How to Learn Effectively

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This article was co-written by Nathan Fox, JD. Nathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and a co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including the Fox LSAT Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored 179 on the February 2007 law school entrance exam and holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

There are 15 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 18,868 times.

Learning effectively is a skill that everyone can learn, including you! Since bad study habits coexist with good study habits, this article will guide you on how to eliminate what doesn’t work, focus on strategies that help you study, and change your preparation plan. for exam day. When you finish reading the article, you will know how to study smarter instead of harder. Besides, you are also provided with some more tips to apply when you need motivation to study!

Table of Contents

Improve learning efficiency

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Create flashcards for information to remember. You can use flashcards on almost any topic, and it’s a great tool for self-testing. Use flashcards to learn vocabulary, math formulas, historical facts and figures, scientific progress and facts, etc. You can make your own or print cards found online. The rest is to flip open the cards to test knowledge. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Making your own flashcards is extremely useful because you will have to write down all the information you need to learn during the making of the cards.
You can find ready-made flashcards on a variety of topics on sites like Quizlet.

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Create mind maps to organize information to learn. Mind maps help you link the content you need to review. You just need to start by drawing a circle and write the theme in it. Next, draw a few more lines from the center of the circle and draw a circle at the end of each line. You will write important points related to the topic in the circles. Continue drawing more branches for each circle with new facts and details on that topic. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Try searching online for sample mind maps to see how others have used this method in learning.

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Test yourself to review what you have learned. At the end of each lesson, you will spend 15-20 minutes self-checking what you have learned. Take a sample test if you can, but you can also flip a flashcard or cover part of a note to test your ability to remember information. This is a way to help you remember what you’ve learned and identify what you need to review. ^{[3] X Trusted Sources American Psychpogical Association Go to Source}

Ask a friend or relative to test your knowledge. They will ask questions about certain topics and help you check your answers.
Take practice tests using the questions in the review plan or online sample tests.
If you answer incorrectly, read the correct answer carefully.

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Teach others so that you better understand what has been learned. Explaining something to others helps you remember information better. Teach what you are learning to a classmate, friend or relative. Also, don’t forget to ask if they have any questions related to the topic, and try to answer their questions. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

If you can’t answer a question, find the answer to fill the knowledge gap.
If you share knowledge with your classmates, take turns “teaching” each other. Thus, you will have the opportunity to receive more knowledge!

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Incorporate activities that suit your learning style. You need to find the learning method that works best for you. Visual learners absorb knowledge better when viewing the content; audio learners receive information by listening; Emotional learners learn kinesthetically better when being acted upon. Design your session using a method that works for you. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If you’re a visual learner, you’ll highlight notes or content. You can also try incorporating watching documentaries or slideshows into your class. Or, you would draw mind maps to represent thoughts in visual form.
If you’re an audio learner, try singing the notes, reading aloud, or listening to an audiobook.
If you like kinesthetic learning, you can try expressing the lesson in action or walking while you read or listen to an audiobook. Flipping open flashcards or drawing mind maps is also effective.

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Make or join a study group to learn from each other. Group study helps you learn better because group members can share ideas and teach lessons to each other. Form study groups with your classmates, and then schedule study groups at least once a week. Try to stay focused so you can get the best out of your study sessions. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Ask each group member when they have free time so you can schedule group study sessions accordingly. For example, you would schedule a group study every Tuesday at the library after school.
If all members are busy with after-school activities, you can schedule a study session at a library or some coffee shop every Saturday noon.
Do group study several times per week if you have time.

Prepare for the lesson

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Organize your study materials so you can easily find what you need. You may have to accomplish many things; So use your time wisely. Put all your papers, notebooks, documents and school supplies in a separate place so you don’t waste valuable time searching. That way, you can quickly grab what you need and start learning. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

For example, you will put pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers in a pencil case in a briefcase. If you have your own desk at home, you can place a study cup on it. Try using crayons when writing personal notes to increase interest.
If your teacher sends assignments and documents as computer files, save those files to Google Drive so you can access them from any device. This way you also always have what you need.
You can use a hole puncher to punch holes in assignments, documents, and other papers, and then stack them on the cuffs. Another option is to put them on the cover of your resume. Choose a handcuff cover or a profile cover with an image you like or decorate it to your liking!
Put books or notebooks in a bag or put them next to the study corner.

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Make a daily study schedule. Instead of trying to get it all done in one day, you’ll get a little done each day. First, choose a time when you feel most focused. The next thing is to arrange subjects for each day. Schedule your classes with your timetable or place them anywhere you can see them every day. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Everyone is active at a different time of day. Perhaps you focus best in the morning, but maybe you prefer to study right after school or before bed. Choose the time that works best for you.
If you play sports or participate in extracurricular activities, don’t forget these activities when you schedule your studies. Assuming you have a habit of playing sports every day after school, a suitable schedule for you might be an hour before bed and an hour before school to have time to play sports.

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Alternate subjects to avoid burnout. Don’t try to study one subject for too long because you might get bored. Furthermore, it can make it difficult for you to remember what you’ve learned. Instead, set a focus time limit for each subject, and then move on to something else. ^{[9] X Trusted Source American Psychpogical Association Go to Source}

For example, you will study math and English on Monday afternoon. If you can study in 2 hours, study math for 45 minutes, take a 15-minute break, then study English for 45 minutes. You can also spend the last 15 minutes of your class taking a test or revising.
Study subjects you’re not particularly interested in ahead of time so you’ll be motivated to complete them and change topics.

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Build a learning corner. It would be great if you had your own desk, but using a regular desk works just as well. Make sure the study nook is well-lit and remove unnecessary things or distractions that can reduce your concentration. Place what you need to study, such as pens, highlighters, and notebooks near the study corner for easy access. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You can also change your study location if that’s more convenient for you. For example, sometimes you will enjoy studying at the library or coffee shop.
Listen to music while studying to increase enjoyment. Make playlists of music that inspires without distracting you. You can listen to music without lyrics if it’s easy to lose focus, but feel free to choose whatever music you like.

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Eliminate distractions so you can focus on studying. You tend to focus easily when there are no distractions. Tell people around you not to disturb you while you are studying. Also, turn off the TV and put your phone on silent so you don’t have the urge to turn on the screen. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If there is clutter near your study corner, you should clean it up when it distracts you.
Try a productivity app or website that can block social media and distracting apps or websites while you focus on studying.

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Don’t try to cram before the test day because it won’t work. Like most people, you need a few days to really memorize the material, so cramming the night before the test is often ineffective. You will probably forget everything you learned the night before. Instead, study on a set schedule so that you can study a little at a time. ^{[12] X Research Source}

You may have heard your friends brag about the effectiveness of cramming, but you don’t know what goes on “behind the scenes”. Ignore what others say and do what’s best for you.
Try doing something fun and relaxing the night before the test, like taking a bath or watching your favorite movie with a friend. As such, you will look forward to that “reward” and be motivated to study according to the set schedule.

Read documents and take notes

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Review your notes at the end of the day to remember what you’ve learned. You may need to reread your notes a few times to remember the content. Take a few minutes each day to review what you’ve learned. You don’t need to spend a lot of time on this. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Take advantage of free time, such as when waiting for the bus, waiting for your parents to pick you up, or while waiting to attend after-school events.

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Focus on important concepts instead of details. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so much information to learn. However, you do not need to memorize all the notes and content in the textbook to get good results. Instead, you just need to learn the main ideas that the teacher mentioned in class. Next, use the details and examples in your notes or documents to help you understand the main content. ^{[14] X Research Source}

For literature, you can start with the theme of the story, and then learn how the author uses literary devices to strengthen the plot.
When learning math, you only need to focus on the formulas you are learning and how to apply. The next thing is to solve the math problems assigned by the teacher to you to practice.
For history, you will focus on the historical and social factors that led to wars rather than specific events and people.

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Read key information aloud to increase retention. Reading aloud can help you remember information better; so let’s apply this method to the important points. You need to choose somewhere that won’t disturb others, and then slowly read the note or document aloud to remember the content. ^{[15] X Research Source}

You can also try reading aloud when you don’t understand something.

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Find connections between what you are learning and already know. Sometimes you will feel that what you are learning in class cannot be applied to life, but that is often not the case. Associating what you are learning and already knowing can help you understand the content better and remember it better. Look for connections between what you are learning and actual experience. ^{[16] X Research Source}

For example, you apply your math knowledge to determine the area of a wall when buying new paint.
Likewise, you can find ways to associate characters from stories you’ve read with people you know in your life.

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Rewrite notes with more detailed information to create a review outline. Creating a review outline makes it easy to review the content and review it in the next lessons. Just start by typing notes into blank text on your computer. Next, look to a textbook or online source to add information to an existing note. Besides, answer the questions in the book or any questions that come up while you are studying. ^{[17] X Research Source}

This is an effective way to study because it requires you to do more than read notes and textbooks. Reading, thinking, and writing are important elements of an effective study session.
You might like to write notes by hand. Have some pens or crayons ready for this. You will find it more interesting to rewrite your notes with different tools.

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Check out the online tutorials if you don’t understand the content. It’s okay if you can’t understand every topic at once. Fortunately, you can find video tutorials online to help you learn better. Seek help when you are in trouble so that you get the support you need. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

For example, Khan Academy has many free video tutorials. You can also find videos on YouTube.

Stay motivated to learn

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Take a 10-15 minute break after each class. When you want to use your time wisely, you’re bound to think that taking breaks is a terrible idea. However, focusing on studying for too long can make you tired. So, don’t forget to take breaks in your study sessions to clear your mind. When you return to your studies, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue learning. ^{[19] X Research Source}

If you find it easy to lose focus, try the Pomodoro method. You will set a timer after 25 minutes and try to concentrate on studying during that time. Rest for 2-3 minutes, then continue studying for another 25 minutes. You can study 4 times 25 minutes with short breaks. After the 4th, you can choose to stop studying for that day or take a 15-minute break before continuing with your studies. ^{[20] X Research Source}
Take advantage of your breaks to do something that gives you extra energy, like a snack or a walk. Don’t turn on the TV or video games as this distracts you.

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Exercise during breaks to increase concentration. Cardio activity increases blood circulation, which helps the brain work better. Besides, exercise also helps improve memory. Try walking, dancing, or bouncing around to your favorite music during your breaks. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy for a pleasant break.

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Eat healthy snacks for better brain function. Snacking while studying can help you focus and study longer. Just choose healthy snacks instead of unhealthy snacks. Place snacks near the study corner or pick up food when you take breaks. Here are a few snacks that can help you stay focused while studying: ^{[22] X Research Source}

Fruit
Almond
Popcorn
Mixture of nuts and dried fruit
Carrot and chickpea sauce
Black chocolate
Greek Yogurt
A few slices of apple and peanut butter
Grape

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Get 8-10 hours of sleep each night so you get enough rest. Teenagers aged 14 to 17 need at least 8 hours of sleep each night for good health. ^{[23] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the source} If you’re sleep deprived, studying can feel like a chore. When you’re sleepy, you don’t absorb as much information as when you’ve had enough sleep. ^{[24] X Research Sources}

People aged 18 and over need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, while children aged 6-13 need 9-11 hours.

Advice

Reward yourself after a productive session by doing something you enjoy, such as texting a friend, drawing, playing a video game, or reading a book.
Be patient with yourself as you establish new study habits. You need time to get used to learning.
Ask for help when you do not understand the content of the lesson.

Steps

Improve learning efficiency

Prepare for the lesson

Read documents and take notes

Stay motivated to learn

Advice

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