The Science of Learning: Are You Studying the Wrong Way?
Tired of spending hours highlighting notes, rereading textbook chapters, and reviewing slides, only to sit down for a test and realize you barely remember anything? Maybe the problem is not how much you are studying, but how you are doing it.
When an important test is coming up, our most common reaction often is to open our notes and re-read them over and over until the information starts to feel familiar. Although the method may seem effective at the time, familiarity does not necessarily mean that we will remember the material later. This is an example of passive learning: simply completing assigned readings or staring at past slides without actively engaging with the information. These habits can create a false sense of understanding, even when we struggle to apply or recall what we have learned. In fact, a focused 30-minute study session with the right techniques may be more productive than 3 hours of passive review. Ultimately, studying effectively is about how you manage your time, not just for how long you study.
The Most Effective Science Backed Study Methods
Active Recall
Active recall is one of the most effective study techniques as it strengthens neural connections and trains your brain to remember the information you are studying. This method differs from passive learning, as you shift from simply re-reading the material to pulling content from your own memory. There are multiple ways of practicing active recall: you could create flashcards in apps like Quizlet and Anki for definitions and concepts, cover your notes and quiz yourself, or write down what you remember after reading a chapter or watching a lecture.
Spaced Repetition
How often do you learn a concept, cram for hours to memorize it one day, and after one month, or even a week, realize you forgot everything in that subject? This is a very common phenomenon, which happens because our brain is programmed to forget information unless we make it clear that we need to remember it. Spaced repetition aims to combat that phenomenon by reviewing material in separated periods of time before it can fade. Let’s say you learn something new today; you can review it again after 24 hours, then revisit it after 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month. This way, the increased intervals will improve your long-term retention of topics you need to learn.
The Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique works with the principle that if you can explain something you must know it. This technique involves explaining concepts in simple terms and your own words. After explaining once, you can revisit topics that seem confusing and try to re-explain it multiple times until the information seems clear and simple. This technique works especially because teaching forces us to deeply process information, therefore, guaranteeing full comprehension. One example of a platform where this technique can be used is iTutor, which is an AI platform developed by one of our EABH students that aims to facilitate learning by teaching. To access, search itutor.com.br and test your knowledge in subjects like US History, World History, Physics, Biology, and Geography.
Interleaving
Although fully locking-in and studying one topic for hours may feel like the best way to learn, single subject study sessions often lead our brains to get stuck in repetitive patterns, and therefore have a harder time recalling the information being reviewed. Instead, the technique of interleaving involves mixing subjects within the same study session, making it easier for stronger connections between ideas to be built. This means, maybe as a substitute of doing practice math questions for one hour, you could alternate between math problem solving questions and history flashcards. You could also practice interleaving by alternating formats of studying: watch a video, read a chapter, then quiz yourself.
Practice Tests and Questions
With exams like the SAT and AP tests being a common part of students’ academic lives, practicing with past tests and sample questions can be a great way to prepare for these assessments. The Bluebook full length SAT practice tests (which are also available for the PSAT) are an example of a way to get familiarized with the exam format and question type, as well as practicing how to answer questions under time constraints. Still focusing on the SAT, the official SAT Question Bank can be a great platform to look at sample questions within specific areas and levels you may need to practice. Similarly, platforms like Albert.io and College Board may be effective to practice AP style questions. These methods are effective for identifying weaknesses and learning from mistakes, which is a powerful way of increasing your grade and understanding of a subject.
Study Smarter, Not Harder
Ultimately, effective studying does not come from spending endless hours with your notes open, it comes from making those hours count. Methods such as active recall, spaced repetition or mixed studying can help you by shifting from simply recognizing the information to fully understanding it. But remember, not every method will work equally well for every student; each of our brains work differently, and it is important to adapt and experiment with different approaches so that you can figure out what works best for you. Before your next exam, try changing just one part of your study routine. You might discover that the key to better results is not studying longer, but studying smarter.
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