Top 5 Studying Techniques and Strategies

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1.   Retrieval

 

 

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The Retrieval is just about the best method when trying to remember facts, information, equations, foreign words, definitions, or just about anything really.

 

Retrieval practice is, simply put, based on the concept of learning at a later time.

 

In the past, this was done with physical flashcards. And to be honest, this still works and is still done by many. However, such websites as Quizlet and Memrise are great ways of creating online flashcards, which can be more perhaps engaging for younger learning, but also older learners as well.

 

The principal behind the flashcard study technique (whether online or physical) is based on retrieving what you have learned at a later date, so as not to let it slip out of your brain. A nice and neat way to think about it is that you need to study and engage with something about 10 times to fully learn it, so something like a flashcard encourages you to do so.

 

Furthermore, this technique works far better than just rereading your notes. As although the notion of studying something 10 times before it goes in is true, it doesn’t work if you are not fully engaging with what you are trying to learn, so something like a flashcard means that you will constantly test yoursef which is true engagement.

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Of course, online tuition with one of our great tutors can also help you engage with the study matiel enogugh for it be fully learned. If you are interested in this, at Horizons Tutors our online tutors are Oxford and Cambridge University experts who cost only £25 per hour. So click here to find out more, if you are interested. 

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Perhaps also check out our article Is Online Tuition Effective? too.

 

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2.     Blurting

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever thought “what is the best studying technique?”

 

In this author’s view, it has to be blurting!

 

If you haven’t heard of blurting, it is often also referred to as a memory dump. This involves quickly reading a section of a textbook, an exam specification, or other study guides and then closing the book and writing down as much of the information as you can remember.

 

But what really makes blurting such a highly effective study method is in fact the second stage of the process. This is, that next you need to reopen the textbook or study guide and compare what you have written to the original text to see where your areas your recall were good, and which areas might need more work.

 

Blurting is considered to be so effective in helping students to revise because it uses the idea of active recall, which has been proven to be one of the most effective revision techniques. Active recall is a way of revising that involves retrieving information from memory through testing yourself at every stage of the revision process. You are an active, rather than a passive, participant in the revision process.

 

If you haven’t tried blurting, I really would recommend this study technique highly.

 

If you’ve already done this one before, keep reading!

 

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3.    Pomodoro

 

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If you’re looking for other study techniques like blurting (see above), then look no further than Pomodoro.

 

Pomodoro technique checklist:

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• Choose a task

• Set timer to 25 minutes

• Work on task until timer sounds                                               

• Take short two-to-five minute break

 

• Repeat the above four times

 

• Take longer 15-to-30 minute break

 

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The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method based on 25-minute periods of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. Longer breaks, of somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes (although this can be a bit longer if needed), are taken after four consecutive work rounds. Each work round is called a pomodoro, the Italian word for tomato.

 

Pomodoro is a technique that not only aims to help you digest information, but also to build an internal process suitable for effective study. This study technique wants to build a healthy relationship between time and study, and also set up a daily routine that a student can become used to.

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If you are lacking a routine, use this one for sure!

 

 

 

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4.  The SQ3R Method

 

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SQ3R is a method which focuses on reading comprehension, to help student both identify important facts and retain information within their textbook. SQ3R (or SQRRR) stands for the five steps of comprehension during reading.

 

Skim: Instead of reading the entire book, start by skimming the first chapter and taking notes on any headings, subheadings, images, or other standout features like charts.

Question: Formulate questions around the chapter’s content, such as, What is this chapter about? What do I already know about this subject?

Read: Begin reading the full chapter and look for answers to the questions you formulated.

Recite: After reading a section, summarise in your own words what you just read. Try recalling and identifying major points and answering any questions from the second step.

Review: Once you have finished the chapter, it’s important to review the material to fully understand it. Quiz yourself on the questions you created and re-read any portions you need to.

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Do check out Jennifer Huber's research on this to see the incredibly strong benefits of the SQ3R study technique. Click here.

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These steps are designed for a more efficient and effective study session.

 

The idea of skimming and considering what the chapter is about, before properly reading the full chapter, allows a student to have a bird’s eye view of a chapter before they read it. This results in a more detailed focus on the topic when reading it through properly. The student will know where to pay most attention, and consider these points in greater depth.

 

Reviewing what you have learned is also particularly important for this study method, as this is how the information is retained. The SQ3R is a great method for identifying what is most important in any given chapter, but without reviewing afterwards (by perhaps quizzing yourself) it won’t have its greatest effect.

 

 

 

5. Colour coded notes

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The final tip in this Top 5 list today might surprise you.

 

Not because you haven’t heard of it though, I’m sure. But probably because you have underestimated the significance this study method has on your brain.

 

That’s right!

 

If you colour code your notes you can take hours off your studying hours, as your brain simply ingests information better when it is colour coded.

 

We’ve all seen someone doing this in their notes, maybe you’ve even dabbled in it yourself in the past. But because it is so simple, people tend to underestimate the huge effect this can have on information digestion.

 

It’s true!

 

Using highlighter pens to visually collect together things of a similar topic can be incredibly beneficial. Or if you’re learning a language, choosing to highlight all you English translations in one colour, and all of the other language's vocabulary list in another colour, can extremely help your brain’s speed at picking up this information.

 

This one is so simple to implement, and trust me, the results will be great!

 

And if you don’t believe me, check out this study from  which proves its: 

 

Simply put, use colour to your advantage and you’ll get through your studying more quickly and efficiently.

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Right, that's the end.

 

So what was the best thing you have learned today?

 

Which of these methods are you going to implement in your next study section?

 

If you liked this article, check out this great article I also wrote recently about the benefits of online learning.

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And, of course, if you are interested in online tuition with our of our great online tutors from Oxford or Cambridge University for just £25 per hour, then do please find out more, and get in contact today!