3 Secret Study Tips

Introduction

During my college days, I have tried and used numerous study techniques and tips. 3 techniques that stood out were the pomodoro technique, active recalling and the Feynman technique. Let’s break these down into further details.

Technique 1: The Pomodoro Method

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method that can help you stay focused and productive while studying. You just need a phone or a timer to make it work. Here’s how:

1. Choose a task that you need to complete (e.g., reading a chapter of a textbook).
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work on the task for the full 25 minutes without any distractions.
4. When the timer goes off, take a short break (5-10 minutes).
5. Repeat the process, taking a longer break (15-30 minutes) every four cycles.

This technique helps you break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and prevents burnout. It’s also a great way to stay on track and avoid procrastination. My friends and I used to go for at least 8 pomodoro sessions when we were studying towards our term exams. It’s fun!

Technique 2: Active Recall

Active recall is a technique that involves actively retrieving information from memory. It’s a powerful way to reinforce what you’ve learned and improve long-term retention. You can do it using “flashcards” or manually as below:

1. After reading a section of your textbook, close the book and try to recall as much information as you can.
2. Write down everything you remember, even if it’s just a few key points.
3. Use your notes to check your answers and fill in any gaps in your memory.
4. Repeat the process until you can recall all of the information without any help.

Active recall is more effective than passive review techniques like highlighting or re-reading because it forces your brain to actively engage with the material.

Technique 3: The Feynman Technique

The Feynman Technique is a method of learning that involves explaining a concept in simple terms. Here’s how to use it:

1. Choose a concept that you’re struggling to understand.
2. Write down everything you know about the concept in simple language.
3. Identify any gaps in your understanding and do further research to fill them in.
4. Simplify your explanation even further and use analogies or examples to make it easier to understand.

Explaining a concept in simple terms can help you identify any areas of confusion and solidify your understanding of the material. And never let that chance to explain a concept to someone pass. Explaining concepts to others help you learn massively.

Conclusion

Studying doesn’t have to be a chore. By using these 3 secret study tips, you can make the process more efficient, effective, and even enjoyable. Give them a try and see how they work for you!

If you are curious about the habits of successful students, check out our curation of 51 commonly found habits of successful students.