With the start of the new year or a new study period, it is clear that we can put new things into practice. ways to studyDidn't you like the ones you were using? Then you can start with other methods that might be more useful to you. For example, you could get a new Time In order to approach each day in a completely different way, each week, each month, or even throughout the entire course. You set those values.
In any case, study methods are too broad a topic to cover in a single post, so we're going to take a look at one of the most interesting methods you'll find. Although we've already mentioned some, we're going to discuss one in particular that you'll find quite useful and that could help them More than it seems.
First, put on the notes in front of. We are sure that you will have a good number of pages at your disposal. Focus on a specific part, and start reading that content. As many times as needed. You will be able to verify that the readings are being stored in your brain. Do this several times and… well, you will discover an interesting way to study.
Anyway, although here we have told you a fairly simple way, there are many more that will help you study now store the contents enough for you to face the exams that lie ahead.
We encourage you to take a look at the large number of ways to study that exist. You will take different types of surprises, we are sure.
New ways of studying: techniques that really work
Today we know, thanks to cognitive psychology and the experience of many students, that some study skills They are clearly more effective than others. It's not just about studying more hours, but about studying. better and with a methodBelow you will find a complete overview of the most useful modern strategies to improve your performance, which you can combine with repeatedly reading notes you already use.
Rewriting notes and reading comprehension
The first step to studying well is still having some clear and organized notesOnce you have them in front of you, it's not enough to just read them: it's advisable rework themThis involves rewriting the information in an organized way, filling in any missing information with books or extra materials, and structuring the syllabus coherently.
When reworking, it is advisable to use a Legible letter or a clear font on the computer, alternate sizes to differentiate titles and key ideas, and highlight only the essentials with different colors to distinguish definitions, examples, or main concepts. You can also add diagrams, tables, or small charts that facilitate a faster and more enjoyable subsequent reading.
You will work on these notes comprehensive readingRead slowly, understand what it says, connect new information with what you already know, and use dictionaries or digital resources when you encounter complicated terms. If the text is long, divide it into sections and alternate reading with short breaks to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Summaries, outlines, and concept maps
Based on your revised notes, you can create summaries that include only the main ideas of each topic. Ideally, write short paragraphs, with the keywords Make them clearly visible, using bold text and colors to highlight what you can't forget. These summaries will be the basis of many of your reviews.
Along with the summary, it is advisable to use graphic organizers of the information, which will help you visualize and prioritize ideas:
- SchematicsThey show the main and secondary ideas of a topic in a very concise way using braces, arrows or indents.
- Conceptual mapsThey connect concepts through lines and connectors, allowing you to see at a glance how they relate to each other.
- Comparative chartsThey organize similarities and differences between theories, authors, processes, or dates in well-separated columns.
- InfographicsThey combine brief text and images to visually present a complex topic.
You can create them by hand, on large paper to see all the content at once, or with specific digital tools such as Genially, Miro, Canva or Createlywhich facilitate attractive and easy-to-modify designs.
Study cards and the Leitner method
Study cards or flashcards They are one of the new study methods that work best for memorizing vocabulary, formulas, definitions, and dates. On one side you write a question or keyword And on the other, the answer. When studying, you place the question face up, try to answer, and then turn the card over to check if you were right.
To get the most out of them, you can apply the Leitner methodYou place the cards into several boxes or piles. The ones you answer correctly go into a box that you'll review less frequently, and the ones you get wrong go back into the box for frequent review. That way You spend more time on what you struggle with the most. and you take advantage of spaced repetition very easily.
Flashcards can be made by hand, with colored cardstock, or with applications such as Quizlet, Study Smarter, Brainscape or Flashcards Worldwhich allow you to create, sort, download and print cards, as well as use banks of cards already created by other students.
Association rules and mnemonics
When you need to memorize lists, specific data, or sequences, the mnemonic rules They are great allies. They are based on associating the new with something you already know and are familiar with. Some common examples are:
- Word association: relate each element to known names or terms to remember the order.
- Stories or tales: invent a short story that includes numbers, dates, or concepts that are difficult to remember.
- Acrostics and key phrasesCreate a phrase using the initials of the items you want to memorize, so that the phrase acts as a memory trigger.
These techniques work best when you build them yourself, using significant elements For you, and without overloading the story with too many details. The more personal the association, the more the content will stick.
Oral explanation and Feynman method
One of the most powerful ways to consolidate learning is Explain the syllabus in your own words.You can do it in front of a family member, a classmate, or even alone, out loud. The goal is to check if you really understand what you're studying.
The call Feynman method It proposes precisely this: choose a concept, explain it as if you were telling it to someone with no prior knowledge, identify the points you don't understand, go back to the material, simplify the language, and repeat the process. That's how you develop metacognition (think about how you think) and you discover gaps that go unnoticed at first glance.
Audio recording and podcast usage
If you have a good auditory memoryYou can convert part of your study material into audio. Record yourself reading your notes or summaries aloud and listen to those recordings several times, always paying attention. This is useful for reviewing while performing simple tasks that don't require too much concentration.
In addition, in some subjects you can rely on podcasts or radio programs Specialized resources are available on platforms like Spotify or YouTube. Listening to experts explain the same ideas you're studying helps you to connecting concepts to see them from other perspectives.
Pomodoro Technique and Time Management
A common difficulty when studying is maintaining the concentration for long periods. Pomodoro technique It suggests dividing study time into blocks of about 25 minutes of intense work, followed by 5 minutes of rest. After 4 blocks, a longer break is taken.
This system forces you to plan what you're going to do in each blockTo reduce distractions and introduce breaks that promote retention, you can manage this with specific apps (Focus To-Do, Pomodoro Timer) or simply with a timer. The important thing is to respect the intervals and be clear about the objective of each session.
Recovery and self-examination practice
Research in the psychology of learning highlights two techniques as particularly effective: recovery practice and distributed practiceThe first involves trying to recall the information without having your notes in front of you: answering questions, taking practice exams, writing down what you remember about a topic, creating questionnaires…
By making you frequent self-examinations (Multiple-choice tests, short answer questions, solved problems) not only check your level, but also strengthen the neural connections involved in memory. It's a very effective way to combat memory loss. illusion of competenceThat deceptive feeling of believing you know something just because you've reread it many times.
Distributed practice and intermittent study
The second major technique is the distributed practiceSpread out the study and review of a single topic over time, instead of cramming the night before the exam. Reviewing material today, revisiting it in a few days, and reviewing it again later reduces the... curve of oblivion and strengthens long-term learning.
In practice, this translates into a intermittent studyAlternate short work sessions with regular breaks and plan periodic reviews of what you've already studied. You can combine this with flashcards (Leitner system), quizzes, or quick reviews of your outlines and summaries.
Time management, environment, and healthy habits
All of the above works much better if you take care of yourself Company and your habits. Design a realistic curriculumWith fixed schedules, clear goals for each day, and a record of exam dates, you avoid improvisation and reduce anxiety. A physical planner or calendar and task management apps (Google Calendar, Trello, Notion, Exam Countdown) can help.
It also has a big influence on study spaceThe room should be as clean, tidy, and well-ventilated as possible, with all materials prepared before starting. It's essential to keep your phone, social media, television, and anything else that might distract you away during concentration periods.
Finally, there are factors that are often forgotten but are crucial: get enough sleep To help the brain consolidate memory, do some exercise. physical activity To oxygenate your body and learn to manage emotions related to exams. Recognizing your effort, asking for help when you need it, and maintaining open communication with your teachers are also part of studying effectively.
Exploring new ways of studying, combining them with repeated reading of notes you already know, allows you to build your own flexible and effective method, with which you can face exams and projects with more confidence and less stress.