Study Methods

Remembrance & Recall

Studying is a process of continuous active practice and recall. As such, it should be a habitual action conducted consistently in order to retain and advance in the subject of interest. While there isn’t an objectively right way to study, there are numerous ways to do so.

Below, I’ve provided five methods of studying, all of which have a relatively similar methodology, but differ in process. Keep in mind that each one is highly flexible and can most likely adapt to whatever situation you’re in. Though, in general, you should focus on consistency, content coverage, and call back (the 3 Cs).

Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a study technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time, rather than cramming all at once. The method is simple: after learning something new, you review it shortly after, then again a few days later, then a week later, and so on during times just before you're likely to forget it. This schedule can be managed manually using flashcards or with the help of apps like Anki or Quizlet, which automatically time your reviews based on how well you remember each item.

The main advantage of spaced repetition lies in how it strengthens long-term memory. Each time you recall information after a break, your brain reinforces the connections associated with that memory. This method helps combat the “forgetting curve,” a psychological pattern that states how quickly we forget newly learned information without practice. By revisiting material at the right time, you're more likely to retain it for longer, making it especially useful for subjects that require memorization, like vocabulary, formulas, or historical facts.

Spaced repetition can be adjusted to suit your personal learning style and schedule. If you're a student handling multiple classes, you can set custom intervals for each subject based on how confident you feel. If you're preparing for an exam, you may compress the review timeline to fit your deadline. It’s also flexible in format, whether you're using digital flashcards, physical note cards, or simply reviewing notes. The key is consistency, not complexity, as once you find a rhythm that fits your needs, spaced repetition can easily become one of the most efficient ways to study.

Feynman Technique

The Feynman Technique is a study strategy based on teaching what you've learned in simple terms. To use it, pick a concept and try to explain it as if you're teaching it to someone with no background. Write out your explanation in plain language, using analogies and breaking down complex ideas. If you get stuck or can't simplify something, that's your cue to go back, review the material, and fill in the gaps. Afterward, focus on revising your explanation until it’s clear and easy to understand.

This method helps you deeply understand the material rather than just memorize it. When you simplify and teach a concept, you're forced to confront what you truly know versus what you just recognize. It promotes active recall, critical thinking, and a stronger connection to the information. Unlike passive review, it turns studying into a process of translation and study rather than just repetition

The Feynman Technique is highly flexible and can be adapted to fit your learning style. You can use it to prep for exams, reinforce class concepts, or study complex subjects like physics, biology, or even programming. If you’re a visual learner, you can turn your explanations into diagrams or other graphics that visualize the topic of interest. If you learn by speaking, try explaining aloud or teaching a friend. The key is to focus on clarity, adjusting the method to challenge your understanding until it feels effortless to explain.

SQ3R is a structured approach to reading and retaining information. To begin, survey the material by skimming headings, subheadings, and summaries to get a general idea. Then, question the content by turning headings into questions you’ll try to answer as you read. Next, read sections carefully to find answers to your questions. Afterward, recite the key points aloud or in writing from memory in order to reinforce your understanding. Finally, review the entire material to strengthen learning and connect ideas.

This method improves comprehension and retention by engaging you at multiple levels. This is done through previewing content, creating curiosity through questions, and reinforcing memory through active recall. Instead of passively reading, SQ3R turns your study time into an interactive process that keeps you focused and involved. By cycling through these five steps, you build a deeper, strong understanding of the material, making it easier to remember and apply later.

SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review)

SQ3R is especially helpful for dense reading materials like textbooks, articles, or exam prep guides. You can adjust the method depending on your workload and learning style. Ideally, you should spend more time on the questioning and reciting phases if you're struggling with comprehension, or speed through the survey phase when reviewing familiar content. Whether you're preparing for a test or trying to grasp a new concept, SQ3R offers a repeatable, adaptable structure that promotes meaningful learning.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management study method that breaks work into intervals, typically 25 minutes long, followed by a short 5-minute break. Each interval is called a “Pomodoro.” After completing four Pomodoros, you take a longer break, usually 15–30 minutes. To use it, set a timer for 25 minutes, work with full focus, then take a break when the timer rings. During breaks, you’re encouraged to step away from work, stretch, grab a snack, or relax before diving into the next session.

This methods boosts productivity by reducing mental fatigue and keeping your brain engaged through scheduled rest. It helps prevent burnout, improves focus, and increases motivation by turning large or intimidating tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. The ticking timer adds urgency, helping you resist distractions and stay on track. Over time, you’ll also get better at estimating how long certain tasks take, which builds better time awareness and planning skills.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is flexible and can be tailored to your needs. If 25 minutes feels too short or long, you can adjust the interval. Some prefer 40-minute focus blocks with 10-minute breaks. It’s great for studying, writing, coding, or any task that requires sustained attention. Whether you're struggling with procrastination, managing a heavy workload, or just want to stay more focused, Pomodoro provides a simple yet powerful framework to boost efficiency and maintain balance.

Leitner System

The Leitner System is a flashcard-based study technique that involves spaced repetition to reinforce learning. You start with a set of flashcards and place them all in Box 1 (a physical, digital, or mental way of dividing the cards into their respective sections). If you answer a card correctly, it moves to the next box (e.g. Box 2), which is reviewed less frequently. If you get a card wrong, it goes back to Box 1, where you’ll review it more often. Each box has a different review schedule. For example, Box 1 daily, Box 2 every 3 days, Box 3 once a week, and so on.

This method ensures you focus more time on the information you struggle with, while reviewing mastered material less frequently. This maximizes retention and efficiency. It prevents you from wasting time on what you already know and instead looks to strengthen weak areas until they become strong. The system leverages the psychological spacing effect (as utilized in spaced repetition), which helps transfer information from short-term to long-term memory.

The Leitner System is highly customizable to fit your subject, schedule, or memory needs. You can use physical flashcards and boxes, or digital apps like Anki or Quizlet that automate the system for you. Whether you’re memorizing vocabulary, formulas, dates, or definitions, the Leitner System adapts well to any content that benefits from repeated review. It's perfect for both daily study sessions and long-term exam prep, offering a smart, structured way to study without burning out.