Many students study by rereading notes, highlighting textbooks and cramming the night before. These methods feel productive because the material starts to look familiar, but familiarity is not the same as knowing. Cognitive psychology research has consistently found that some techniques lead to much better long-term learning than others. This guide explains six that work and shows how to build them into a weekly routine.
Why rereading and highlighting fall short
When you reread a page, it feels easier every time, and your brain mistakes that ease for mastery. Psychologists call this the illusion of fluency. A well-known review of study techniques by Dunlosky and colleagues rated highlighting and rereading as low-utility strategies, while practice testing and spread-out practice were rated much more useful. The takeaway is simple: struggle a little and test yourself.
Method 1: Retrieval practice (active recall)
Retrieval practice means pulling information out of memory rather than putting it in again. Each successful recall strengthens the memory and shows you what you have not learned yet.
- Close the book and write down everything you remember about a topic.
- Use flashcards, with the question on one side and the answer on the other.
- Answer practice questions from past papers or the end of a chapter.
- Explain a concept aloud without notes.
Method 2: Spaced repetition
Rather than studying a topic for five hours in one sitting, spread the sessions across days and weeks. Forgetting between sessions makes the next recall harder, which strengthens learning. A simple schedule is to review new material after one day, then three days, then a week, then two weeks. Flashcard apps can schedule reviews for you.
Method 3: Interleaving
Interleaving means mixing different types of problems or topics in one session instead of practicing one type in a block. It feels harder, but it trains you to choose the right method rather than just repeating one. In maths, for example, mix several problem types; in language learning, mix vocabulary, grammar and listening.
Method 4: Elaboration
Ask why and how questions. Why does this rule work? How does this connect with what I already know? Linking new information to existing knowledge and to real examples helps it stick and makes it easier to retrieve.
Method 5: The Feynman technique
Pick a concept and explain it in simple language as if teaching a beginner. Where you stumble or fall back on jargon, you have found a gap. Go back to the source, fill the gap and try again.
Method 6: Dual coding
Combine words with visuals. Draw a diagram, sketch a timeline or turn a process into a flowchart. Creating your own visuals forces you to organize the information, which is more valuable than copying someone else’s.
The methods at a glance
| Method | What you do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Retrieval practice | Test yourself without notes | Facts, definitions, formulas |
| Spaced repetition | Review at growing intervals | Vocabulary, long courses |
| Interleaving | Mix topics or problem types | Maths, science, problem-solving |
| Elaboration | Ask why and connect ideas | Concepts and theories |
| Feynman technique | Explain it simply | Complex ideas |
| Dual coding | Draw and diagram | Processes and relationships |
A sample weekly study plan
| Day | Session (45 to 60 minutes) |
|---|---|
| Monday | Learn new material; write a summary from memory |
| Tuesday | Retrieval practice on Monday’s content; new topic |
| Wednesday | Mixed practice problems (interleaving) |
| Thursday | Flashcard review and a Feynman explanation |
| Friday | Review the week; note weak spots |
| Weekend | One longer cumulative review, then rest |
Adjust the plan to your timetable. What matters is that review is spread out and that each session includes testing.
Set up your environment
- Put your phone out of reach; even a silent phone nearby can distract.
- Work in focused blocks, such as 25 to 50 minutes, followed by a short break.
- Study in different places sometimes; varied settings can help recall.
- Prioritize sleep. Memory consolidation depends on it, and all-nighters backfire. Our healthy daily routine guide covers sleep habits.
Common study mistakes
- Cramming. It can get you through a test tomorrow but leaves little for next month.
- Passive review. Reading without testing is comfortable but inefficient.
- Studying only what you like. Spend more time on your weakest areas.
- Multitasking. Switching between tasks makes work slower and shallower.
- Skipping practice questions. They show you exactly what the test will feel like.
Studying with online courses
These methods work just as well for video courses: pause to summarize, quiz yourself and revisit topics later. If you learn online, see our practical weekly plan for finishing an online course. For more habits that support learning, browse our Productivity section.