Let’s face it—studying can be frustrating. You sit for hours, reread your notes, highlight everything… but still struggle to remember it later. The good news? There’s a smarter way to study, and science has the hacks to prove it.
Here are 5 evidence-backed study techniques that actually work—no gimmicks, no fluff, just results.
1. Use the Pomodoro Technique (Your Brain Likes Breaks)
Work smarter, not longer. The Pomodoro Technique breaks studying into focused 25-minute sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. This helps prevent mental fatigue and boosts productivity.
Try it:
25 minutes study → 5 minutes break
Repeat 4 times → Then take a longer 15–30 minute break.
Why it works:
Studies in cognitive science show that sustained attention fades over time. Short, intentional breaks help refresh focus and improve retention.
2. Teach What You Learn
Want to know if you truly understand something? Try teaching it to someone else—or even just to yourself out loud.
Called the Feynman Technique, this method forces you to clarify your understanding and identify gaps in your knowledge.
Why it works:
Explaining concepts activates higher-order thinking and strengthens memory connections (Chi et al., Cognitive Science, 1989).
3. Use Active Recall, Not Passive Rereading
Don’t just reread your notes—quiz yourself instead. This technique is called active recall, and it’s one of the most powerful learning strategies.
Try this: Cover your notes, and write down everything you remember. Then check what you got right—and wrong.
Why it works:
Retrieving information strengthens neural pathways and boosts long-term retention (Karpicke & Blunt, Science, 2011).
4. Handwrite Notes Instead of Typing
Typing may be faster, but handwriting forces you to process information more deeply. You can’t write every word—so your brain summarizes and prioritizes.
Why it works:
A Princeton-UCLA study (Mueller & Oppenheimer, 2014) found that students who took handwritten notes performed better on conceptual questions than those who typed.
5. Use Music (Strategically)
Instrumental music, white noise, or nature sounds can help block distractions—if they don’t interfere with your focus.
Try “lofi beats” or classical playlists—music with no lyrics is best.
Pro tip:
If you’ll take your test in silence, try practicing in silence too. It helps with environment-dependent memory.
Final Thought: Study Smarter, Not Harder
Great grades aren’t just about effort—they’re about using the right strategies. By applying these science-backed hacks, students can learn more in less time, remember it longer, and feel less overwhelmed.
At Achieve, we don’t just teach content—we teach students how to learn effectively. Because when you study smarter, everything gets easier.
References
Chi, M. T. H., Bassok, M., Lewis, M. W., Reimann, P., & Glaser, R. (1989). Self-explanations: How students study and use examples in learning to solve problems. Cognitive Science, 13(2), 145–182. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15516709cog1302_1
Karpicke, J. D., & Blunt, J. R. (2011). Retrieval practice produces more learning than elaborative studying with concept mapping. Science, 331(6018), 772–775. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1199327
Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. Psychological Science, 25(6), 1159–1168. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614524581