory.
How it works:
- Create a set of flashcards for the topics you want to study.
- Sort the flashcards into different boxes or levels based on how well you know each card.
- Cards you answer correctly move to the next box and are reviewed less frequently.
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Cards you answer incorrectly return to the first box and are reviewed more often.
This system ensures that difficult concepts get more attention while reinforcing material you already understand. Over time, it significantly improves long-term memory retention.
Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition is the principle behind the Leitner System. Instead of cramming, you review information at increasing intervals over days or weeks. This method aligns with the brain’s forgetting curve, helping to move knowledge from short-term to long-term memory.
Example: Study a topic today, review it in two days, then a week later, and finally after a month. Each review strengthens memory retention.
Spaced practice
Spaced practice is similar to spaced repetition but focuses on larger study sessions. Instead of studying one subject for hours on end, students spread sessions across multiple days. This method prevents fatigue, strengthens memory, and enhances understanding by allowing the brain time to consolidate information between sessions.
Scribble method
The Scribble Method involves taking quick notes, sketches, or diagrams while studying. Unlike passive note-taking, this method actively engages the brain, improving comprehension and visual memory. By summarising information in your own words, you reinforce understanding and make recall easier.
Blurting method
The Blurting Method is an active recall technique that tests what you’ve learned. Without looking at your notes or textbook, write down everything you remember about a topic. This helps identify knowledge gaps and reinforces memory pathways.
Why it works: Active recall strengthens neural connections more effectively than passive reading. It also helps students practice retrieving information, a skill that’s crucial for exams.
Why You Keep Procrastinating Before Exams And How to Stop
When the exam is approaching, and you still find it difficult to focus on studying, you may notice yourself getting distracted by everything else. You might start cleaning your room in detail, replay old conversations with friends, or even drift into childhood memories instead of preparing for the test. This is often a combination of procrastination and fear of the exam. Avoiding your study tasks will not help you achieve good marks, and it can make it even harder to perform well, sometimes leading to the worst-case scenario.
To overcome this, it is important to manage your time effectively and adopt proven study techniques. Methods like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study in short, focused bursts with breaks in between, can help you start tasks even when motivation is low. Time blocking, which involves scheduling specific tasks in dedicated time slots, keeps your day organised and reduces the temptation to drift into distractions. The Feynman Technique, which encourages you to explain concepts in your own words, not only improves understanding but also makes studying more engaging, reducing the urge to procrastinate. Using the Leitner System or spaced repetition helps you tackle difficult topics step by step, making study sessions less overwhelming.
By applying these techniques, you can break the cycle of procrastination. Structured study plans and active learning methods allow you to cover more material efficiently, boost your confidence, and confront the fear of exams directly instead of avoiding it. Over time, these strategies help transform study sessions from stressful and chaotic to productive and manageable, increasing your chances of scoring higher marks.
Conclusion: Study Smarter, Not Harder
Effective studying isn’t about long hours; it’s about strategic learning. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, Feynman Method, Leitner System, and active recall methods like blurting and spaced practice help students focus, retain information, and master concepts efficiently.
By combining these methods with a healthy study environment, proper sleep, and a balanced diet, any student can turn study sessions into productive, brain-friendly learning experiences. The key is consistency, practice, and finding the combination of techniques that works best for you.
