What is the best way to study?

Short Answer

The best way to study combines active learning techniques like self-testing, spaced practice, elaborative interrogation, and distributed practice rather than passive re-reading or cramming.

Detailed Explanation

Background

Many students spend hours studying but achieve poor results because they use inefficient methods. Research in cognitive psychology has identified which study techniques actually work and which are ineffective. Understanding evidence-based study methods can dramatically improve academic performance while reducing study time. Understanding How to learn effectively? reveals the principles underlying effective study methods, making it easier to understand why certain techniques work and how to apply them.

The best study methods are counterintuitive—they often feel harder and less productive than common but ineffective techniques like re-reading and highlighting. However, they produce much better results because they align with how the brain actually learns and retains information. By replacing inefficient habits with evidence-based methods, students can achieve better grades with less frustration.

Scientific Explanation

The best study methods are based on cognitive psychology research:

1. Self-testing (retrieval practice): Actively testing yourself on material strengthens memory more than re-reading. The act of retrieval itself strengthens memory traces, even when you get answers wrong. Self-testing also identifies gaps in knowledge.

2. Spaced practice: Distributing study sessions over time (spaced practice) is far more effective than massed practice (cramming). Spacing allows for forgetting and re-learning, which strengthens memories more than repeated exposure without forgetting.

3. Elaborative interrogation: Asking yourself "why" and "how" questions about material deepens understanding and strengthens memory. Explaining concepts in your own words creates meaningful connections.

4. Distributed practice: Spreading practice over multiple sessions is more effective than concentrated practice. Even short, distributed sessions produce better results than long, concentrated sessions.

5. Interleaving: Mixing different types of problems or topics improves learning more than blocking (studying one topic at a time). Interleaving forces discrimination between concepts and improves transfer.

6. Practice testing: Regular practice tests improve retention more than additional study time. Testing strengthens memory and provides feedback on what you know and don't know.

7. Dual coding: Using both verbal and visual information (words and images) creates multiple memory pathways, making information more accessible.

8. Avoid passive re-reading: Re-reading notes or textbooks feels productive but is one of the least effective study methods. It creates an illusion of knowing without actually strengthening memory.

Understanding How does practice improve skills? reveals how these study methods work by strengthening neural pathways and improving skill development.

Real Examples

• A student uses flashcards to self-test on vocabulary rather than just re-reading word lists, strengthening memory through active retrieval practice.

• Someone studies for an exam by reviewing material for 30 minutes each day over a week rather than cramming for 3 hours the night before, using spaced practice for better retention.

• A learner asks themselves "why" questions about concepts they're studying, using elaborative interrogation to deepen understanding and strengthen memory.

• Someone mixes practice problems from different chapters rather than completing all problems from one chapter before moving to the next, using interleaving to improve discrimination.

• A student takes practice tests regularly rather than just re-reading notes, using practice testing to strengthen memory and identify knowledge gaps.

Practical Application

How to Apply

To study more effectively:

1. Test yourself regularly: Use flashcards, practice tests, or self-quizzing to actively retrieve information. Don't just re-read—test yourself on material.

2. Space out study sessions: Review material multiple times over days or weeks rather than cramming. Schedule regular, spaced review sessions.

3. Ask why and how questions: Use elaborative interrogation by asking yourself why concepts work the way they do and how they relate to other information.

4. Distribute practice: Break study sessions into shorter, distributed sessions rather than long, concentrated sessions. Even 20-30 minute sessions spaced over time are more effective than 3-hour sessions.

5. Interleave topics: When studying multiple topics, mix them up rather than studying one completely before moving to the next. Interleaving improves discrimination and transfer.

6. Take practice tests: Regularly take practice tests or quizzes. Testing strengthens memory and provides feedback on your understanding.

7. Use visual aids: Combine words with images, diagrams, or mind maps. Dual coding creates multiple memory pathways and improves retention.

8. Avoid passive re-reading: Replace re-reading with active strategies like self-testing, elaboration, and practice testing.

9. Explain concepts: Teach concepts to others or explain them in your own words. Teaching forces you to organize information clearly and identify gaps.

10. Get adequate sleep: Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. Information learned during study sessions is strengthened during sleep.

Learning How to use memory techniques? provides additional strategies that complement these evidence-based study methods.

How to Understand Others

When helping others study effectively:

• Encourage self-testing rather than re-reading. Provide practice tests, flashcards, or quiz questions to promote active retrieval.

• Help them create a study schedule that spaces out sessions over time rather than cramming. Distributed practice produces better results.

• Suggest asking "why" and "how" questions about material. Elaborative interrogation deepens understanding and strengthens memory.

• Encourage interleaving when studying multiple topics. Mixing topics improves learning more than blocking.

• Recognize that effective study methods feel harder than passive methods. Active strategies require more effort but produce better results.

• Help them understand that testing is a learning tool, not just an assessment. Practice tests strengthen memory and identify gaps.

• Encourage breaks and adequate sleep. Rest is crucial for consolidation and study effectiveness.

• Support them in replacing inefficient habits (re-reading, highlighting) with evidence-based methods (self-testing, spaced practice).

Related Concepts

• How to learn effectively?
• How does practice improve skills?
• How to use memory techniques?
• How to improve working memory?
• How does learning happen?