By Mike Joseph
Academic success doesn’t happen by accident. It requires dedication, planning, and strategic studying. Many students just cram the night before a big test. But research shows that strategic studying leads to better academic performance and knowledge retention.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of developing good study habits and techniques. You’ll learn how spaced repetition, active recall, and other science-backed methods can help you study smarter, not harder. We’ll also provide tips for creating an effective study plan tailored to your learning style and schedule.
Whether you’re in high school, college, or going back to school as an adult, implementing these strategic studying best practices can help boost your grades, test scores, and mastery of the material. Keep reading to learn how to study for success!
Strategic Studying vs. Cramming
Cramming is defined as trying to absorb a large amount of information in a short period of time, like the night before an exam. It often involves reading and re-reading material passively.
In contrast, strategic studying refers to active studying techniques done in shorter sessions spaced over time. This facilitates long-term learning through repetition, retrieval practice, and making connections.
Here are some key differences between cramming and strategic studying:
- Cramming
- Passively reading or skimming material
- Trying to memorize facts short-term
- Studying long hours at once right before the test
- Leads to short-term retention
- Strategic Studying
- Actively recalling and applying information
- Focusing on understanding concepts
- Studying in shorter sessions spaced over time
- Enhances long-term learning and retention
Research shows that cramming is far less effective for meaningful learning and retention. Strategic studying leads to more embedded knowledge that can be recalled and applied long after the test.
Effective Study Habits
Developing scientific study habits is key for academic success. Here are some of the most important elements:
Active Learning Strategies
Active studying means engaging with the material beyond just passively reading. Techniques like self-testing, summarizing, and explaining concepts to others enhance learning.
- Self-testing – Retrieving information forces you to recall vs just recognize. Flashcards and practice questions boost retention.
- Summarizing – Condensing information mentally reinforces key points. Write or explain summaries in your own words.
- Elaborative interrogation – Asking “why” questions about facts and concepts improves understanding. Make connections and inferences.
Spacing Out Studying
Spacing out studying in short sessions over time is far more effective than cramming or marathon study sessions.
- Long-term memory consolidation requires time and sleep between study sessions.
- Periodic practice and review of material on a schedule reinforces retention and retrieval.
- Spacing out studying reduces the burden on working memory.
Developing Consistent Study Habits
In addition to using active, spaced techniques, developing consistent habits is key:
- Set a schedule – Designate set times each week for studying each subject. Consistency aids learning.
- Study daily – Brief daily studying is better than long weekend sessions. Do a little every day.
- Remove distractions – Phones, TV, and multitasking hamper productivity. Eliminate distractions.
- Take breaks – Interval studying for 30-50 minutes with short breaks boosts focus.
These types of study habits have been proven to correlate with academic achievement.
Study Techniques and Tips
Let’s explore some of the most effective research-backed studying techniques you can use to study smarter:
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval practice involves actively recalling learned information. This could include:
- Flashcards
- Practice questions/tests
- Explanations of concepts
Recalling knowledge from memory strengthens those neural pathways much more than passive restudying. Use retrieval practice as a central study technique.
Spaced Practice
As opposed to cramming, spacing out practice and revisiting material over time boosts retention. The spacing effect means we remember things better with gaps between learning sessions.
- Re-read notes/textbook every few days
- Use spaced flashcards
- Take mini practice quizzes over time
This facilitates long-term learning. Follow a schedule with built-in spacing and review.
The PQ4R Method
The PQ4R method provides a structured active reading and study system:
Preview – Skim chapter titles, headers, summary
Questions – Turn headers into questions to frame reading
Read – Read actively while seeking answers
Reflect – Summarize and review material
Recite – Self-test on key points
Review – Restudy areas that need work
This engages multiple learning processes for deeper retention.
Test-Taking Strategies
When taking big exams, tailored strategies can boost performance:
- Review – Quickly re-read notes before test
- Plan – Allot time per section; do easier parts first
- Read – Read directions and each question carefully
- Paraphrase – Rephrase questions in own words
- Prioritize – Do highest point value questions first
- Check – Double check work before submitting
Using test-specific strategies reduces mistakes and improves recall.
Creating a Study Plan
Here are some tips for creating an effective, personalized study plan:
Schedule Enough Time
Realistically assess how much time you need to dedicate to each subject based on difficulty and skill level. Block off these times in your calendar and stick to the routine.
Study at Consistent Times and Places
Get in the habit of studying certain subjects on designated days/times each week. Having a regular schedule builds discipline. Also establish a dedicated study space like a desk or library spot to optimize focus.
Incorporate Spaced Repetition
Schedule brief study sessions for each subject spaced out over the week. Revisit tougher material more frequently. This spacing and repetition aids long-term retention. Don’t cram!
Study Soon After Class
Reinforce new knowledge within 24 hours of learning it while it’s still fresh. Review notes, textbook sections, and do practice questions soon after class. This boosts recall.
Last Words On Study for Success
Developing scientific study habits takes effort, but pays off tremendously in academic achievement. Strategic studying focused on active engagement, spaced repetition, and consistency fosters deep learning and mastery. This facilitates both short and long-term retention, leading to better test performance, grades, and preparation for future learning.
While cramming seems easier in the moment, research clearly demonstrates that spacing out practice of concepts over time is far more effective. Establish smart study habits tailored to your own learning style and schedule. Apply active techniques like self-testing and interleaving practice. Make studying a habitual routine.
With some effort and intentionality, it’s possible to study smarter using science-backed methods proven to enhance academic success and knowledge acquisition. Implement these strategic studying best practices starting today to reach your educational goals!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I study each day?
Experts recommend studying 1-2 hours per day total, broken into shorter 30-50 minute sessions on different subjects. This consistent daily habit is more effective than long weekend study blocks.
When is the best time of day to study?
The optimal study time varies per person. Try different times and note when you feel most focused. Often early morning or late afternoon/evening are productive times with fewer distractions.
Where should I study?
Find a quiet, distraction-free space to make your regular study spot. This could be a desk at home, library, or corner of a coffee shop. Having a consistent place cues your brain it’s time to focus.
How often should I take breaks while studying?
Take a 5-10 minute break every 45-50 minutes to recharge. Short breaks help restore mental energy and boost productivity compared to longer marathon sessions.
How can I stay motivated to study?
Beyond disciplining yourself to stick to a routine, find ways to make studying enjoyable. Study with friends, play trivia games, or listen to instrumental music. Reward yourself after productive sessions.
Should I study with music or in silence?
It depends on the person. If lyrical music is distracting, choose ambient or classical playlists. Some people concentrate best in complete silence. Experiment to see what works for you.
How should I manage taking notes and studying?
Take organized notes with key points and concepts. Use shorthand symbols and acronyms. Then rewrite and summarize notes after class while the material is fresh. Review frequently.
What foods help with studying?
Complex carbs like oatmeal boost alertness. Drink water to stay hydrated. Coffee can help in moderation. Avoid heavy foods that cause drowsiness. Snack on fruits and nuts for energy.
How do I overcome procrastination?
Make a checklist with milestones to pace bigger projects. Use apps to limit distractions, track time, and create alerts. Join a study group for accountability. Reward yourself after being productive.
How can I remember material for the long term?
Strategic studying focused on active recall, overlearning concepts, and spaced repetition facilitates long term retention. The more neural connections formed, the better the memory.
