Many people believe that more hours would give better results. However, this isn’t the case. Our brains work in ways that are unknown to many. It learns through interaction, patterns and revision. The psychology of learning shows that it is not how much, but how we study, that defines the results.
At DPS Warangal, we encourage effective study techniques for students. These practical learning techniques blend well with DPS Warangal’s student-centred approach. With exam preparation tips, our school helps both students and parents navigate the exam smoothly.
This blog gathers 10 easy-to-use study hacks backed by psychological research. The hacks have a proven record of reducing stress, boosting confidence and thus, improving results.
10 Study hacks for pre-teens and teenagers to follow
1. The Spacing Effect
As per Hermann Ebbinghaus’s “forgetting curve”, information is lost rapidly over time. But this can be reduced through spaced repetition. The Spacing Effect says that information is retained when study sessions are spread out over time, rather than crammed together in one sitting. Studying at intervals is one of the memory improvement tips. So, instead of studying a chapter for 3 hours straight, study it for 1 hour today, review it for 30 minutes tomorrow, and then again for 15 minutes in a few days.
2. Active Recall (The Testing Effect)
The Testing Effect is retrieving information from memory, rather than merely reviewing it. This effect strengthens neural pathways, long-term memory and improves retention. This active recall encourages the brain to engage more deeply with memory and strengthen its connections. To apply, read the book, close it, and try to summarise the key points aloud, or write them down from memory. Students can also make the process interactive by making flashcards. Using apps like Quizlet or asking friends to quiz you is another fun way to make the learning process interesting.
3. The Feynman Technique
Named after physicist Richard Feynman, the Feynman Technique is one of the most effective ways of studying. It believes that true understanding of a concept is depicted by the ability to explain a concept simply, using your own words. This helps in simplifying big ideas and identifying gaps in your learning. This recognition forces clarity and encourages active learning. Thus, pretend as if teaching the concept to a younger sibling. Use simple language and analogies. If you struggle, you know exactly what you need to relearn and review.
4. Interleaving
Interleaving is mixing up different subjects in a single study session rather than studying one subject for a long time. This switch in thinking and rotating subjects alternatively breaks monotony, forcing the brain to stay active throughout the learning process. The brain further learns to differentiate between subjects to prevent boredom and boost problem-solving. So, instead of studying Maths for 2 hours and then Chemistry for 2 hours, try 45 minutes of Maths, then 45 minutes of Physics, and then return to Maths.
5. The Pomodoro Technique
In the times of reels, our brains are forced to have limited attention spans. The Pomodoro Technique uses a timer to break down work into focused intervals, separated by shorter breaks. These short, focused sessions help with student productivity and avoid procrastination. Use Pomodoro apps to set a timer for 25 minutes, called “pomodoros”, and work without any distractions. When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break. After every four “Pomodoros,” take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. To keep a check, track how many Pomodoros you use per task.
6. Chunking
In accordance with Miller’s Law, our short-term memory can only hold about 7 pieces of information at a time. However, Chunking involves grouping related items into a single “chunk” for better memorisation of concepts. It also helps in connecting related facts through patterns and visualising material. Chunks reduce the load and group the stored data better, for a faster and efficient learning process. So, as you remember phone numbers by chunks (e.g., 987-654-3210), try memorising a long string of historical dates, grouping them by events or periods.
7. Environment Matters (Context-Dependent Memory)
Psychology suggests that our brains connect memories with the environment where they were initially formed. So, studying in an environment similar to your exam hall can help improve memory recall for students. To achieve this, students can mimic an exam hall setting, with quiet surroundings, which would help build a disciplined routine with reduced distractions. Avoid studying on your bed or couch, as your brain associates it with sleep. This context-dependent memory links information with a certain place, making it easier to remember material.
8. The Power of Sleep
Relaxed sleep is important for sharpening memory for the learning process. During sleep, the brain tends to transfer information from short-term to long-term memory. It is advised for students to get a fulfilled sleep of 7-9 hours after studying, allowing the brain to process information. It is important to understand that calm sleep is a part of the learning process, and hence, pulling all-nighters should be avoided. Students should review the material once before going to bed to ensure long-term retention and improve focus. No screen before bed and a fixed sleep schedule further strengthen neural links. Thus, it is important to have relaxed sleep rather than late-night cramming.
9. Mental Models & Analogies
The human brain loves connections. Thus, connecting new, abstract information to something you already know well makes it 10 times easier to learn and retain. Familiar comparisons raised upon known ideas build intuition and make complex concepts simpler. One tip to apply this is when learning about electric circuits, think of them like a water plumbing system (voltage = water pressure, current = flow rate). Or learn about the economy as a see-saw, by making personal analogies related to daily life.
10. Self-Explanation
The simplest learning technique is Self-Explanation. It involves asking yourself questions like “how”, “why” and explaining concepts to yourself as you learn. This helps in building deeper, more meaningful connections in your brain. Students should talk themselves through problems and make sense of logic to understand the process. This eventually helps to simplify the learning process through the cause-and-effect rule and encourages critical thinking. So, as you solve a math problem, explain each step to yourself, “Why did they multiply by this number? Oh, it’s to isolate the variable.”
Effective study techniques are not just about hours, but about strategy and how to study smarter. These psychology-backed methods are beneficial for an improved learning process by implementing small changes. Students can mix and match multiple hacks to achieve the best results.
Start by implementing 1 or 2 techniques in your daily routine, so as to experiment with what works best for you. Feel free to share your favourite study hacks in the comments below. For more such tips and guidance, don’t hesitate to speak with your faculty or connect with the school counsellor at DPS Warangal.
At DPS Warangal, we encourage every student to learn effectively. Our school leaves no stone unturned when it comes to providing study motivation for students. We believe that learning is a journey, and we walk with you at every step!