‘The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.’ - B.B. King
This month we are doing a deep dive into study techniques. There are so many different methods out there and finding out what works for you is really important. The most effective methods and techniques for you will support you to achieve your goals. This topic leads nicely on from our previous two blogs on Time Management and Managing Your Study Time and Avoiding Procrastination, so do have a re-read of those to refresh your memory about managing your study time. It’s particularly helpful to be clear on the why of your studies: your values, goals and priorities.
In this blog we are going to look at what you actually do within your study time. We’ll assume you’ve sorted out a suitable space where you can work uninterrupted for segments of time that suit you. You have your coursework, any textbooks or online resources, your Chromebook, and paper and pens, sticky notes, highlighters or whatever you prefer to use. Now what?
‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ - Nelson Mandela
A wee reminder
SQA Study Planner
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have created an app called My Study Plan. You can either import your exam schedule or enter it manually, and then the app will create a personalised study plan for you, based on your exam times, your priorities and when you want to study. Check it out: My Study Plan
‘You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.’ - Zig Ziglar
Study techniques
Let’s take a look at various different study techniques. Most people find that a combination or variety works best for them. For example, you might start by taking notes from reading material, using the Pomodoro technique to keep you focused. Then you might move on to active recall with someone else to consolidate what you’ve learned. Try a few of these out and see how you get on!
taking notes from reading material
This is a classic method, and usually a first study step, where you read the educational material (this could be textbooks, online resources and/or notes from class/lectures), and make written notes as you are going along. You can then review and summarise the notes afterwards, either by handwriting or on your laptop. Most students also need to add in some way of reinforcing the learning and ‘testing’ themselves to check the information has been retained.
active recall
Rather than just re-reading the educational material and your own notes, this involves testing yourself. You might use flash cards, quizzes or practice questions. You could ask someone else to help you with this, by doing it verbally, asking each other questions, or asking a parent or other adult to ask you questions. This can be useful to highlight areas that you understand well, and areas that need more focused study time.
spaced repetition
Don’t cram all your study for a particular subject into the day or so before an exam or assessment! The idea with spaced repetition is that you space out your learning over a longer period of time. You might do shorter, more frequent study periods on that subject for a few weeks before the test. This way you can repeat or reinforce your understanding and knowledge of the subject. This is a good method to combine with active recall to help improve retention. The 2-3-5-7 technique is an example of spaced repetition - whatever method you like to use, for example, flash cards, mind maps or quizzes, do it on days 2, 3, 5 and 7 to embed the information in your memory.
auditory techniques
Perhaps you find it easier to study by listening and speaking rather than by just writing notes. You can record yourself speaking the information you have learned, and then listen to it again and again. You could talk it out loud to yourself! Or do some of the active recall methods mentioned above, such as flash cards, with someone else.
kinesthetic methods
Some learners do best by doing and moving while they study. Try standing or walking around while you talk to yourself - or another person - about the topic you are studying. You could go for a walk while listening to a recording of yourself speaking the information you are learning. Or how about bouncing on a pilates or exercise ball instead of sitting still in a chair? Trampolines can even be good for helping you learn too! You could also throw a ball or use a fidget toy while talking out loud.
Pomodoro technique
This is basically a method of using timers to improve focus. You can use any timer that works for you - your phone, a battery-operated kitchen timer, or there are many apps you can use, for example Focus Keeper. The suggested time period to work on your chosen task is 25 minutes with a 5 minute break. Experiment and see what works best for you - perhaps 20 minutes with a 3 minute break or 45 minutes with a 10 minute break is a better fit. The idea is that you only work on your chosen task or topic for that period of time - no distractions!
buddying - group study
Some people find studying a lot easier when they are with other people. This could be done in various ways, for example, by creating a small group to study a particular subject with, where you talk through what you need to learn, test each other and work through things you find difficult. This can work really well if everyone is equally committed to learning in the group. It can also work better for some subjects than others.
buddying - studying side-by-side
If you prefer not to study alone, try studying side-by-side - perhaps you and a friend are studying different subjects but you do so alongside each other for motivation and focus. You then have someone to chat to in your breaks - just make sure you stick to the schedule and don’t distract each other!
visual aids - mind mapping
A mind map is essentially a diagram in which information on a specific topic is represented more visually than in written notes. This way of processing and learning can help with memory recall during exams. This video provides a good introduction Introduction to Mind Mapping There are many mind map apps available too, if that’s something you are interested in trying out, for example SimpleMind
visual aids - coloured sticky notes
Try putting key pieces of information around your room or house, where you can see them easily every day - for example, the bathroom mirror. You could use a notice board or area of the wall to create an image or diagram or what you need to learn. The act of writing notes on the coloured paper helps to store the information in your brain, as well as re-reading them when you are in the room.
‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’ - Maya Angelou
Looking after yourself
It is super important to look after your physical, mental and emotional health while you’re studying. Sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress all affect how well you can learn, retain, and explain the information you need to know for your exams and assessments. In order for the study techniques we’ve discussed to work for you, you need to be healthy and well-rested. Here are our top tips for looking after yourself during intense study periods:
Sleep
Most teens require between 9-11 hours of sleep every night, to support their brains and bodies during a time of rapid physical and psychological development. Switch off your devices at least an hour before you want to be asleep and create a calming, wind-down routine. This might include having a bath, reading for pleasure, listening to music, breathing exercises, meditation or journaling to empty your mind before sleep. Put your devices outside of your bedroom overnight to avoid distractions. Ensure your sleeping area is comfortable and calm. Your sleeping time can be worked into your study plan if necessary.
Nutrition
Is what you are eating making you feel good? A healthy, varied diet is essential to support your brain and body through studying and all your activities. Drink plenty of water, eat at least 5 different portions of fruit and vegetables every day and limit your sugar intake. Although sweet treats taste good and give you a quick energy boost, the slump you are left with afterwards won’t help you concentrate during your study time!
Exercise
Moving your body every day will help you sleep and study well! Try to get outside for a walk or a run, perhaps take the dog out or go for a cycle, or continue with your sports practices and games if they are running during exam times. Exercising and spending time outside provides a fantastic break from studying, and it’s a fun way to spend time with friends. A fitness class or session at the gym with a friend fulfils your need for movement and chat time!
Stress
It’s not unusual to feel more worried during intense study periods. In fact, it’s pretty normal! Being kind to yourself and trying not to compare yourself to others will help. Ensure your study plan has a good balance of relaxing and fun activities as well as study time. Your brain needs a break! Talk over your worries with friends, or find a trusted adult to confide in. Now might be a good time to learn some breathing or other relaxation techniques to help you feel calm and positive.
‘However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.’ - Stephen Hawking
Asking for help
If you are finding studying difficult, you are definitely not alone! It takes time to learn how to study effectively, and it may be that different techniques work better for you for different subjects. If you feel like you’ve been trying out lots of methods but you’re still worrying about it, do consider talking it over with a trusted adult. A parent, guardian, older sibling, friend or relative - they’ve likely all been where you are and can remember how it was for them. They might even have some useful tips and perspectives to share.
Some things you might like to discuss:
what subjects you are studying and whether different study techniques are more appropriate for different subjects
when the exams and assessments are happening
how you are managing your study time at the moment
how you are feeling about it - are there any subjects or assessments you are particularly nervous about? Or confident about?
discuss possible ways to improve your studying - for example, do you need extra help with a particular subject or topic within a subject? Perhaps you need help with removing distractions for focused periods of study, or remembering to take more breaks.
As we mentioned in our last two blogs on time management, you can ask the people you live with to help you with accountability. For example, you might ask the people you live with to check in with you at agreed times about how you are getting on with your studying. You could put a copy of your study plan in the shared living space, or ask those around you to provide specific reminders. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Experiment and find what works for you. And remember that it’s ok to ask for help!
‘Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’.’ - Audrey Hepburn
Our challenge to you
Pick four different study techniques to try out over the next couple of weeks. Notice how they feel and work for you. You might be really surprised at which ones are most effective for you! Do let us know how you get on.
‘Your success and happiness lie in you.’ - Helen Keller
Further resources
BBC Bitesize: Why variety might just be the key to study success
BBC Bitesize: Why it's best not to cram and other study tips
6 Amazing Organization Apps for Teenagers
Young Minds: A guide for young people: exam stress
BBC Bitesize: Revision - Timetables and Planning
Outsmart Your Exams by William Wadsworth
The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need by Jade Bowler
Learning How to Learn: A Guide for Kids and Teens by Barbara Oakley, Terrence Sejnowski & Alistair McConnville
Buzan's Study Skills: Mind Maps, Memory Techniques, Speed Reading and More! by Tony Buzan