Study Techniques
STUDY TECHNIQUES: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES
This topic is special to me because it reflects one of the reasons that motivated me to start this blog: sharing strategies that truly work. As a student, I overcame significant challenges, from traveling long distances to attend class to learning how to study on my own.
During my academic years, I discovered that many traditional techniques, like summarizing or creating outlines, aren’t always effective for everyone—especially in more demanding educational stages, where the lack of proper study tools can become a major obstacle.
Thanks to my experience and ongoing training in pedagogy, I’ve been able to identify practical and research-based methods that help not just with memorization but also with understanding and applying knowledge. Today, I want to share these strategies with you, confident that they can make a significant difference in your learning journey.
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1. The Spaced Repetition Method
The spaced repetition method is based on a fundamental principle of cognitive pedagogy: the brain retains information better when it is reviewed in intervals over time. This method is not only useful for memorizing facts but also for integrating more complex concepts.
How to implement it? Use tools like Anki or Quizlet, which allow you to create review cards with algorithms that optimize your review schedule based on your performance, or go the traditional route with index cards. The key is to review the information right when you're about to forget it, reinforcing long-term memory.
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2. The Feynman Technique: Explain to Learn
Richard Feynman, a physicist and educator, advocated the idea that if you truly understand a concept, you can explain it in simple terms. This technique involves teaching what you’re learning to someone else—or even to yourself out loud! If you can break down a complex concept into simple terms, you’re ensuring a deep understanding of the topic.
To apply it, choose a study topic and explain its concepts in a way that anyone without prior knowledge could understand. If you get stuck at any point, it’s a sign that you need to delve deeper into that area.
Additionally, if you practice this with someone you trust, you'll likely have fun, and that added emotional element will help you retain the information even better.
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3. Active Learning: Doing and Reflecting
Active learning goes beyond just reading or taking notes. It involves engaging with the information in a way that makes it applicable. This can include doing practical exercises, solving real-world problems, or even participating in discussions about the topic.
Try to connect what you’re learning to scenarios in your future professional practice. Reflecting on how to apply the concepts will help you solidify your understanding.
4. The Pomodoro Method with Variations
The Pomodoro Method is known for being helpful in managing time and avoiding procrastination. But did you know you can adapt it to fit your study needs? You can use 25-minute blocks, but the key is how you distribute those intervals throughout the day.
This alternation helps avoid mental fatigue and keeps your brain active during study sessions. Here, I’m sharing an app to practice this method and some other tools that can help you: 5 aplicaciones útiles para estudiantes 📱✨
5. Mind Maps to Connect Ideas
Mind maps are an excellent visual tool for adult students, as they help organize concepts and see how they interrelate. This technique is not only useful for memorization but also facilitates a deep understanding of the topics, as it forces you to think about the connections between concepts.
Unlike traditional summaries, mind maps leverage the power of visualization and creativity. They can help you better understand complex topics and organize ideas logically.
6. The 5 Senses Method: Stimulating Multisensory Learning
Multisensory learning activates different parts of the brain, which improves information retention. Try integrating different senses into your study routine. For example, while studying a topic, you can:
- Listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to the topic.
- Draw diagrams or charts.
- Read aloud to reinforce auditory comprehension.
- Take notes using different colors to highlight relationships between concepts
Using multiple senses at the same time helps build stronger memories and makes it easier to understand complex concepts.
7. Self-Assessment Technique: Become Your Own Teacher
Self-assessments are essential for adult learners, as they provide immediate feedback on personal progress. It's not just about taking exams or tests, but about asking yourself questions about the content and evaluating your understanding.
For example, after studying a topic, ask yourself questions like: "What have I learned?", "How can I apply this knowledge in practice?", "What do I still need to understand?" This reflection not only increases your self-efficacy but also strengthens memory and enhances metacognition, which is your ability to manage your own learning process.
There are test websites with topics related to university courses if you're enrolled at UNED. You can ask in Telegram groups, as they provide lots of information and resources according to your degree.
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8. Setting SMART Goals
Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) is not only useful for personal productivity but also for studying. As a student, you likely have to balance multiple responsibilities, so having clear and achievable goals will help you stay motivated and focused.
For example, set weekly goals such as "Read 50 pages of this book" or "Complete 3 exercises from subject X." These specific goals not only keep you on track but also allow you to feel a constant sense of progress..
9. Take into account
- These are your goals, you're studying for yourself.
- Believe in yourself, don’t lower the goal; increase the effort. The caterpillar calls the end of the world what the rest of the world calls a butterfly.
- Find what works for you, in addition to study techniques. For example, memorizing colors or drawings as pictograms may help.
- Validate your emotions, we all have bad days or low periods. All storms pass.
- Romanticize your study time—there are playlists on Spotify and YouTube to set the mood, decorate your space with motivational quotes or objects you like (I’m someone who likes to light a candle, for example).
- There are support groups on Discord for studying in groups.
- Everyone has their own path: longer, shorter, with more obstacles, with fewer hills…
- Don’t limit yourself by your age. For example, if you want to go back to studying but feel too old, remember that you'll be 60 years old anyway. It’s your choice: be 60 years old and work in what you love, or be 60 and think you didn’t dare study what you wanted at a certain age because you thought you were too old.
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