As schools and colleges are about to start, students will be required to have and follow a study schedule. However, some may find this process difficult to go through. Hence, many researchers have worked upon and found methods that make this process straightforward. Here are 15 Scientifically Proven Study Techniques.
15 Scientifically Proven Study Techniques
SQ3R Technique
SQ3R Technique is a 5-step reading technique that stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. Any reading material can be easily understood and learned if these steps are followed with precision. It helps the reader by making them question the text while learning it. In order to question anything, one must have some knowledge of it beforehand. Hence, this method can help in understanding the text better and in a simple way.
Spaced Practice
Spaced Practice is a way of learning in which an individual has to divide their studies into smaller parts and learn in over a long period. For example, instead of studying an entire chapter within a night, one can break it down into parts and do it during a week. It helps with remembering information better as the mind has a little more time to register the material.
Leitner System
Leitner System is a learning technique introduced by and named after a German science journalist, Sebastian Leitner. In this method, it is told that using flashcards as a means of learning is proven to be helpful. This is based on the spaced repetition technique where reading the same things multiple times in different periods helps memorize better.
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval Practice is more of a brain exercise than a study technique method. In this, one has to try and recall the information from their memory. This can be practised through quizzes, flashcards, mock examinations, etc.
Zeigarnik Effect
The effect is named after Lithuanian-Soviet psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik. It is a psychological phenomenon that says that unfinished or incomplete tasks are easier to recall and remember, as compared to completed work. This applies to studies when students stop their studies after a while, take breaks and then resume with the rest. It helps in increasing curiosity.
Pomodoro Technique
Pomodoro Technique suggests that one should work around the time that is available to them, instead of making time, or taking time out for a specific activity. It suggests breaking the given time into five equal parts with smaller breaks in between. These breaks are referred to as Pomodoro.
The Learning Pyramid
The Learning Pyramid, developed by the National Training Laboratory, lists the different study methods in the order of their effectiveness to students. The order from the most effective method to the least effective method is teaching others, practising doing, discussion, demonstration, audio-visual, reading, and lecturing.
Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique is similar to the protégé effect. In the Protégé effect, an individual has to pretend to teach themselves as a way of learning. Whereas, in the Feynman technique, an individual has to pretend to explain the concept to a child, or to someone who has zero knowledge about the subject. This helps in breaking down the concepts and making them easier to understand.
Pre Testing
The Pre Testing method says that students should take a test before studying any new concepts. This makes the students know about what is to come in the study matter and makes them aware of the areas they need to focus more on.
Mind Mapping
The mind mapping method suggests that students create a map for the concepts that they are studying. It requires having a blank piece of paper and starting in the middle of it. And then eventually make a map of the concepts around it. This helps with understanding the relation of the concepts with each other better, and their intersection as well.
Colour Codding Notes
It is easier for the mind to separate things when they are put in different colours. It helps with keeping notes aesthetically, which is easier to comprehend when you are just skimming through the material. The categorization in colours is also useful to not lose track while studying a topic and get distracted by it. The names of people, important dates, names of theories, etc. can be marked in different colours.
Study With Music
There is proven data that says that certain type of classical or instrumental music helps boost the learning process. There are many study playlists on several apps such as YouTube or Spotify that have a compilation of songs like these. These songs need to only have music in them and no lyrics, as the lyrics can cause distraction.
Exercise Before Study
Exercising has been an effective way of clearing your mind. It refreshes your body completely and energizes you for other activities. Hence, exercising before studying boosts the study efficiency as you are more active after it.
Sleep and Memory
Having a healthy sleep cycle for any student is crucial. Less sleep can make you forget things often, and lower your attention span as well. Reading or learning something before going to bed will make you recall those things easier.
Study Environment
Studying in a loud chaotic environment can do more harm than good. It will just make you irritated and incapable of learning anything. Hence, finding a quiet, calm spot for studying should be preferred. Your desk and notes should also be kept clean and neat.
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