By Kavya Sharma, Student, DAV College, Chandigarh
In a world where knowledge is abundant and rapidly evolving, knowing how to learn is arguably more valuable than what you learn. Yet, most of us were never formally taught this essential skill. We were encouraged to study hard, but not necessarily to study smart.
Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a working professional upgrading your skills, or simply someone passionate about lifelong learning, adopting the right study techniques can transform the way you absorb and retain information.
Why learning how to learn is a game-changer
Learning is not just an academic exercise; it’s a lifelong process. From onboarding in a new job to mastering a new language or preparing for a certification, the ability to learn well can accelerate your growth and enhance your confidence.
Learning how to learn can:
- Cut down your study time
- Improve retention
- Reduce stress
- Increase confidence
In today’s world of endless information, learning efficiently is a superpower. And the best part? You don’t need to be a genius, you just need a strategy. Let’s dive into proven, science-backed strategies that can help you study smarter and retain information more effectively.
Active recall: Strengthening memory through retrieval
Rather than passively reading or highlighting text, active recall involves retrieving information from memory without looking at your notes.
How to apply it:
- Use flashcards to quiz yourself regularly.
- After reading a section, close the book and summarize it aloud.
- Try explaining the concept to someone else without referring to your materials.
Active recall challenges your brain to work harder—and that’s exactly how long-term memory is built.
Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition is a technique that involves reviewing material at gradually increasing intervals. This method is designed to combat the natural process of forgetting, known as the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve.
Tools to try:
- Apps like Anki, Quizlet, or Brainscape can automate spaced repetition schedules.
- Create a review calendar that reintroduces material over days or weeks.
By spacing out your study sessions, you not only remember more but also spend less time re-learning forgotten material.
The Feynman Technique
Named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, this method is based on a simple idea: If you can explain it clearly, you understand it deeply.
Steps:
- Choose a concept and write it down.
- Explain it as if teaching a child or a beginner.
- Identify gaps in your explanation.
- Revisit the source material to refine your understanding.
This approach pushes you beyond surface-level knowledge and highlights areas needing more attention.
Interleaved Practice
Most learners stick to blocked practice, focusing on one subject or type of problem at a time. However, interleaved practice, which mixes different topics or skills, has been shown to improve retention and adaptability.
Example:
If you’re studying mathematics, alternate between algebra, geometry, and trigonometry instead of spending hours on one topic.
This variety forces your brain to stay engaged and develop problem-solving flexibility.
Visual Learning
Visuals can simplify complex information and make it easier to recall.
Tips for visual learners:
- Create mind maps to connect related ideas.
- Use flowcharts to understand processes or timelines.
- Color-code your notes to categorize concepts and themes.
Visual aids are not just more engaging—they also activate different areas of the brain to support learning.
Pomodoro Technique
Developed in the 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that helps improve concentration and productivity.
How it works:
- Study for 25 minutes (one “Pomodoro”).
- Take a 5-minute break.
- After four Pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break.
This technique prevents burnout and keeps your mind fresh, especially during longer study sessions.
Set SMART goals
Vague goals like “study chemistry” can lead to distraction or procrastination. Instead, set SMART goals:
- Specific: Define what you’ll study.
- Measurable: Know how you’ll track progress.
- Achievable: Set realistic targets.
- Relevant: Align with your larger goals.
- Time-bound: Allocate a set timeframe.
For example: “Review and summarize Chapter 3 of the biology textbook in 45 minutes.”
Multisensory Learning
Different people absorb information in different ways. Multisensory learning involves combining multiple modes—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, to enhance understanding.
Ideas to implement:
- Read aloud to engage both reading and listening.
- Use physical models or drawing to reinforce spatial concepts.
- Record key points and listen to them during commutes.
The more senses you involve, the deeper the learning experience becomes.
Create a Distraction-Free Study Environment
Your surroundings play a major role in your ability to concentrate. A cluttered desk or noisy environment can disrupt focus.
Tips to minimize distractions:
- Silence your phone or use apps like Forest or Focus@Will.
- Designate a quiet study space.
- Let others know when you’re in a focused work session.
Small changes to your environment can dramatically increase your productivity.
Take Care of Your Brain
Even the best study techniques won’t work if your brain is undernourished or exhausted.
- Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Sleep helps consolidate memory and improve recall.
- Nutrition: Eat brain-friendly foods such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish.
- Exercise: Physical activity increases oxygen flow to the brain and improves cognitive performance.
A healthy body supports a healthy, high-performing mind.
Conclusion
Effective learning is not about raw intelligence; it’s about using the right techniques, being consistent, and taking care of your mental and physical well-being. With tools like active recall, spaced repetition, and the Feynman Technique, you can improve how you learn and retain knowledge, no matter your age or background.
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to learn effectively is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly progress follows.