We all know how stressful studying can be, but that's especially true when you don’t know how to study! There is no one method proven effective for everyone, as each person is unique with different learning styles, some including auditory, visual, logical and more! 

The study technique may sometimes need to be changed depending on the subject you are taking, for example using different methods to study mathematics and biology. 

In this blog post, we will explore 10 different study methods you can use when you revise in your own time or during online tuition, to help boost your memory and comprehension.

Method #1 - Mind Mapping 

What is Mind Mapping? 

Mind mapping or spider diagrams is a great visual study technique to help organise your ideas and information. It starts with a central concept, where related subtopics branch off it allowing you to break down concepts into their component parts. 

Mind mapping has been shown to relate to how our brains utilise information in a more fluid and conceptual way, in comparison to linear note-taking. 

Why it works and who it works for

This is great for brainstorming new ideas but can be used to force your brain to identify the patterns and relationships of existing material and lay them out visually. 

By actively creating these connections, you will enhance memory recall as the content now has more meaning. Mind mapping can be an excellent tool for most students, but in particular subjects, it may be more effective for are - Psychology, History, Sociology, Literature etc. 

Top Tips 

• Using this technique to create essay plans will help you enhance your essay writing as you can link ideas from different topics together. 
• Adding colour and images for key ideas may be effective for some students.

Method #2 - The Feynman Technique 

What is the Feynman Technique? 

The Feynman Technique was formulated by Richard Feynman, who explained that if you attempt to teach the content to a young child in simple terms it will improve your memory and understanding of the material. 

Breaking down complex ideas into more digestible and simpler terms could make it easier to link ideas together and promote learning. This doesn’t need to be directly taught to a young child, it can also be done by writing a simple summary as if it were written for them. 

Why it works and who it works for

This active learning technique is an excellent way to identify the gaps in our knowledge as we attempt to simplify the material. You will have to deeply engage in the content as understanding is necessary to teach and summarise complex ideas. 

If you are able to teach a young child the material, it shows you have a good grasp of the topic, which will improve your application. This is great for subjects that are very complex and theory-based, e.g. Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, Economics etc. Try asking your GCSE Physics tutor if you can try and role play explaining a topic back to them to help you rationalise the information and make it easy to remember.

Top tips 

• Make sure you don’t oversimplify the content, as you may leave out valuable information for your learning. 
• Utilising real-life examples and analogies is a great way to give meaning to the material and provide an opportunity for extra reading. 

Method #3 - Spaced Repetition

What is Spaced Repetition? 

Spacing your revision out is a great way to increase long-term memory retention, especially if you have multiple subjects or if they are content-heavy. 

Typically, when you first review the material you review it more often, but as time passes the intervals of review become longer. This forces you to develop a long-term memory of the topics. 

Why it works and who it works for

This method prevents cramming, which can be very stressful, therefore meaning you are more likely to forget information. Additionally, it allows you to stay organised with a study plan and be on top of your work. 

Importantly, it counteracts something called the brain's “forgetting curve”, where new information can get lost over time, so each time you revisit the topic it reinforces the transfer of material from your short-term to long-term memory. 

This is a great technique for subjects that need a lot of memorisation and fact recall, for example - Languages, Sciences, History and Psychology. 

Top tips

• If you have numerous subjects, it can become very time-consuming and tricky to navigate how to revisit all your content. Therefore, I would typically use this method for my weaker subjects or even topics. 

Method #4 - Practice Questions 

What are Practice Questions? 

Practice questions are a highly effective tool throughout your whole education journey. These can be in the form of past paper questions or your teachers may construct their own. 

Why it works and who it works for

This has continuously proven to be an effective strategy for numerous students, as it directly tests your understanding and application skills. Going through questions brings to light the areas you don’t fully understand and need to revise. 

This is especially true for questions that require you to apply your knowledge in comparison to pure memory recall. Practice questions should be used in every subject to familiarise yourself with the exam board and practice exam techniques. 

Top tips 

• When you feel confident in your understanding, begin exam questions under timed conditions. Simulating the stressful environment exposes you to being able to think clearly and recall information under pressure. 
• If questions are limited or unavailable to you, try creating your own question bank. You can even work with a friend to create different questions and mark their work. 

Method #5 - Flashcards 

What are Flashcards? 

Flashcards are a common technique used by numerous students to improve memory of the content. It involves writing a question on one side of a card and the answer on the other, and these cards are then reviewed. 

This can be paired with the Leitner system - which is where all cards start in a pile, and when you get one correct that card moves to the next consecutive pile. However, if you get a card wrong, the card stays in the previous pile until you get it right. 

Why it works and who it works for

This is effective because it utilises active recall and spaced repetition, which can enhance your long-term memory on that subject.

As you work through your cards, you identify questions you keep getting incorrect for later review. Furthermore, the act of flipping the cards may be great for kinesthetic learners, whereas saying them out loud could work for auditory learners. 

These are great for several subjects, especially those that have a lot of key terms, for example - Biology, Psychology, History etc. 

Top tips

• You can make these by hand, but there are also numerous websites like Quizlet and Anki to help keep your cards organised. 
• Some platforms have cards already made by previous students, which can be a great time saver, and expose you to unfamiliar questions, just like the exam. 

Method #6 - Teach the content 

What is teaching the content? 

If you enjoy talking and learning with other people this is a great method for you. It’s simple, all you have to do is explain the material to your friends or family. I highly recommend using visual aids like a whiteboard to highlight your understanding.

Why it works and who it works for

As you simulate being a teacher, it will help you better engage in the content and develop a deeper understanding of the topic. With that, typically the person you are teaching will bring questions you are unprepared for, which will test your knowledge or even encourage further reading.

This method works great for subjects that are both text-heavy like Psychology and English Literature, or even ones that have a more logical and theoretical basis like Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Ask your GCSE Maths Tutor if you can try and teach them as an exercise!

Top tips 

• Try teaching the content to someone who is not familiar with the topic, this will ensure you can communicate these ideas in a simple way to reinforce your understanding and show how much you grasped the material. If the learner understands what you taught, it means you did a great job! 

Method #7 - PQ4R method 

What is the PQ4R method? 

This method is an acronym which involves a six-step process, which is typically used for subjects that are largely reading-based, with a lot of text-based information. The method is as follows:

• Preview - Firstly, you will need to skim the information you want to learn. However, you should focus on the main points, headings and subheadings. 
• Question - once you have completed that, ask yourself a series of questions, to evaluate your knowledge or what you expect to learn. 
• Read - Now it's time to read each section one at a time and try to answer all the questions you had using the text. 
• Reflect - Think back to the information you just learnt. Do you feel like you answered your questions and have a good grasp of the topic? This is the time to go back if you have any gaps. 
• Recite - Once you feel a bit more confident with the information, create a summary of information, this can be done verbally or written, and continue to repeat that information. 
• Review - Lastly, check over your material and identify any final gaps and questions you may have.

Why it works and who it works for

If you have subjects that are mainly reading and text-based, and you find yourself passively reading the information, this is a great method to improve your reading comprehension. You will better memorise the topic, and create a logical organisation of the material.

Top tips 

• Reciting and working through the material out could act as an auditory cue, to keep it more engaging. 
• You can also write down your questions, making your own personalised question bank, which you can review again closer to the exam. 

Method #8 - SQ3R method 

What is the SQ3R method? 

This method is similar to the PQ4R, it is another form of active reading, which helps you break down text-based information and improve comprehension. It is as follows:

• Survey - Similar to the last method, skim the material and make a note of the main areas, like headings and subheadings or even images. 
• Question - Around each topic or chapter, create questions around the material. For example, what is the main purpose of the chapter and what is my existing knowledge? 
• Read - Again, try to find the answers to the questions you have made. 
• Recite - Create your own summary, and recall the key points. 
• Review - When you have completed a section, ensure you understand the material. Use questions you made or practice questions, and go back to parts you are still confused about.

Why it works and who it works for

As you are not passively reading it will help improve your insight and engage in your revision, making it more active. You will therefore remember and understand the material you are learning in a more organised fashion.

This usually works best for subjects that require you to recall facts like Biology, Geography and Chemistry. Try asking your GCSE Biology tutor or GCSE Chemistry tutor about using this method during a lesson so you can supercharge your revision in your own study time.

Top tips 

• You can turn the subject headings and subheadings into study prompts/questions, for example, if the heading is “The structure of the heart”, your question can be “What is the structure of the heart?”. 
• Set a timer for each section/topic to ensure you don’t spend too long on one area. 

Method #9 - Pomodoro Technique 

What is the Pomodoro Technique? 

If you find yourself studying for hours on end, and become burnout, this is a great technique for you. You will have timed and focused study sessions which are followed by a planned break away from your study area.

This cycle is typically repeated around four times, where you will then have an extended break, for example, to eat, shower or exercise. The timed sessions are suggested to be 25 minutes of focus, followed by a 5-minute break. Read more about it here in Sherpa’s dedicated blog on the Pomodoro Technique.

Why it works and who it works for

This is a great way to prevent burnout and brain fatigue, by ensuring you are taking strategic breaks. Doing this will make sure you are fully engaged in the material and enhance your productivity. It is great for all subjects, but especially for those large projects, and essay-based subjects. 

Top tips 

• If you find 25 minutes is too short you can extend the sessions, as well as the breaks. For example, at maximum of 90-minute sessions with 15-20 minute breaks. 
• There are some neat apps that have a built-in Pomodoro timer, with some having in-built -in gamification, like the Forest app, which allows you to grow your own forest based on your focus time. 

Method #10 - Audio recording and Listening 

What is Audio recording and Listening?

If you find that you seem to remember things you have heard, this may be a great technique for you. This can be done in a very individualised way, for example speaking out your notes and recording it, then listening to the recording later, when relaxing or even on a commute.

Why it works and who it works for

Hearing the information being recorded and paired with repetitive listening can aid in memory reinforcement of your material. This is a relatively passive way of learning, however, if you find yourself stressed or low on study time, this can be a great solution to that!

Top tips 

• Even if you're not an auditory learner, this can keep learning interesting. To make it fun, bring a friend and record a podcast about the material, so you are both learning and have a great recording to learn from. 
• Create short recordings that are in manageable segments, rather than whole topics. Try to keep the recordings at 10 minutes maximum. 

Why should you combine and rotate these techniques: 

Every student learns uniquely and differently, so experiment with some of these methods and see what works for you. Usually, you won’t be studying one subject and they each require different skills, so undoubtedly it's best to tailor your study methods accordingly.

Using a mixture of methods for subjects and even topics will ensure you better engage with the material, allowing you to view areas from a different angle which can help your memory and improve your comprehension. Here are some examples of methods that are great to combine:

• The Pomodoro Technique and Practise questions 
• Combine SQ3R with mind maps 
• Flashcards and Spaced Repetition 
• Teaching content and the Feynman Technique