Three Effective Study Techniques To Try Out (1)

As we have settled into academic year, I am sure that a lot of us have started to find the study techniques that suit us best. However for those of us who may not have found the best technique, or would simply like to switch things up - this is for you! I am going to be detailing three different study techniques you can try out this year!



Firstly, Spaced Repetition:

This is sometimes referred to as spaced practice or spaced retrieval. It is the opposite of cramming and instead, puts an emphasis on spacing out one's study by reviewing and recalling information at optimal intervals until the material has been memorised. For example, if you learn a concept today, you may review the concept in 30 minutes, then 6 hours, then 1 day later, 3 days later and so on. The hope is that by the time you come to need to recall the concept for an exam (as an example), it will have cemented in your mind because you have seen it on numerous occasions. An example of an app that utilises spaced repetition is Anki, which has been proven to be an excellent resources for medical students, however anyone can benefit from the technique of spaced repetition!

Next on the list is Active Recall:

Active recall is a study technique that involves one actively recalling information by testing oneself repeatedly, rather than reading the information over and over again. Studies have found that students who use active recall and self-testing outperform students who do not. Active recall serves as an excellent way to apply your knowledge, however although highly effective it can be very tiring. Do not feel discouraged if you do not get the results you want immediately as with this study technique, you are bound to get better with time. 

Last but not least, The Pomodoro Study Method:

The Pomodoro Study Method is a time-management technique that uses a timer to break down one's studying in to 25- or (45-minute) increments, known as Pomodoro sessions. After each session, you can take a 5- or (15-minute) break during which you fully distance yourself from the topic of study. After completing 4 Pomodoro sessions, you are able to take a longer 15-to-30 minute break. There are many advantages to using the Pomodoro method: it is a simple and straightforward method, which encourages you to map out your daily tasks and activities, and allows you to track the amount of time you spend on each task. All in all, it provides short bursts of concentrated work together with resting periods.



I hope these study techniques are of interest to you and hopefully you will be able to try at least one of them out!