6 Science-Backed Study Techniques That Actually Work

Not all study techniques are created equal. While many students rely on highlighting and re-reading, research shows these methods are among the least effective. Let's explore six techniques backed by cognitive science that can transform how you learn.

1. Active Recall

Instead of passively reviewing notes, actively test yourself on the material. This is one of the most powerful learning techniques known to science.

How to practice:

• Close your notes and try to recall key concepts from memory
• Use flashcards (physical or digital)
• Take practice quizzes - tools like PassNow can help verify your answers
• Teach the material to someone else

Why it works: The effort of retrieving information strengthens neural pathways, making future recall easier.

2. Spaced Repetition

Don't cram everything into one session. Space out your study sessions over time, reviewing material at increasing intervals.

Optimal spacing:

• First review: 1 day after initial learning
• Second review: 3 days later
• Third review: 1 week later
• Fourth review: 2 weeks later

Why it works: Each review strengthens memory while it's starting to fade, creating stronger long-term retention.

3. Elaborative Interrogation

Don't just accept facts - ask "why" and "how" they work. This creates deeper understanding and better memory connections.

Examples:

• Why does this formula work?
• How does this relate to what I already know?
• What would happen if this variable changed?

Why it works: Connecting new information to existing knowledge creates multiple retrieval pathways.

4. Interleaving

Instead of practicing one type of problem over and over (blocking), mix different types of problems together.

Example: Instead of doing 20 multiplication problems, then 20 division problems, mix them up randomly.

Why it works: Interleaving forces your brain to identify which strategy applies to each problem, improving discrimination and transfer.

5. Dual Coding

Combine verbal and visual information. When studying concepts, create diagrams, flowcharts, or mental images alongside text notes.

How to apply:

• Draw diagrams of processes
• Create mind maps connecting concepts
• Visualize abstract concepts as concrete images

Why it works: Two memory codes are better than one. Visual and verbal memories reinforce each other.

6. The Feynman Technique

Named after physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves explaining concepts in simple language.

Steps:

1. Write the concept at the top of a blank page
2. Explain it in simple terms, as if teaching a child
3. Identify gaps where you struggled to explain clearly
4. Go back to the source material to fill those gaps
5. Simplify and use analogies where possible

Why it works: If you can't explain something simply, you don't understand it well enough. This technique exposes knowledge gaps.

Putting It All Together

The best approach combines multiple techniques:

1. Learn new material using elaborative interrogation
2. Create dual-coded notes (text + visuals)
3. Test yourself using active recall
4. Space your reviews over time
5. Mix different topics using interleaving
6. Explain concepts using the Feynman Technique

Tools like PassNow complement these techniques by providing immediate feedback and explanations, supporting active recall and elaborative learning.

Start implementing even one of these techniques today, and you'll notice improvements in your learning efficiency within weeks.