Study Smarter: Five Science-Backed Methods To Up Your Game

PQ4R
Best for reading comprehension

First introduced in 1972 by educators Ellen Lamar Thomas and H. Alan Robinson, the PQ4R method offers a systematic way to master reading comprehension. Its six steps – Preview, Question, Read, Reflect, Recite, and Review – promote active engagement with academic material, which is especially beneficial for handling challenging topics as it improves understanding and retention.

1. Preview the material. Skim through the lesson’s introduction and conclusion, along with the titles, headings, and visuals to grasp the content and concepts covered. 

2. Question what you’ve observed. Identify what you know and what you intend to learn. Create questions like “who, what, when, where, why, how.” 

3. Read the material thoroughly. Note down key information and find the answers to your questions. 

4. Reflect on the information gathered. Consider how it connects to prior knowledge and determine if you answered all your questions. 

5. Recite the material’s summary in your own words. Recall and explain the crucial details without reading from the text. 

6. Review the material to check, clarify, and deepen your understanding.
   
   

Heavy reading doesn’t have to be intimidating; a slower reading pace and a structured breakdown of the material can make this method digestible and enriching.

Feynman Technique
Best for deep understanding of complex topics

Richard Feynman’s four-step technique branches out from traditional studying, immersing learners in a practical strategy that prioritizes understanding over memorization. At its core, learning by teaching drives you to effectively communicate and simplify intricate ideas. By doing so, it helps you see the bigger picture, address any knowledge gaps, and ultimately build confidence in the subject.

1. Write down everything you remember about your chosen topic. 

2. Teach it, or pretend to teach it, to someone new to the topic using your own words. 

3. Identify gaps in your knowledge and review those areas. 

4. Simplify the lesson further and use analogies.
   
   

While the Feynman Technique aids deep learning, it can be time-intensive and may give a false sense of mastery. Treat it as a process – constantly refine and apply your knowledge.

Leitner System
Best for memorization

The Leitner System, made by Sebastian Leitner, harnesses spaced repetition and active recall for an effective flashcard review exercise. By strategically timing reviews to counter the brain’s forgetting curve and engaging in memory consolidation through active retrieval, this approach minimizes the chances of forgetting key information and enhances long-term retention.

1. Create flashcards with the question or topic on the front and the answer on the back. 

2. Set up and label three boxes for different study frequencies. An example study schedule is as follows: 

• Box 1: Every day 

• Box 2: Every other day 

• Box 3: Once a week 

3. Start off by placing all flashcards in Box 1. 

4. Review and move the flashcards based on your answers. 

• For a correct answer, move the card to the next box. 

• For an incorrect answer, keep the card in its box. 

5. Repeat this process while following the study schedule until all cards are in Box 3.
   
   

When studying against the clock, zero in on the cards that are hardest and most important to learn.

Interleaving
Best for problem-solving and computational skills

The interleaving method creates a dynamic study experience by mixing different topics during sessions. This approach takes advantage of contextual interference, prompting learners to adjust their strategies and differentiate between concepts. As a result, it pushes them to actively retrieve information instead of relying solely on short-term repetition, which heightens their ability to determine which strategies to apply to various problems.

1. Select various topics from either the same subject or different but related subjects. This can range from word problems that require different computations to literary pieces that can be compared. 

2. Alternate between these topics during your study session. 

3. Ensure you have a decent grasp of one topic before moving to the next.
   
   

Steer clear of topics that are too similar or too dissimilar. Instead, opt for those that can naturally connect or contrast. What’s more, limit topics per session and set specific time limits for each to maintain balance.

Whether you are learning a new lesson, reviewing for an exam, or completing an assignment, there will always be a study method for you. Invest in strategies that resonate with you and you’ll discover how different study techniques can make all the difference.