Do you feel like you peaked academically in middle school? Like it all came easily – but then, enter high school, and suddenly your brain isn’t doing its thing anymore? Well, you’re not alone.
Studying is not easy, especially if you don’t know how to study effectively. So, let’s break it down: here are some evidence-based methods of studying that really will help you ace every test.
First and foremost, cut the distractions. That means: no multitasking! It’s easy to get distracted while studying; which is why, to optimize your study time, try to set aside any possible distractions. Sometimes, that means actively avoiding the use of electronics to study (eg. writing your notes by hand, or using a physical textbook).
If you absolutely need your phone with you – in case of emergencies (or, if you’re like me and you’ve developed a case of separation anxiety from your beloved device) – even something as simple as setting it a foot away from your hand can help.
There are also a number of apps you can download to help with this. One such example is Flora (image to the right), which motivates you by rewarding every period of focus with a (virtual) tree. With enough focus periods, you can grow a whole garden!
This next tip may feel counterintuitive, but do not read (and reread) your notes or the textbook. In simply rereading your notes, you are not interacting with the new information – meaning, it’s likely going to slip out of your brain faster.
Interacting with the material might look like making flashcards, teaching (or pretending to teach) the material, and for classes such as math and science, doing tons of practice problems.
Third, make use of spaced repetition techniques. Our brains need time – and repetition – for new knowledge to seep into your long-term memory. Which means that one long study session is not enough for deep learning; instead, shorter, more frequent study sessions may improve retention of material.
This also brings up another important point: long study sessions are not always better. Studying for long periods of time can not only lead to boredom, but it can also tire the brain. Intensive study sessions often last between 30-40 minutes and involve active studying methods which engage your brain with the material. These study sessions are more effective than three hour study sessions (which very likely include frequent scrolling-breaks). For more information, check out The Study Cycle.
With these three essential study tips, you are maximizing information retention while minimizing time wasted – perfect for the upcoming school year!
Sources:
Jones, R. P. (2020, November 13). The neuroscience of effective studying. Student Services. https://students.ubc.ca/ubclife/neuroscience-effective-studying
The Study Cycle. (n.d.). Learning Center. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/the-study-cycle/
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2019). Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder. Unc.edu. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
What Neuroscience Suggests to Better Your Study Habits. (2020). College of Natural Sciences. https://cns.utexas.edu/news/features/what-neuroscience-suggests-better-your-study-habits#:~:text=The%20brain%20does%2C%20however%2C%20benefit
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