Rereading notes and highlighting feel productive, but research in cognitive psychology shows they are among the least effective ways to remember information. These nine strategies have much stronger evidence behind them.
1. Retrieval Practice (Test Yourself)
Pulling information out of your memory strengthens it. Close the book and write down everything you remember, use flashcards, or answer practice questions. Check your answers afterwards.
2. Spaced Repetition
Review material several times with gaps between sessions, for example after one day, three days, a week and two weeks. Spacing beats cramming for long-term memory. Apps such as Anki schedule this for you.
3. Interleaving
Mix different types of problems in one session instead of doing all of one type. It feels harder but helps you learn when to use each method.
4. Elaboration
Ask “why?” and “how?” and connect new ideas to what you already know. The more links you make, the easier it is to recall.
5. Dual Coding
Combine words with visuals: diagrams, timelines, mind maps. See using visual aids.
6. Mnemonics
Acronyms, rhymes and the memory palace (method of loci) help with lists and sequences, such as the order of planets or the steps of a process.
7. Sleep
Sleep helps the brain consolidate new memories. Staying up all night before an exam usually hurts recall. Most teenagers need more sleep than adults.
8. Physical Activity
Regular exercise supports attention and brain health. Even a short walk between study sessions can help you refocus. See physical activity and academic performance.
9. Teach Someone Else
Explaining a topic reveals gaps and strengthens memory. Try the Feynman Technique.
A Simple Weekly Routine
- After each class: write a one-paragraph summary from memory.
- Each evening: 15 minutes of flashcards.
- Each weekend: a mixed practice quiz on the week’s topics.
