Most students spend hours studying but do not always receive the desired outcomes. That's because not all techniques are effective. Cognitive psychology research has revealed that some methods have a very large positive impact on retention, understanding, and performance while others just waste time. This list brings together 10 evidence-based techniques that high school students can begin applying today to study smarter, learn more deeply, and prepare optimally for competitive exams and university admissions.
1. Active Recall
Instead of just re-reading your notes or flipping through your textbook again, active recall means testing yourself i.e. trying to remember things without looking into the books. It might feel harder, but that’s exactly why it works. This process allows you to know your strengths and weaknesses and then you can work on your weak points. You can use flashcards, take closed-book quizzes, or even try explaining the topic to a friend. In the long run, actively retrieving information beats passively re-reading every time. So, every time you can’t recall something, give your mind some time and allow it to work.
2. Spaced Repetition
Cramming might help you pass tomorrow’s test, but it won’t do much for remembering things weeks or months later. That’s where spaced repetition comes in. Instead of trying to learn everything in one sitting, you review the material over increasing time gaps like after one day, then three days, then a week. This method uses the “spacing effect,” a proven way to strengthen memory by reminding the brain again and again of something so that at one point it becomes something like a muscle memory. It’s a game-changer for memorizing vocabulary, formulas, or any key concepts that need to stick with you long-term.
3. Pomodoro Technique
If you’ve ever felt like your brain is getting tired or you don’t feel like working/studying more, the Pomodoro Technique is the thing you need. It has 25-minute (it may vary as there are various variations to this technique) focused blocks (called “Pomodoros”) with 5-minute breaks in between. After 4 Pomodoros, you take a longer break, about 15 to 30 minutes. This rhythm helps keep your mind sharp, prevents burnout, and makes studying feel less overwhelming. To help you with this, you can go to pomodoro timers on youtube and then do the studying according to the timer and make sure to follow the timer.
4. Interleaved Practice
Most students “block” study focusing on one subject at a time. Interleaving means alternating between different subjects or topics within a single session. For example, instead of doing one hour of math, alternate between math, physics, and history. This method forces your brain to constantly adapt, which enhances pattern recognition and problem solving skills especially helpful for subjects like math and science where different types of questions appear randomly in exams.
5. Dual Coding
Dual coding is about blending words and visuals to make learning more effective. Instead of just jotting down plain notes, try adding flowcharts, diagrams, or infographics that show the same ideas visually. This method is used in books, videos, news etc. This method engages both the verbal and visual parts of your brain, which helps you grasp and remember complex concepts more easily.
6. Elaboration
Elaboration means connecting new ideas to things you already know by asking deeper “how” and “why” questions. Instead of memorizing that DNA replication is semi-conservative, ask: Why is it important that one strand is conserved? By actively making sense of the material, you transform surface-level knowledge into a stronger conceptual framework. This makes it easier to apply your learning to new situations.
7. Concrete Examples
Learning abstract concepts is easier when you pair them with specific examples. For instance, don’t just learn the theory of supply and demand, think of how rising petrol prices impact ride-share costs. Using relatable examples makes the abstract tangible and helps you retrieve the concept during tests, especially in social science, economics, or science-based essays.
8. Retrieval Cues
The context in which you learn something can help you recall it later. Retrieval cues are triggers that link to specific memories like a color, keyword, rhyme, or even a mental location. Create acronyms (e.g., HOMES for the Great Lakes), rhymes, or visual anchors to tie content together. These cues are particularly effective in subjects with high factual density, such as biology or geography.
9. Self-Explanation
Self-explanation involves talking through a concept or problem out loud as if you're teaching it. This forces you to clarify each step, identify gaps in understanding, and reinforce logical connections. Try solving a math problem while verbalizing each step or explaining a historical event out loud. This not only reveals what you don’t know but also strengthens the knowledge you do have.
10. Sleep and Review
Your brain continues to process and store new information while you sleep. Reviewing material right before bed helps retain memory. Studies show that students who sleep well recall more and perform better. Pulling all-nighters or cutting back on rest before exams can actually undo the benefits of your study sessions. All nighters are only advised for students who are late on syllabus and now are in a do or die situation. Prioritize 7 to 8 hours of sleep, especially before tests.
Final Tip: Build a Personalized Study System
To maximize these techniques, create a study plan:
Audit your habits: Track how you currently study for a week. Identify time-wasters (e.g., passive rereading) and replace them with 1-2 evidence-based methods from this list.
Combine strategies: Pair active recall with spaced repetition for tough topics, or use dual coding + Pomodoro sessions for visual-heavy subjects.
Reflect weekly: Ask: Which methods helped me retain information best? Where did I struggle? Adjust your approach based on results.
Leverage free tools:
Anki (spaced repetition)
Notion or Google Sheets (track study intervals)
Canva or draw.io (dual coding diagrams)
Teach to learn: Start a peer study group to practice self-explanation and retrieval cues.
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