During these past few weeks I tried 6 different study techniques for each quiz and test I had coming up! I tried a new technique on each test or quiz I had and ranked the techniques based on the result I got. Not every technique works for everyone so this ranking really just based on what worked for me.
6.Feynman Technique
The main idea of this is pretty simple, pick something you want to learn, for me in this case it was electricity. Then I teach it in simple and easy words to literally anyone, I taught it to my sister in grade five, but you can even teach it to a stuffed animal or a clueless parent! Then find your gaps, if you get stuck in explaining something clearly, it shows you need to study that topic more. After fixing those gaps go back to that person or thing and explain it all over again clearly, including the ones you were strong on.
Some of the pros from this technique is that you do get a strong memory from teaching it and explaining it to someone and you can find your weak spots fast. It also builds your confidence and makes you feel way more prepared. The cons of this were that it does take a lot of time, especially if you are reviewing three to five topics at a time. It also does require a lot of patience and effort so if you need a quick and easy technique like me, this may not be the one for you.
5. Mind Mapping
This is probably not the most ideal technique for everyone. How it works is writing the main topic in the center, for me it was a social test on economics. Then you draw branches from the center and put the main ideas of that topic. For example I wrote the invisible hand, types of markets, and more. Then around those main ideas you add smaller branches around it for the details of it. For example, for types of markets I wrote mixed market, planned and command market, etc. To help my brain connect a bit better, I decorated it with colored arrows and small drawings.
The thing with this technique was that it help me see the connections between each idea and improved my memory a little about this topic better because it uses color and structure. The drawbacks of this is that it can get pretty messy if the topic is really big like mine, and takes time and patience to create it properly. As you can see I am not a patient person and it didn’t really help me much on the test either.
4. Spaced Repetition
This was a technique I was comfortable with but also a bit hard for me to get used to. Here’s how it works, first learn something new, like a lesson from school you just learned, then review it shortly after the next day. After 2 to 3 days review it again and review it a week later, then 2 weeks after that. The purpose of this technique is each time you review it right about your brain will forget it and then your brain starts to strengthen your memory of that idea. Each time you review it, you do it for 20-30 minutes, instead of a long period of time like 3 hours.
This works great for memorizing vocabulary, definitions, formulas, etc. It prevented cramming and procrastination so I didn’t study it all a night before the quiz and made studying for me more time managed overall. The most challenging drawback for me was how much planning and consistency this method required. It was not as helpful since it didn’t give me a deeper understanding of the stuff I learned but it will probably work great for memorization. This kind of method is something you have to keep up with regularly so if you are up to the task this may be a great method for you.
3. The Pomodoro Technique
This is another kind of method that requires a lot of time management. Pick one task to focus on and set a timer for 25 minutes when you know what you are going to learn. While the 25 minute timer is on work with full focus and no distractions. I get distracted easily so I ended up switching my phone off and use the computer as a timer. Once the timer is up take a five minute break. After each 25 minute session I increased my breaks by five minutes, I tweaked the method a bit and also kept increasing my work periods by five minutes.
I actually didn’t despise this one very much and it did help me based on my results for my quiz. This method prevents burnout so if you are a person who doesn’t take much breaks while they study (like me), this could be a good study method for you. For me it made big tasks feel manageable and helped me work through the workload smoothly. However, 25 minutes might feel too short to get into a deep focus.
As I mentioned the breaks could become distractions. For me I ended up doom scrolling for 20 minutes on a 10 minute break…
2. Active Recall
This method was actually a pretty popular I saw on Instagram and I decided to try it out. This was a really good method for me and it’s a study method I will use again for sure. This method includes making flashcards, covering your notes and writing what you remember on another piece of paper, doing practice test questions, and more! I used flashcards since this is what helps me best. This method is like basic memorization: study a topic once and close your notes, then ask yourself questions about what you learned and write or say answers from memory. Check your answers and fix the mistakes — I usually fix my mistakes with a pen or highlighter so I don’t get mixed up of what I got wrong.
Active recall is very effective for long-term memory and it can prepare you for tests very well. This method is much stronger than just rereading your notes or textbook. I also tried this method with spaced repetition to see how well it would work and it worked me miracles. It took me a lot of effort and discipline to actually get through studying without doom scrolling and distractions. Make sure you understand the topic you are reviewing otherwise active recall may not be as helpful.
1.The Blurting Method
The winner is clear in this one and let me tell you why it is my favorite method. I knew about this study method a while ago but got too lazy to try it. In this technique you will quickly write down everything you know and remember about a lesson or topic without looking at your notes and then check what you missed. If you despise writing essays or paragraphs like me, then just write bullet points or short sentences. This is only a rough sketch and it doesn’t have to be very organized. I recommend looking over your notes first though so you aren’t completely lost while writing.
I tried this on my final exams a while ago and it worked really well. I will probably use it every time I have exams. It points out exactly what you don’t know and strengthens your memory too. My patience did not test me on this method and just became a very quick and efficient thing to pull out when I procrastinated too much.
It did feel overwhelming when I first tried blurting out and it may not be ideal when you are learning brand new topics. It may not help with deep understanding unless you plan on combining other study techniques.
Conclusion
I loved testing out new techniques and I am even happier to be sharing about it! Once again, this is based on my opinions and what worked best for me. As I said before, combining some of these techniques might be even better for you as well. I hope one of these techniques works for you, maybe one of my least favorites could be your favorite!