The Science of Studying
Have you ever noticed that your student studies hard for a test, only to forget everything just days later? Psychologists have studied this phenomenon for over a century, and one of the most well-known findings is Hermann Ebbinghaus’s Forgetting Curve.
The Forgetting Curve shows that without review, students forget 50% of new information within an hour and up to 80% within a few days. This explains why last-minute cramming rarely leads to lasting knowledge—it’s quickly lost because the brain doesn’t see the information as important.
The key to long-term learning is active engagement and spaced repetition. Rather than passively rereading notes, students need to actively retrieve information, review it at spaced intervals, and use multiple learning methods. Let’s break down the most effective ways to do this.
Active Recall
Instead of reviewing notes or highlighting textbooks, students should test themselves—forcing their brain to recall information without looking at the answers. This process strengthens memory and makes knowledge more accessible during exams.
How to Use Active Recall:
Use Flashcards Smartly – Instead of flipping through cards passively, students should try to recall the answer first. Quizlet Pro and Knowt are excellent platforms that use AI-powered quizzes to reinforce learning.
Self-Testing with Summaries – After reading a chapter, students should summarize the main points without referring to the text.
Spaced Repetition Spaced repetition helps by reviewing material at strategic intervals rather than all at once. This method signals to the brain that the information is important, locking it into long-term memory.
How to Apply Spaced Repetition:
Follow the “1-2-5 Rule” – Review new material 1 day after learning it, 2 days later, and then 5 days later.
Use AI-Powered Tools – Apps like Knowt automatically schedule review sessions based on when a student is most likely to forget information. Quizlet Pro’s "Long-Term Learning" mode does something similar by adapting to a student’s performance.
Create a Study Calendar – Instead of cramming, students should break studying into smaller, spaced-out sessions leading up to exams.
Interleaving: Mix It Up for Better Learning Instead of focusing on just one subject for hours, students should rotate between different topics during study sessions. This method, known as interleaving, strengthens memory by forcing the brain to make new connections.
How to Implement Interleaving:
Mix Subjects – Rather than spending three hours on math, students should study math for 45 minutes, then switch to history or science.
Vary Problem Types – When practicing math or science problems, students should alternate between different kinds of questions instead of doing the same type repeatedly.
The Pomodoro Technique: Fight Procrastination with Timed Focus Many students struggle with focus and procrastination, making it hard to apply these strategies effectively. The Pomodoro Technique helps students stay on track by breaking study sessions into manageable chunks.
How to Use the Pomodoro Technique:
Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times before taking a longer break.
Use focus apps like Forest – This app gamifies focus by growing a virtual tree that dies if the student leaves the app.
Break Large Tasks into Smaller Goals – Instead of setting vague goals like "Study for chemistry," students should aim for smaller, specific goals like “Review Chapter 3 formulas” or “Complete 5 practice problems.”
Multimodal Learning: Engage Different Senses for Stronger Recall Every student learns differently. Encouraging a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on learning can reinforce concepts and improve retention.
Best Multimodal Learning Techniques:
Record explanations of concepts and listen to them later.
Use hands-on techniques like drawing diagrams or explaining concepts out loud to a study partner.
How Parents Can Support These Study Habits As a parent, you can play an active role in helping your student develop these effective study habits. Here’s how:
Encourage Consistency – Establish a regular study schedule, even when there’s no upcoming test.
Create a Distraction-Free Space – A quiet, organized study area can improve focus.
Ask Questions Instead of Giving Answers – Help your student engage in active recall by prompting them with questions like, “Can you explain this concept to me?”
Support Breaks and Movement – Encourage students to take short, active breaks rather than scrolling through their phones. A quick walk or stretch can improve focus.
Studying effectively isn’t only about spending more time—it’s about studying smarter!
