Education is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
Introduction
Studying effectively isn’t just about clocking in hours with your books, it's about finding and using the right techniques that make those hours count. I’ve been through the grind of trying to meet the lofty demands of the education system and I've put together what I consider a list of strategies that are the most effective. In this article, I’m going to share the top 15 study techniques that can help you maximize your learning efficiency and retention.
15. Writing
Writing out notes, summaries, or explanations isn’t just busywork, it’s a great way to engage your brain. In nursing school, you have to remember skills such as performing sterile techniques in front of your professor. Writing it out, step by step, not only helped the steps stick but I identified patterns along the way. Plus, when I was done, I had handy review material to look over just before exam time.
14. Study Groups
I’ll never forget the study group in anatomy and physiology—life saver. Listening to your peers can be invaluable at times. People see things from different perspectives and their ideas can help fill in knowledge gaps. The discussions, debates, and even the occasional disagreements can really help you cement the material in your mind.
13. Interleaved Practice
It’s tempting to stick to one subject at a time, but mixing it up can work wonders. When I first tried interleaved practice, switching between subjects felt a little chaotic. But over time, I noticed I was recalling information across different contexts. It's a fun way to mix things up but I wouldn't put it at the top of your priority list.
12. Mind Mapping
This technique is pretty fun but it can be time-consuming. Organizing information visually can really help you see connections between concepts that weren’t immediately obvious. While I understand and appreciate sitting down and drawing out the concepts yourself, sometimes while you're just learning material, you can feel a little misguided as to what should go where. Personally, I recommend finding curated mind maps for reviewing well-defined subjects.
11. Pre-Test Preparation
In nursing school, we had access to tons of practice tests from various online sources. If you have the time and you know you're going to be covering a subject soon, why not plop down and take a couple of practice test questions? It's a good way to preview the material before you deep dive into the subject matter. Don't worry if you can't get to it, but don't ignore its effectiveness!
10. Mnemonics
Mnemonics turn complex information into something much more manageable. I would come up with my own or use curated ones that were very popular. Picmonic is amazing and they have a wealth of information packed into their images. They have come up with some rather clever memory aids and can really save you the trouble. Can't recommend them enough.
9. Reading
Reading is fundamental, but it’s how you read that makes the difference. I never recommend doing the assigned reading before class. You need to have a base of knowledge before you take on thick academic literature. Otherwise, your eyes are going to glaze over and you're not going to remember anything. However, when you are prepared to take on your assigned reading, I recommend doing it with a highlighter to help you stay engaged with the material. It's also good to stop and look things up as you come across new and interesting information to help deepen your understanding.
8. Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a very strong technique. I've always thought that we learn best by doing. Being put in the driver's seat really aids in long-term memory and understanding. That being said, you can tap into this with your imagination. In nursing school, I'd often lay down, close my eyes, and go over the skills that I had to perform, walking it through step by step in my mind.
7. Lectures
Lectures can make or break a subject. If you have somebody that is an expert in a field, you're going to remember the material better because they usually have entertaining anecdotes to go along with the content. I once had a history professor who was so captivating while he was telling us a story that I felt like I was watching a History Channel episode. But don't get too lost; your job is taking notes during your lecture, and it's imperative that you revisit that information as soon as possible to organize it. Whether that means making flashcards or writing a summary, it would behoove you to do so. If your professor lets you record the lectures, you should be playing them back while you're doing this.
6. Pomodoro Technique
Study for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. Breaking up your study time helps give your brain time to process information. Don't think too hard about this one, it works, just do it.
5. Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is a proven technique, with plenty of research backing its effectiveness in memory retention. The idea is to review material just before it's likely to be forgotten, which is great in theory. However, I found that in the busy reality of life, sticking to a rigid algorithm isn't always practical. In academia, we typically study new material, take an exam within a few weeks, and don't revisit it until finals. While I see spaced repetition as particularly valuable for language learners who need to retain vocabulary over time, I used it more as a supplementary tool rather than a strict regimen. It’s highly effective, but I kept it in my back pocket rather than making it a primary strategy.
4. Quizzes
Taking quizzes or practice tests is a powerful way to prepare for exams. Quizzing yourself on the material forces your brain to retrieve information, which strengthens memory retention. It also helps identify areas where you need further review, making your study sessions more targeted and effective.
3. The Feynman Technique
Explaining a concept as if you’re teaching it to someone else is incredibly effective. While you are explaining something to somebody else, you will realize what you do not know. It's that simple. Plus, if you're anything like me, you're absolutely obsessed with things that you're learning and you want others to know about it, so it's something you can naturally do to improve while you're not in front of the books.
2. Flashcards
Flashcards have been my go-to study tool since I found them online years ago, and they’ve never let me down. The active recall that flashcards promote is unmatched in reinforcing memory. I’ve spent countless hours creating the perfect deck, and without them, I likely would have failed. I love them so much that I built NoteKnight!
1. Sleep
Sleep is the unsung hero of studying. I'm sure there's research that I could link to right here, but I don't think anybody's going to dispute the fact that our brains need sleep, and during sleep, we process the information we've learned. Plus, when you get a good night's sleep, you're going to be sharp for that exam. I'm pretty sure without sleep you'll die as well, so don't sleep on sleep.
Conclusion
There it is, ladies and gentlemen, the top 15 study techniques ever created. Remember, the key is to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. With the right approach, you can make the most of your study time and set yourself up for success.
