A common myth among many students is that studying for long hours is the only way to achieve academic success. However, there are a variety of different study techniques that are more efficient and effective.
The Pomodoro Technique involves a structured study schedule with several breaks. With this technique, you focus on one task, working on it without distractions, for 25-30 minutes. Then, you take a 5 minute break. After repeating these steps 4 times, you take a 20-30 minute break. The Pomodoro Technique is best used for study sessions that last multiple hours. It promotes healthy, productive study habits because it provides a way for students to stay focused while still having time to relax. This strict schedule can help prevent student burnout and distraction (“Pomodoro Technique”).
The SQ3R (SQRRR) Technique is a popular study technique for information retention. The S stands for Survey, which involves skimming the chapter and taking notes on key features, like headings, images, or charts. The Q stands for questions, which involves coming up with questions about the chapter and any background knowledge you may have. The first R stands for read, which involves reading the chapter and answering the questions you created. The second R stands for Recite, which involves summarizing sections in your own words. Finally, the last R stands for Review, which involves reviewing the chapter material, such as through quizzing yourself and rereading weaker sections. The SQ3R Technique can be used with assigned readings of any subject, and it can make studying a textbook more approachable (“How to Study Effectively”).
Spaced practice is a study technique used over long periods of time. In general, studying is best done over several different days rather than through cramming a day or two before your test. Thus, many students use spaced practice and flashcards together. A common strategy is to separate the flashcards into piles based on your familiarity with them. These piles should be reviewed at different intervals--for instance, the piles with flashcards you did not know as well should be reviewed the next day, the piles you were more familiar with should be reviewed two days later, and so on (Kang).
Retrieval practice can be an effective study technique in study sessions closer to the test date. Oftentimes, when reviewing notes, it can be tempting to speed through sections because you believe you already know the information. However, you can test your true knowledge through retrieval practice. This involves trying to recall information with your own memory without the use of notes. It can be done through a practice test or flashcards and is important for evaluating yourself realistically (“How to Effectively Study”).
While studying can be a long, laborious process, it can be made more enjoyable and more approachable through the use of study techniques such as the ones discussed above.
Sources
“How to Effectively Study.” UC San Diego, https://psychology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-program/undergraduate-resources/academic-writing-resources/effective-studying/index.html
“How To Study Effectively? 10 Best Study Techniques | USAHS.” University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, 6 June 2024, https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/.
Kang, Edward. “5 Research-Backed Studying Techniques.” Edutopia, 4 Apr. 2019, https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-research-backed-studying-techniques.
“Pomodoro Technique.” University of Pittsburgh, https://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/study-lab/study-skills-tools-resources/pomodoro-technique.
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