Study Techniques
This visual technique uses branches, keywords, and connections radiating from a central idea to help organize and understand complex information.
What are mind maps?
Using red, yellow, and green to label information, this method helps students instantly identify what they don’t understand, what they somewhat understand, and what they’ve mastered.
What is the traffic light color-coding method?
This basic study rule says you learn better when you remove distractions, focus on one task at a time, and give your full attention to your work.
What is focused studying (or avoiding distractions)?
To reduce stress and improve retention, it is recommended to begin your test preparation this far in advance, depending on the subject and its difficulty.
What is 1 week to 3 days before the test?
This habit improves concentration and memory by making sure students get enough rest the night before studying or a test.
What is getting enough sleep?
This study method improves long-term retention by reviewing information at increasing intervals rather than all at once.
What is spaced repetition?
Whether done digitally or on paper, this essential practice involves capturing key ideas during lectures or reading to aid understanding and review.
What is note-taking?
This study rule challenges students to prove their understanding by summarizing each concept in eight words or fewer after finishing their notes.
What is the 8-word summary rule?
For a regular unit test, effective studying usually results in this range of well-organized note pages rather than an excessive amount.
What is 3–6 pages of notes?
This study tip recommends reviewing material shortly after learning it to help move information into long-term memory.
What is reviewing notes or lesson material the same day?
Often used before or after a study session, this technique involves writing down everything you know about a topic to reveal gaps in understanding.
What are brain dumps?
Also called retrieval practice, this study method involves answering questions or taking mock exams to strengthen memory and identify weak areas before the real test.
What are practice tests?
This study rule recommends breaking work into focused time blocks—such as 25 minutes of studying followed by short breaks, repeated several times with a longer reward break—to avoid burnout and improve focus.
What is spaced studying (or the Pomodoro-style method)?
This study tip emphasizes that being able to explain material without looking at your notes and confidently answer practice questions matters more than how many pages you wrote.
What is focusing on quality over quantity?
Drinking water and eating balanced meals support this mental skill that is essential for effective studying.
What is focus (or brain function)?
This learning technique boosts memory by forcing your brain to retrieve information rather than reread it—flashcards are a classic example.
What is Active Recall?
This study habit involves thinking back on what you’ve learned, analyzing your understanding, and identifying ways to improve for next time.
What is reflection?
According to a University of California Irvine study, this is the average amount of time it takes to fully refocus after being distracted, proving why students should avoid interruptions while studying.
What is 23 minutes and 15 seconds?
This study habit improves understanding and lowers stress by spreading study sessions over several days instead of trying to learn everything the night before a test.
What is avoiding procrastination?
This strategy suggests studying a little each day instead of only when a test is announced to build stronger understanding over time.
What is consistent studying?
Named after a Nobel Prize–winning physicist, this method strengthens understanding by explaining a topic in simple language as if teaching it to someone else.
What is the Feynman Technique?
Developed in the 1980s and named after a kitchen timer, this method breaks work into focused intervals—typically 25 minutes—separated by short breaks.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
This principle states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion,” explaining why setting deadlines can boost efficiency.
What is Parkinson’s Law?
This study tip suggests choosing one quiet, organized location for schoolwork so your brain associates that space with focus and productivity.
What is having a designated study space?
This study habit involves setting specific goals for each session, such as completing practice problems or mastering one concept.
What is goal-setting while studying?
BONUS: What is the name of the specific types of goals you should set? (+100 points)