Study Skills Tips

Pretesting – Test yourself before learning to activate prior knowledge and boost subsequent learning.

Retrieval practice – Test yourself after learning to strengthen memory retrieval (e.g., flashcards, quizzes).

Distributed learning / the spacing effect – Revisit material at spaced intervals to enhance memory; avoid cramming.

Interleaving – Mix different topics or types of problems during study sessions, rather than focusing on one subject or skill.

Incubation – Take a break from a difficult problem to allow for aha moments.

Storytelling – Frame information as a narrative to enhance memory and understanding.

Association – Connect new information to existing knowledge or experiences to reinforce learning.

Reflection – Keep a learning journal or annotate work with your reflections to make personal connections and track your understanding.

Active reading – Summarise, question, or engage with written material in some way.

Work with other people – Test each other, discuss material, bounce ideas off each other, explain your thought processes, etc.

Teach to learn – Learn information to teach it to others.

Environmental strategies – Techniques that leverage physical surroundings and external stimuli to enhance cognitive processes.

Vary your study location – Changing your environment helps create multiple associations with the material, boosting recall.

Studying is an embodied experience – Actively engage in physical tasks (e.g., writing, speaking, walking around) to deepen learning and memory formation.

Music for retention – Background music, especially instrumental, can aid concentration and memory.

Keep yourself healthy – Prioritise sleep, hydration, nutrition, relaxation, and exercise for optimal brain function.

Sleep – Think of sleep as learning with your eyes closed. Sleep plays a critical role in consolidating memories and aiding cognitive processes.

Take regular breaks – Take regular breaks, including microbreaks, to maintain focus, avoid burnout, and give the brain time to process information.

Avoid a strict routine – Varying your study habits, environments, and schedules helps to avoid mental fatigue and keeps the brain engaged.

Copying verbatim – This is passive and doesn’t encourage deep learning or understanding.

Rereading notes/material – Relying too much on passive review (like rereading) can give the illusion of learning but won’t result in strong retention.

Highlighting/underlining – It may seem a good way to mark important points, but you need to actively engage with material for learning to be effective.

Passive listening – Don’t listen without taking notes, asking questions, summarising what you’ve learned, etc.

Cramming – This last-minute approach often leads to surface-level memorisation rather than true comprehension and long-term retention.