Top 5 Study techniques no one is talking about

Uday PB
3 min readOct 27, 2023

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It is this time of the year when students and others alike who are studying something or are yearning to learn something fritter! But fear not, because we’ve got the inside scoop on five amazing study hacks that hardly anyone talks about.

Get ready to be a study ninja as we reveal these top-secret techniques to help you supercharge your learning!

1. Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition might sound like a fancy term, but it’s a simple yet super effective way to remember what you learn.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Learn something new.
  • Review the material after a day.
  • Review again after a few days.
  • Keep revising at increasing intervals.
  • Watch your memory get stronger without the last-minute panic.
  • Create a pyramid of what you have been recollecting.
  • Every day, take time to remove the parts of the pyramid that you now fully remember.

The benefit? You remember stuff for the long haul with less effort!

2. Second Brain

Ever wish you could offload some of that brainwork? Enter the “second brain” concept. Here’s how it works:

  • Use note-taking apps or flashcards. (I recommend Notion, which has 100s of templates available online)
  • Store the information you want to remember.
  • When you need to recall something, pull up your notes.
  • Your brain runs more efficiently.

3. Feynman Technique

Now, let’s dive into the Feynman Technique, named after the famous physicist Richard Feynman. This one’s a gem. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Pick a topic you’re learning.
  • Explain it like you’re teaching it to a child.
  • Use simple language and break it down step by step.
  • If you get stuck, go back to your materials and study some more.
  • You’ll retain knowledge better and find it easier to retrieve when you need it!

4. 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a secret weapon for efficient studying. Here’s how to apply it:

  • Identify the most important stuff for your test or understanding a topic.
  • Concentrate on that crucial 20% first. Write it out, read it out loud every day.
  • Don’t waste time on less important details.
  • Prioritize your efforts to save time.

5. The Method of Loci (Memory Palace)

This ancient technique, often attributed to the ancient Greeks Romans, and monks involves associating information with specific locations or objects within an imaginary mental space, often referred to as a “memory palace.” Here’s how you can apply this technique:

  • Choose a familiar location, like your house or a route you know well.
  • Associate the information you’re studying with specific locations or objects in your mental space.
  • As you mentally “walk” through your memory palace, recall the information associated with each spot.
  • This technique leverages spatial memory to help you remember and recall complex information.

So, there you have it — five study hacks with clear, actionable steps that not everyone is talking about.

Try spaced repetition, use the power of a second brain, master the Feynman Technique, embrace the 80/20 rule, and don’t forget to get moving with some exercise.

These techniques can help you study smarter and achieve better results with less stress. Good luck, and happy studying!

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Uday PB
Uday PB

Written by Uday PB

Above the ground today, below tomorrow. Psychology, philosophy, and maybe code - my trifecta, follow for musings on such topics.

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