Studying differs greatly from person to person due to preferences and time availability. Therefore, it is difficult to find just one viable technique for studying due to these disparities. What works for one may not work for another. Here are just a few techniques of studying that have proven to be effective for a majority of students.

Many students typically look over their notes or read their textbook in order to study. However, active learning is much more effective in actually retaining information and distinguishing strengths and weaknesses. Creating concept maps and practice quizzes are examples of active learning. Active recall is a form of active learning in which students create practice questions and consistently look back at those questions to strengthen their knowledge. Actually engaging in the material is beneficial because it helps create connections and reflect upon existing knowledge. If done correctly, a student should be able to identify what they need to put more effort in and what they are already good at.

Another way to study is the Feynman Technique. Richard Feynman created a method of studying which involves a four step process to maximize memory retention and bridge necessary gaps. The first step is to identify a specific topic and study it thoroughly. The second step is to explain the topic to someone in simplified terms as if the material was being taught. The third step is to look back at the notes/study materials and identify any things that could have been missed. The fourth step is to build upon knowledge by using things like analogies and mnemonic devices. Then, repeat the explanation until it is thorough enough. This method allows for the brain to be able to recall more information through practice.

It is very easy to get distracted while doing work, which is why many students procrastinate and cram their studying. The Pomodoro Method involves focusing for 25 minutes and then taking a break for five minutes. After four cycles, a longer break between 15-30 minutes can be taken. This technique allows for students to be able to take structured breaks and focus more during their periods of studying. Additionally, the Pomodoro Method is effective because having a structured studying schedule is helpful when it comes to managing work. It is possible to do the Podomoro Method in different intervals of time as well, for example with a cycle of working for 55 minutes and taking a break for five minutes.

Traditionally, students resorted to expensive textbooks and local libraries to study. Students struggled carrying cumbersome books and using inefficient studying methods, only exacerbating the stress of a heavy workload.

Luckily, as rapid technological improvement has given way to advancements in the way of studying methods and resources, students no longer have to worry about lugging around books and making a separate trip to access study material. With a wealth of knowledge at our very fingertips, the digital age provides students across the globe with enhanced studying methods.

Whether you’re looking for ways to perfect your work or methods to optimize your time spent working, here are some ways you can incorporate technology into your studying routine:

Anki

Anki, self-described as a “program which makes remembering things easy,” provides students with an all-encompassing platform that utilizes intelligent flashcards. Like Quizlet, flashcards can include terms, but users also have the option to add audio clips, videos, colors, and different layouts, making the flashcards incredibly versatile and customizable. Users can create study schedules, where spaced repetition techniques, which reinforce concepts by exploiting the psychological spacing effect, help users spread out their studying and keep them accountable. Compatible on Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, Anki’s cross-platform emphasis bolsters its convenience and efficacy as a study tool.

Link: https://apps.ankiweb.net/

Khan Academy

Khan Academy houses lessons and practice for myriad subjects, ranging from AP World History to SAT. The website incorporates progression, allowing users to track their progress under a specific topic. Under each subject, Khan Academy provides instructional videos to complement written lessons. Users have a personalized user dashboard that motivates students to work diligently and at their own pace. The wide gamut of material available makes Khan Academy suitable for virtually any student; their resources encompass an incredibly broad array of disciplines.

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/

Notion

Notion’s website contains hundreds of organizational tools in one neat, minimalistic website. Notion’s to-do lists and task management features keep users organized. Users can download and upload templates online, and these templates are incredibly customizable — users can change GIFs, images, icons, and colors across their Notion workspace. The simplistic design of Notion’s documents paired with its “Ask AI” feature renders Notion an incredibly useful study tool, allowing users to organize their work, write their thoughts, and create lists all combined in a neat platform.

Link: https://www.notion.so/

In the realm of academic pursuits, the phenomenon of cram studying stands as a paradox- a method widely acknowledged as ineffective, yet persistently embraced by countless students. Most students stand on the same boat, guilty of this practice. It is often perceived as inevitable to wait until the last minute to study for the exam for the next day at least once in school. But why is this hurried attempt of cram studying deemed ineffective?

Cramming, by its nature, involves mass absorption of vast information within hours. This short timeframe lacks the necessary intervals for the human brain to encode information effectively into long-term memory.

“Cram studying doesn’t give me enough time to understand the materials and concepts without relying on memorization. My memory is very weak so therefore it is very hard to cram study,” says Noah Yang (‘24).

He further comments on reading checks as one of the prime examples of its unsuccessful outcomes. He elaborates how cram studying has proven to Yang that more time and preparation is necessary to fully comprehend and recall information on the day of the exam.

Beyond the insufficient time cram studying allows for the brain to convert the information into long-term, it also causes a disruption in students’ sleep quality and sleep schedule.

Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. Oftentimes, cram studying requires the sacrifice of hours of sleep, or even to pull an all-nighter, to fit in more time to belated study preparations. Shifting, especially cutting, the hours of sleep can significantly impair cognitive functions, memory recall, and overall academic performance. Sleep and well rest demonstrate a positive correlation to test performance and retaining information than those of staying up late and cram studying.

Along with the lack of sleep, comes the addition of stress as the burden and alarm of the near exam may greatly impact the students’ mental state. High stress levels trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can impair memory retrieval and hinder the brain’s ability to function optimally. While increased levels of cortisol may boost the formation of memories, they also hold the possibility of hindering their recall. It may cause harm to the hippocampus, tied with the learning and memory abilities of the brain.

Rebecca Hu (‘24) says, “Regular studying gives you more security and puts less pressure on you while taking the test. It allows you to be better prepared and rested for test day.”
Hu comments on her learned experiences of viewing improvement in performances when preparing for her exams in advance to allow for her brain to retain the information in the long term. Hu recognized reading textbooks, taking notes, creating and practicing quizlets and more in days ahead of the exam has shown positive results while taking the exam than through the last minute preparations from cram studying.

In essence, while cramming may provide a short-term solution for temporarily memorizing facts, its effectiveness in facilitating deep learning, understanding complex concepts, and retaining information in the long run is limited. Rather than waiting until the last minute to study, students have learned that preparing in advance aligned to the study methods fit to each respective student, earns greater results.