We’re about to start a new school year. Let’s do it better by implementing new habits to help you study now and succeed in the exams later. With so many study methods, even thinking about where to start can be overwhelming. Often, we need to learn how to approach a specific subject based on the type of content and how it is tested. I will share with you these key strategies for learning anything. Building strong studying habits can make your study sessions more effective and manageable. Thanks to Dr. H. Huberman for his recent podcast, which shared insights from neuroscience.
The strategies for effective learning
Have you ever wondered how some students seem to excel with minimal effort? They don’t pull all-nighters, are relaxed before an exam, and always seem to remember what they
study. Here is how you can do it, too:
Self-testing
I recently learned this new way of learning: it’s to prevent forgetting. The method that proved to be most significant was self-testing. Even if you don’t do well initially, testing yourself helps you learn, ideally done soon after exposure to the new material. Different self-testing methods work for different people, whether lying down and recalling things, taking a walk and recalling what you read, or using flashcards. The best performance comes from exposing yourself to the material, taking a test soon after, and testing again after a delay. This approach prevents forgetting and stamps the information into your neuronal circuits. Don’t worry if you get wrong or struggle to remember; the improvement is putting effort into recalling and checking the correct answers.
Practical tip: After class, instead of talking to your friends or opening the phone, take one minute, really only one, to write down or recall everything you remember about the topic without looking at your notes. Then, review what you missed and try again later in the day or the next day.
Focus and alertness
To learn effectively, you need to be focused and alert. This cues your nervous system, signalling your neurons to change their connections to retain and use the information. Here’s how you can improve focus:
- Get a good night’s sleep: I can’t emphasise enough the importance of this. A good night’s sleep is essential for memory consolidation before and after studying.
- Awareness of importance: Simply saying “This is important” can increase your focus. Don’t wait for the information to draw your attention; actively draw your attention to the information. This is active learning.
- Meditation: Just 5-10 minutes can improve focus and memory recall. As a perceptual exercise, it trains your mind to focus on something specific, like your breath.
Practical tip: Before starting your study session, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself why this material is important. This will help you shift your mindset into active learning mode.
Time management
Successful students manage their time well. They schedule study sessions when they are most alert and free from distractions:
- Schedule study time: Schedule your study sessions as if they were your job. Let family and friends know your schedule so you’re not expected to be available. The length and frequency of your study sessions depend on your schedule, but it’s common among university students to plan 3-4 hours in 2-3 sessions daily to study alone, without interruptions.
- Be consistent: Aim to study at least five days a week. After a few days of a routine, you will feel how much easier it gets. Consistency trains your brain and body to perform best at this time.
Practical Tip: Analyse when you study best—morning, afternoon, or evening—and plan your study sessions during those peak times. Track your energy levels throughout the day to identify your optimal study times.
Teaching others
Making an effort to teach other students is a great way to test your understanding and learn the material. If you have a study buddy or you like group sessions, take the initiative to share what you have learned in your solo sessions.
Practical tip: After each study session, take a few minutes to explain what you’ve learned to a friend, family member, or even to yourself in the mirror. If you can teach it, you know it!
Motivation
Some students have a very long-term belief that their success in studying will affect their life and family in the long run. This aspirational component can drive motivation. This is particularly important if you’re not enjoying what you’re learning. You might not need this aspirational push if you love what you’re learning.
Practical tip: Write your long-term goals and keep them visible in your study space. This constant reminder can help keep you motivated when the going gets tough.
Conclusion
As you start the new school year, remember that learning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on these key strategies—especially self-testing—you can confidently approach any subject and even do better in the final exams that still seem so far. Effort, consistency, and the proper techniques will make all the difference.
Thanks to Huberman Lab Podcast – Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning – 26.08.24
