Skip to main content

Simple Tricks to Remember What You Study (Without Re-Reading Everything)

Re-reading your notes over and over might make you feel productive—but let’s be honest, it’s about as effective as trying to memorize a long grocery list by staring at it. Instead of wasting time reading the same pages repeatedly (and risking your brain checking out), try these simple and effective tricks to make your study sessions stick.

1. Teach It to Someone Else

If you can explain a concept to someone else, you probably understand it well. Try teaching a friend, family member, or even your dog (they won’t judge if you mess up). Putting ideas into your own words forces your brain to process and remember the material better.

2. Quiz Yourself

Instead of passively reviewing notes, actively test yourself. Use flashcards, online quiz tools, or even write your own practice questions. This method, called active recall, helps you remember information more effectively than simply reading.

3. Use Mnemonic Devices

Mnemonics are memory tricks that make information easier to recall. For example, to remember the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior), use the acronym HOMES. Create your own acronyms, rhymes, or silly stories to lock tricky details into your memory.

4. Visualize the Information

Turn abstract ideas into mental pictures. For instance, if you’re learning history dates, imagine a scene from that time period. Mind maps and diagrams also help by connecting ideas visually, making them easier to remember.

5. Space Out Your Study Sessions

Cramming might seem efficient, but it’s not the best way to retain information. Instead, review the material in short sessions over several days. This technique, known as spaced repetition, helps strengthen your long-term memory.

6. Write It Down (From Memory)

After studying a topic, close your book and try to write down everything you remember. This exercise reveals what you already know and highlights areas that need more work. Plus, writing helps reinforce your memory.

By using these active strategies, you can remember what you study more effectively—without spending hours re-reading the same thing.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Double Check Your Work

Sounds simple, but so many students forget to double check their work.  Spending 5 or 10 extra minutes here and there will really make a difference. Especially on tests and quizzes, use the time productively if you finish early.  Rather than socializing with your friends, be sure to look over as many answers as possible.  Correcting one or two careless mistakes might be the difference between receiving a B or an A. It's also not just about tests and quizzes.  Do it with your homework as well!  At the end of the evening, be sure to do a quick final check.  Did you finish all the work for every class, and did you remember to put every assignment neatly into your backpack?  Don't give away these easy points by forgetting to finish something -- or worse yet, finishing it but leaving it at home!
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Calm Back-to-School Anxiety After a Break

I used to get anxious the night before going back to school after winter or spring break. I’d lie in bed, wide awake, thinking about my early alarm clock, what to expect academically and socially upon my return to school, and the general chaos of getting back into a routine. And of course, the more I stressed about not sleeping, the harder it was to actually fall asleep. Eventually, though, I figured out a few ways to handle that pre-school anxiety and make the transition back a lot easier. 1. Get Back Into Routine Early One of the biggest reasons going back to school feels stressful is because breaks completely throw off your schedule. If you’ve been staying up late and sleeping in, suddenly trying to fall asleep early the night before school starts is basically setting yourself up for failure. Instead, try adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before break ends—go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, and get used to a normal routine again. 2. Prepare the Night Before A lot of my a...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Encourage Good Study Habits at Home: A Guide for Parents

My post today is especially for parents! Helping your child develop strong study habits at home can set them up for long-term success in school. While teachers provide instruction in the classroom, a productive study routine at home is just as important. Here are some good ways to create a home environment that supports focused, effective learning. 1. Set Up a Dedicated Study Space A consistent, quiet place for studying can help minimize distractions. Ideally, this space should: Be free from TV and loud noise. Have good lighting and a comfortable chair. Include necessary supplies like paper, pens, and a calculator. Encourage your child to use this space regularly so they associate it with focused learning. 2. Establish a Study Routine Consistency is key. Set a daily study time based on when your child is most alert—right after school, after dinner, or another time that works best for them. A structured routine makes studying feel like a normal part of the day rather than a la...
Post a Comment
Read more