When it comes to study skills, it’s common to want to find the perfect strategy that guarantees faster learning with less effort. But the reality is different. There is no single universal method.
Tactics that work for some people may be completely ineffective for others, depending on various factors such as the subject matter, level of concentration, time available, and even mood.
The good news is that there's always a strategy for everyone.
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Recovery exercise
Recall practice (also known as the testing effect) involves actively testing oneself by trying to recall what has been learned without referring to the study materials.
Unlike passive reading, this technique forces the brain to retrieve information from memory, which strengthens neural connections and improves long-term retention.
Trying unsuccessfully to recall a concept tells us which areas need reinforcement, turning a mistake into a learning opportunity.
In addition, reviewing material not only improves memory but also helps identify areas where you are weaker, allowing you to focus on them.
This study technique may include:
- Designing and usingflashcards: A good approach is to write questions on one side of the card and answers on the other, reviewing them until you can answer without looking.
- Practice Tests:Simulating exam situations that closely resemble the actual test day helps manage anxiety and feel more prepared, as it replicates the need to recall information under pressure.
Spaced practice
Who hasn't studied for an exam only to forget everything the next day? Forgetting is something that happens to all of us, especially students, and it shows how memory tends to fade if it isn't strategically reinforced.
In the 19th century, the German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus marked a turning point in the study of psychology and memory. After conducting a series of experiments, he developed a model known as the “forgetting curve, ”in which he demonstrated how information quickly fades from the mind if it is not reviewed at regular intervals.
According to the article " Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology " by Hermann Ebbinghaus, every time a topic is reviewed after a period of time, the forgetting process is interrupted and long-term memory is strengthened.
That is why spaced practice is a highly effective study technique for combating the forgetting curve. It involves spreading out study time into short sessions over a long period, rather than cramming everything into marathon sessions that last a single day or just a few days.
It is recommended to study for 30 or 45 minutes a day for two weeks before an exam, rather than for eight hours the night before.
Learning apps like Duolingo use this model to determine the best time for a student to review a concept before they forget it.
The technique of elaborate evocation
Study techniques don't have to be overly complicated. On the contrary, sometimes the most natural approach is the most effective.
Sometimes, explaining a topic to others helps us understand it better. This is due to the technique of elaborative recall, which involves rephrasing what we’ve learned in our own words.
It can happen in different ways:
- Put your study materials away after reading a chapter, then explain it to someone else—or to yourself—as if you were teaching a class.
- Write a short summary of the topic without looking at your notes.
- Relate new concepts to examples from everyday life.
When explaining something, the mind is forced to organize the information, make sense of it, and simplify it. This mental effort reveals true understanding—or what needs to be reviewed—and helps avoid the mistake of “memorizing” without truly understanding.
Mind maps and visual diagrams
Among the most commonly used effective study methods are mind maps, outlines, and diagrams. These visual aids are ideal for people who process information best through images.
There is no right way to design a mind map. It can be as extensive or as simple as needed.
This technique allows everyone to give free rein to their creativity and find the best way to organize the content.
One possible application could be:
- Take a broad topic, such as the French Revolution, and organize the main concepts into a hierarchical outline. These can include dates, important names, events, or any other information you consider important to remember.
- Use colors, arrows, and images to help connect concepts. You don't need to be a designer or an artist; the goal is to help organize and remember the information clearly.
- Create branches to break down ideas and identify connections. Students can go into as much detail as they like without losing sight of the clarity and simplicity of the outline.
Mind maps and diagrams transform information into a visual representation that makes it easier to understand and remember over the long term. They also allow you to review information quickly and spot any important details that may be missing.
Interleaved learning
We've all been there: when we study one topic after another without a break, our brains get overwhelmed and the information starts to get confusing.
Spaced learning involves switching between different topics during study sessions. Although it may seem more challenging, this technique has proven to be more effective for long-term retention of knowledge.
According to the study “Interleaved practice enhances memory and problem-solving ability in undergraduate physics,” published in the journal NPJ Science of Learning, students who practiced with interleaved problems in an undergraduate physics course recalled more relevant information and produced correct solutions more frequently on subsequent tests, compared to those who practiced with problems from a single topic at a time.
To apply this technique, we recommend:
- Switch between different topics or subtopics within the same subject during study sessions.
- Include a variety of exercises in the practice sessions, such as math problems, reading, and writing, to promote cognitive flexibility.
- Create your own study schedules that include review sessions throughout, rather than focusing all your study time on a single topic.
Implementing spaced repetition may require more effort, but the long-term benefits in terms of retention and understanding of the material are significant.
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The Feynman Technique
Have you ever tried to explain a complex concept to someone else only to realize that you didn't fully understand it yourself? That's what the Feynman Technique is all about—an active learning method developed by physicist Richard Feynman.
This study technique involves explaining what you've learned in simple terms, as if you were explaining it to a child.
This process not only reveals gaps in understanding but also strengthens memory and deepens comprehension of the subject.
A 2025 study on the use of the Feynman Technique in online education, published in the Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal in 2021, showed that students who applied this technique achieved better results on assessments and demonstrated greater autonomy in their learning.
The study suggests that the Feynman Technique promotes independent and effective learning, especially when it comes to remote learning.
Teaching others what you have learned not only reinforces your own understanding, but also helps you develop communication and critical thinking skills.
Study Tips
There is no single strategy that works for every student. Combining different study techniques or exploring new options allows you to capitalize on the strengths of each method and find the technique that works best for you.
Some strategies can be very effective for memorizing facts, while others are ideal for understanding complex concepts or developing practical skills.
In addition to applying these study techniques that work for students, it is essential not to overlook the external factors that influence academic performance.
- Adequate rest: Getting a good night's sleep improves memory consolidation.
- A balanced diet: The brain needs energy to function at its best.
- Study environment: Choose a well-lit space that’s free from distractions and has everything you need within reach.
- Fact: Studying a little bit every day is better than cramming everything at the last minute.
Even the best learning techniques work most effectively when combined with healthy habits and a suitable study environment.
One of the most common mistakes students make is believing that reading and rereading notes is sufficient as a study method. While these activities help you become familiar with the material, true learning is not guaranteed.
Although there is no single magic solution for learning, there are study techniques that work for students of all ages.
The key is to find the strategy or combination of techniquesthat works best for you, so you can optimize your study habits.
Still not sure what to study?
Check out all the degree programs at ORT