Do you think your study habits aren’t up to par? Maybe it’s time to rethink your study strategies if many hours at the library only get you a pass. Believe it or not, the study methods you utilize, not the hours you put in, are what can help you obtain that A-grade. Too many people believe that studying for long periods is the greatest way to become a model, straight-A student.
However, studies reveal that highly successful students study less time than their counterparts, but they study more successfully. Experts advise using scientifically proven study strategies to achieve optimum memory (and top marks).
In this post, we will be looking in-depth at the top 10 effective study methods to try out this year.
Make sure you read through this post to the end, as it’ll be beneficial and insightful.
Table of contents
- Top 10 Effective Study Methods
- Study Method 1 – Retrieval Practice
- Study Method 2 – The PQ4R Method
- Study Method 3 – Leitner System
- Study Method 4 – The SQ3R Method
- Study Method 5 – Color-Coded Notes
- Study Method 6 – THIEVES Method
- Study Method 7 – The Pomodoro Technique
- Study Method 8 – Spaced Practice
- Study Method 9 – The Feynman Technique
- Study Method 10 – Mind Maps
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
Top 10 Effective Study Methods
Below are the top 10 effective study methods:
Study Method 1 – Retrieval Practice
The concept of retrieval practice is founded on the concept of recalling something afterward. Looking for an answer in your textbook is less effective than recalling an answer to a question. Furthermore, recalling and writing down the solution to a flashcard is far more successful than assuming you know the answer and flipping the card over too soon.
You will be more likely to remember the information if you practice retrieval. The retrieval process can be integrated into your study habit in various ways.
- Use practice tests: Instead of consulting your book or notes, use practice tests or questions to quiz yourself.
- Create your questions: Create your test questions by acting as your teacher. Encourage others in your study group to do the same and trade questions.
- Use flashcards: Make flashcards, but make sure you practice retrieving them. Instead of flipping a card over too soon, write and check the answer.
SEE ALSO: 10 Homework Helper Apps For International Students In 2023
Study Method 2 – The PQ4R Method
This method uses an active learning strategy to improve memorization and comprehension of the material. PQ4R is an acronym for the six steps in the procedure, similar to the SQ3R approach above.
- Preview: Before reading, preview the content to understand the subject. After skimming the material, only read the headers, subheadings, and highlighted language.
- Questions: Ask yourself about the subject, such as, “What do I anticipate learning?” What do I know about this subject already?
- Read: One segment at a time, read the information, and try to find solutions to your questions.
- Reflect: Have you addressed all of your concerns? If you don’t know the answer, look it up.
- Recite: Summarize the information you just read in your own words, either by speaking or writing it down.
- Review: Examine the content once more and respond to any unanswered queries.
Study Method 3 – Leitner System
The Leitner System is a flashcard-based learning method. Keep your cards in multiple bins to track when to study each set. Box 1 is the starting point for all cards.
You move a card to the next box if you get it right. If you make a mistake, either move the card down a box or keep it in Box 1 (if it’s already there).
According to the following plan, each box defines how much you will study each set of cards:
- Every day — Box 1
- Every two days — Box 2
- Every four days — Box 3
- Every nine days — Box 4
- Every 14 days — Box 5
Study Method 4 – The SQ3R Method
The SQ3R method is a reading comprehension approach that aids students in recognizing key facts and retaining material from their textbooks. The term SQ3R (or SQRRR) stands for the five steps in the reading comprehension process. For a more efficient and successful study session, follow these steps:
- Survey: Instead of reading the full book, skim the first chapter and make a list of any headings, subheadings, illustrations, or other notable features, such as charts.
- Question: Create questions based on the chapter’s content, such as What is the purpose of this chapter? What do I know about this topic already?
- Read: Start by reading the entire chapter, looking for solutions to your questions.
- Recite: After reading a section, explain what you’ve just read in your own words. Try recalling and recognizing key points and responding to questions raised in the previous step.
- Review: After finishing the chapter, review it to ensure you understand everything. Test yourself on the questions you came up with, and re-read any sections that need to be re-read.
You can put this study method to the test before your final exam.
Study Method 5 – Color-Coded Notes
Messy notes might make it difficult to recall key topics from a presentation. Colored writing is a fun method to keep track of what you’re learning. It also aids in the examination and prioritization of the most crucial concepts.
According to a recent study, color can help people remember things better. Warm hues (red and yellow) “may produce a good and encouraging learning atmosphere that can help learners not only have a positive perception of the content but also engage and interact more with the learning materials,” according to the same study. Warmer hues “raise attention and evoke enthusiasm and information,” according to the study.
While writing in color may appear to be a no-brainer, keep these pointers in mind:
- Make a list of important points in red.
- Yellow highlights vital information.
- Organize topics by colors.
- Color only the most critical information, not the entire page.
READ ALSO: Best IELTS Reading Tips From An Expert In 2023
Study Method 6 – THIEVES Method
The THIEVES approach can help you prepare to read for information.
There are seven pre-reading steps:
- Title: Read the title.
- Headings: Look through the headings.
- Introduction: Skim the intro.
- Every first sentence in a section: Look at how each section begins.
- Visuals and vocabulary: Look at the pictures and the words in bold print.
- End questions: Review the questions at the end of the chapter.
- Summary: Read the overview of the text.
- Ask yourself thought-provoking questions as you work through these steps. After completing them, read the text.
Study Method 7 – The Pomodoro Technique
Short, timed sessions to boost productivity. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management and study method that involves breaking your work into 25-minute intervals and taking a five-minute rest between each one. Unsurprisingly, the method was created by Francesco Cirillo, a university student who struggled to finish his projects.
Cirillo set his timer in the shape of a tomato (called “Pomodoro” in Italian) and gave it his full attention for 10 minutes before taking a break. He repeated the process, and the technique was later called after his timer! The purpose of this method is to keep you engaged while reducing distractions. Avoid using your phone during your break because social media can easily divert your focus; don’t go longer than five minutes.
Related Post: What Is The Best Way To Study For An Exam?
Study Method 8 – Spaced Practice
Instead of cramming the night before, spaced practice (also known as “distributed practice”) encourages pupils to study over a longer period. When our brains are on the verge of forgetting something, they work harder to remember it. Allowing your mind to form connections between ideas and build upon the knowledge that can be easily recalled later assists you in spacing out your studies.
To try this strategy, study your content at regular intervals, as shown below:
- Day 1: In class, learn the content.
- Day 2: Go over everything again and review everything.
- Day 3: Go over everything again.
- Revisit and review after one week.
- Revisit and review after two weeks.
It is critical to begin planning as soon as possible. Schedule some time each day for studying and reviewing the information at the start of each semester. This can help you hold yourself accountable even if your examinations are months away.
Study Method 9 – The Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique study method is a quick way to understand a concept by expressing it in short and simple words. It’s founded on “trying to explain things simply if you want to comprehend them thoroughly.” That is to say; if we try to explain a topic in our own words, we are more likely to grasp it quickly.
How it works is as follows:
- At the top of a piece of paper, write the subject/concept you’re studying.
- Describe it in your terms.
- Examine what you wrote and look for locations where you made a mistake. Return to your notes or reading material to determine the correct answer once you’ve identified them.
- Finally, if you utilized technical jargon or complex vocabulary in your work, rephrase these sections in simpler terms for someone who does not have your educational background.
Study Method 10 – Mind Maps
Represent Critical Information Visually. The use of diagrams to convey information dates back to Leonardo Da Vinci’s use of mind maps to take notes during the Italian Renaissance.
While employing the mind map approach was more time-consuming during Leonardo’s time, several internet resources are available today. Mind maps are a terrific alternative to typical note-taking sessions since they are simple and enjoyable to make.
A mind map is a study strategy that uses a radial diagram to start with the core thought in the center and expand outward with other related materials. Mind maps assist our brains to store crucial information more easily by using mental triggers such as colors, pictures, and links.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing we can’t have enough of in this world, it is the time! Adopting a good study approach will help you save time and retain more knowledge, get that A, and learn what you need to know for the future — so get to work!
We hope you found this post as helpful as promised. Please feel free to let us know what you think.
References
- https://thecollegepost.com/best-study-methods/
- https://www.mydegreeguide.com/how-to-study-tips/
- https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/
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