Learning techniques that work

Learning research points to a handful of study methods that work for almost everyone. Here's what each one is, and a simple way to try it today.

Spaced practice

Spread study over days and weeks instead of cramming.

Try it: Review new material after 1 day, 3 days, a week and two weeks.

Bring information to mind from memory.

Try it: Close your notes and write or say everything you remember, then check.

Mix different topics or problem types in one session.

Try it: Practice three kinds of math problems in a shuffled order, not in blocks.

Ask how and why, and connect ideas.

Try it: Explain why something works and how it relates to what you know.

Tie abstract ideas to specific cases.

Try it: Find or make two real-life examples of each new idea.

Combine words with visuals.

Try it: Sketch a diagram or timeline alongside your notes.

Explain it to someone else.

Try it: Teach a friend, or record a two-minute explanation.

Short, distraction-free blocks.

Try it: Work for 25 minutes with your phone away, then take a 5-minute break.

Rereading and highlighting: Feel productive, but help memory far less than testing yourself.
Cramming: Can work for tomorrow's test, but is soon forgotten.
Learning styles: Matching lessons to a "visual" or "auditory" style isn't supported by research; use the method that suits the material.

General information based on widely cited learning research. Everyone is different; combine methods and notice what works for you.

5 min

Recall what you learned last time.

15 min

Learn something new, with examples.

5 min

Test yourself on today's material.

1 min

Schedule the next review.