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Studying is a significant part of how we learn, remember, and apply our learning. Even though we may think we know what "studying" is, this does not mean we always study effectively. Here are several study strategies you can explore to find the best and most effective ways to learn.

Study Ideas

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique (developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s) uses a timer to break tasks into 25-minute intervals, called Pomodoros, separated by short breaks. Named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used, this method involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. It helps reduce mental fatigue, and improve concentration and productivity while working on a task.

Steps to a Successful Pomodoro Session

Choose a Task: Decide on the task you want to work on.
Set a Timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes (or your preferred Pomodoro length).
Work on the Task: Focus on the task until the timer goes off. Write down any distractions to handle later.
Take a Short Break: Then, take a 5-10 minute break.
Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 for a total of three Pomodoros.
Take a Longer Break: After three Pomodoros, take a longer break of 20-30 minutes before starting the cycle again.

Use the interaction below to practice the Pomodoro Technique now!

Spacing Rather than Cramming

You've likely noticed that cramming is an ineffective study strategy, but do you know why? Research on memory shows that spacing out study sessions helps improve long-term retention.

Here's how it works:

Forgetting Helps Learning: When you give yourself time between study sessions, you might forget some information. However, relearning what you've forgotten strengthens your understanding and memory of the material.
Better Retention: Each time you revisit and relearn information, it reinforces your knowledge, making it easier to remember in the long run.

Example of Spacing

Suppose you need to study for a Sociology exam and have four hours to spend:

Cramming: You spend most of those four hours the night before the exam.
Spacing: You study a little bit each day leading up to the exam.

By spacing your study sessions, you reinforce your memory and understanding of the material more effectively.

Weekly schedule with example study times
	M	T	W	Th	F
Cram				Study for 4 hours	Sociology Test
Space	Study for 1 hour	Study for 1 hour	Study for 1 hour	Study for 1 hour	Sociology Test

Interleaving

Interleaving is a study strategy where students mix up their study content instead of focusing on just one type of problem during a session. For example, interleaving would involve revisiting material from previous chapters or working on different types of problems within the same study session. This approach helps your brain "mix up" the information, which may cause some short-term forgetting but ultimately enhances long-term memory and learning.

Weekly schedule with interleaving study examples
M	T	W	Th	F
Read ch. 1	Re-read ch. 1 Read ch. 2 Take a practice quiz for ch. 1-2	Re-read ch. 2 Create a concept map for ch. 1-2 Reorganize notes	Re-read notes Review items missed on practice quizzes Create practice test	Sociology Test

Practice Testing

You can use practice testing in two ways:

Self-Testing While Reading: Test yourself as you read. After reading a passage, cover the material and ask, "What was the main idea of this section?" Recite or write your answer, then check it against the original text. This adds variety to your studying and reinforces comprehension.
Creating Tests: Make flashcards or write your own test. Online tools like Quizlet can help. This method requires more effort but effectively practices retrieving information, a crucial skill for actual exams.

Teaching Others

Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to learn. To test yourself after your study session, explain a concept to a peer mentor during a meeting, a family member, or a friend. This process reveals how well you understand the subject and highlights areas needing more study. Teaching is a form of practice testing that requires demonstrating your knowledge in front of others, reinforcing your learning.

Preparing for Class

To prepare for class effectively, complete all assigned readings and homework beforehand, ensuring you understand the material well. Review your previous notes to refresh your understanding and identify any unclear concepts. Also, outline the main topics for the upcoming class based on the syllabus or previous discussions and prepare specific questions or points of interest.

Reading Comprehension

Use the SQ4R Method

You can use the SQ4R method to ensure you’re reading as effectively as possible. It may seem like more work, but it will make your reading more efficient!

SQ4R Infographic

Explore these other reading strategies available to you and use the SQ4R Reading tool the next time you read!

Annotating

Annotating involves adding notes or comments to a text to clarify or explain its content. As you read, jot down small notes directly on the page to enhance your understanding and retention. The style of these notes can vary, and we'll explore different annotating techniques later.

Highlighting or Underlining

Use a highlighter or pen to mark important passages you want to remember or locate later. Highlighting is most effective when used sparingly; if too much text is highlighted, it loses effectiveness. This visual aid helps quickly find important information during review sessions.

Understanding the Big Picture

Identify the thesis statement to grasp the context quickly, especially in academic articles. Typically found in the first few paragraphs, the thesis statement outlines the central argument or purpose of the text, providing a clear snapshot of what the author intends to convey. We'll delve into how to locate and interpret the thesis statement in more detail later.

Reading Out Loud

This can improve focus and retention, as hearing the information can help some learners process the text more effectively.

Previewing

Before reading, scan the text to get an overview. Look at headings, subheadings, images, and any highlighted or bolded words to anticipate the content and structure.

Skimming and Scanning

Skim the text to grasp the main ideas without reading every word. Quickly scan to find specific information, such as names, dates, or facts.

Chunking

Break the text into manageable chunks or sections. Tackle each section individually, which makes dense or lengthy readings more manageable.

Active Reading

Engage with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and connecting the material to your experiences or other knowledge. This helps deepen understanding and makes the reading more relevant.

Summarizing and Paraphrasing

After reading, write a brief summary or paraphrase important points in your own words. This practice reinforces memory and comprehension.

Page Attributions

LearnFree. (2019, October 30). The Study Cycle [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K67_mXLXttI
Louisiana State University Center for Academic Success. (n.d.). The Study Cycle. Retrieved from https://www.lsu.edu/cas/earnbettergrades/tipsandtools/files/2021studycycle.pdf
McGuire, S. Y. (2018). Teach Yourself How to Learn: Strategies You Can Use to Ace Any Course at Any Level. https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-How-Learn-Strategies/dp/1620367564
Mindmaps.app. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved from https://www.mindmaps.app/

Additional Resources