Have you ever found yourself staring at a textbook, unable to understand and remember the material? Having effective study habits is just as important as understanding a topic itself; these good habits will make a noticeable difference in your scores. This article provides study techniques backed by science.
Firstly, the environment you study in matters. Habits like working in a quiet room, turning off the TV, or putting your phone in another room can prevent distractions. While it might not always be possible to study in a quiet room, cafes and libraries are great options. If you’re tempted to go on your phone, turning it off or putting it out of sight can further reduce distractions. You can also ask a sibling or guardian to hold onto your phone if needed.
Once you’re ready to begin studying, it’s important to direct your attention to one task at a time. According to Brian Anderson
, a cognitive psychologist from Texas University, “Multitasking is a fallacy.” This might sound surprising, but a divided attention reduces your efficiency—a common example is playing music while studying. Steven Smith, a cognitive neuroscientist from Texas University, says “if you want to listen to music while you study, try to listen to something that does not have words, or if it does have words, hopefully, it’ll be in a language that you don’t understand at all, otherwise that’s going to distract from the stuff you’re trying to study.”
, a cognitive psychologist from Texas University, “Multitasking is a fallacy.” This might sound surprising, but a divided attention reduces your efficiency—a common example is playing music while studying. Steven Smith, a cognitive neuroscientist from Texas University, says “if you want to listen to music while you study, try to listen to something that does not have words, or if it does have words, hopefully, it’ll be in a language that you don’t understand at all, otherwise that’s going to distract from the stuff you’re trying to study.”
Now, let’s learn about some studying techniques that work. One effective method is active rehearsal. Active rehearsal is rehearsing content in a spaced-out, but consistent manner, which improves the recall of information. The effectiveness of active rehearsal is backed by a 2006 study on rats published in the National Library of Medicine
. The study showed that short-term memory improved with active rehearsal. So, how can you incorporate active rehearsal in your studying? Platforms like Quizlet and Knowt are great for practicing information in small increments, but traditional flashcards work too! The key to active rehearsal is not to cram information. Instead, opt to study for a few minutes daily. When you feel like you have mastered the content, don’t stop there—make sure to test yourself. You can practice explaining the topic or a concept to a pet, sibling, or stuffed animal; bonus points if you can connect it to your personal life!
. The study showed that short-term memory improved with active rehearsal. So, how can you incorporate active rehearsal in your studying? Platforms like Quizlet and Knowt are great for practicing information in small increments, but traditional flashcards work too! The key to active rehearsal is not to cram information. Instead, opt to study for a few minutes daily. When you feel like you have mastered the content, don’t stop there—make sure to test yourself. You can practice explaining the topic or a concept to a pet, sibling, or stuffed animal; bonus points if you can connect it to your personal life!
Finally, after a long session of studying, make sure to reward yourself with a game, Netflix, or any activity that you enjoy. Taking a small break will help you find enjoyment in your efforts. After your first break has ended, make sure to continue studying with breaks in between (Pomodoro technique). You got this, and happy studying!
Sources:
- “Does Listening to Music Really Help You Study?” Texas A&M University, 21 Mar. 2021. https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/blog/2021/03/10/does-listening-to-music-really-help-you-study/.
- “Regular Rehearsal Helps in Consolidation of Long Term Memory.” National Library of Medicine, 1 Mar. 2006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818677/.
- https://quizlet.com/login?redir=%2Flatest