Study Methods That DO Work!

By Imogen Miller '26

As finals season is approaching, studying can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing school, extra curriculars, and a social life. Finding the right study habits that work well with your schedule can help you improve your grades and make your school experience more manageable.

When it comes to studying effectively, not all methods are created equal. Two techniques stand out as helpful solutions above others.

 The first method, active recall, has been scientifically proven to improve memory retention and academic performance. Active Recall is most effective when you are first

learning material rather than reviewing it. This method suggests that after reading a chapter of a book or watching a YouTube video, immediately write down everything you remember without looking back at the material. Then, check to see everything you got correct and what you might have forgotten to write down. This strategy forces your brain to retrieve the information in a similar manner as you will have to do when testing. Secondary materials like flash cards (physical ones), practice quizzes, and teaching the material to others are all effective uses of active recall.

The second method that has also been scientifically proven to be effective is called Spaced Repetition, a method of spacing study sessions out over a period of time rather than cramming the night before a test. Blocking short periods of time to review the material, several days before the tests, helps your brain store information, reinforcing the memory. Finding small chunks of time to study - even if they are only for a couple minutes across several days - is proven to work in building strong lasting knowledge. In the end studying is really about time management and discipline, and the right study habits that work with your schedule can improve study habits, boost your grades, and improve your overall learning experience.

Photo Courtesy of afribary.com

Source: https://thrive.arizona.edu/news/active-recall-memory-rescue

Edited by: Kavya Chacko '26 & Ms. Brillant

Fair Use Disclaimer   

The images and contents in this article are under Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.