Many students adopt ineffective study techniques that lead to poor retention, inefficient use of time, and increased exam stress. A common approach involves passive review; rereading notes, highlighting textbooks, or listening to recordings repeatedly. These methods create a false sense of familiarity with the content, but do little to reinforce long-term memory or deepen understanding.

Research in cognitive psychology suggests that more effective learning occurs through active engagement with the material. Active recall, the process of retrieving information from memory without looking at the source, significantly strengthens memory consolidation. This can be achieved through self-testing, completing practice questions, or verbally explaining concepts.

Spaced repetition is another evidence-based strategy, involving the review of information at increasing intervals. Unlike cramming, which leads to short-term memory gains, spaced repetition promotes durable retention by reinforcing material just before it is likely to be forgotten.

Time management also plays a critical role. Many students engage in prolonged, unstructured study sessions that lead to mental fatigue and reduced concentration. Short, focused sessions, such as those based on the Pomodoro technique, which alternates 25-minute study intervals with brief breaks, help maintain cognitive performance over time.

Overall, effective study is not purely a function of time spent but of the techniques employed. Understanding and applying principles from learning science allows for more efficient preparation and improved academic outcomes. Rather than defaulting to intuition or routine, students benefit from adopting methods grounded in empirical evidence.

Michael Fry