I don’t know about you, but I disliked studying a lot as a student. I’m fairly convinced few people like the idea of studying.
I used to think to myself, what’s the quickest way that I can learn this so I don’t need to put up with the pain?
Traditional “studying,” as we often think of it, can feel tedious, frustrating, and far from effective.
But what if I told you there’s a way to transform it into something engaging, efficient, and even inspiring?
The Traditional Idea of Studying
I’m sure that when we think of studying, we imagine a particularly diligent student in the library, engaged in reading a book for hours and taking notes.
I was never that student.
I used to ask my friends at Forest School during exam periods how long they were studying, and I would get answers ranging from 4 to 8 hours a day.
It felt a bit competitive like they were trying to study more than each other somehow and win a prize. I honestly never did that.
Why Can Traditional Studying Methods Feel Soul-Destroying and Boring?
There are a couple of reasons why traditional studying methods can feel boring and how you can address each of them:
Traditional Studying Is Repetitive
The first is that it can feel so so so so repetitive.
When you are studying, you might be engaging with the same notes, resources, and so on, that you were using when you first learned the concept. Although familiarity is important, you might be bored or disengaged by now.
This can lead to decreased motivation, making it harder to retain information or understand complex topics.
My mum used to complain all the time about my dad constantly buying language resources rather than concentrating on one course or book, and although she might have a point, there is something to be said about engaging in multiple resources to provide more stimulation.
When I was learning Chinese, I would buy many different courses and work with many different stimuli to build my understanding of the language. Seeing the same things in different contexts helped me learn a huge amount in a short period –我只学习了很短时间 (I only studied for a short time).
The same principles apply in learning generally – encountering the same concepts in multiple places cements ideas in your mind.
Consider varying your study methods—such as using different resources, incorporating interactive activities, or applying concepts to real-world scenarios—to refresh your learning experience while still reinforcing key ideas.
Traditional Studying Methods Are Not Engaging
I have a friend who is one of the smartest people I know, and he was always incredible at learning quickly.
He used to be able to read a maths textbook at A-Level and then go into exams and walk out with top grades. I used to marvel at his study method.
He, however, is a rare individual. Most people cannot just read a maths textbook and just know how to pass an A-Level. We typically need to process information on multiple levels to retain it.
Now, I didn’t know what was going on in his mind – he might have been turning over all the information in a way I simply would not understand. I am certain that he was not just reading the words on the page passively and was deeply processing the information.
Most of the time, we must engage our brains in many ways to learn concepts – especially difficult ones.
When you learn something, I always think that you should consider the importance of the idea, so think about how ideas are relevant to you. We had an amazing history teacher at Forest called Mr Brant, and he used to relate history to modern times and contexts.
Try relating ideas to you and the world in which you live – you’ll be surprised at the effect it can have.
Traditional Studying Relies on Memory and Rote Learning
My memory is terrible. I can barely remember my passwords, phone numbers, important dates, etc. Traditional studying emphasises rote learning. Rote learning emphasises remembering facts, information, dates and building, without requiring a deep understanding of the material. For instance, learning the Pythagoras’ theorem without understanding the proof behind it, is something most students do, but it can lead to students forgetting it.
In school, I received school reports and teachers specifically pointed out that I should be spending more time learning by rote. They would often praise my deep understanding of concepts but be critical of my recall.
They were not being unfair, as rote learning has its place in education – however, on its own, it does not provide a complete answer for those who want to reach beyond a surface-level understanding.
Traditional Studying Takes Too Long
The fact that traditional studying takes a long time is probably the most important problem with traditional studying methods.
If you could engage in something repetitive that gave quick results, I imagine that people would be able to stomach some of the repetition and boredom. Still, the fact that the fruits of studying are often far into the future means that people have little reward or pay-off for their efforts.
This reality can often be too much for some students, who will usually cram the information as the exam approaches.
The Myth of Learning Styles (VARK)
Learning styles were a theory of education, invented by Neil Fleming, that stated learning would be more effective if information was conveyed in a way that aligned with their “preferred mode of learning”.
VARK stands for Visual, Auditory, Reading-Writing, and Kinesthetic.
Many people believe they have a ‘learning style’—like being a ‘visual learner.’ This idea is fixed in their mind – they will somehow become much better learners if all their learning is visual. But research shows this isn’t how learning actually works
I remember having a Personal and Social Education (PSE now usually called PSHE) class about study skills and this was one of the concepts that they talked about. We even did a quiz to find out our preferred learning style.
However, this claim that learning styles are the key to learning and will transform a student’s learning has no scientific merit. Yet, learning styles are almost always touted as one of the most important aspects of pedagogy.
89.1% of educators (from 15,405 participants across 18 countries) believe that students learn better when instruction matches their preferred learning style. This belief ranged from 58% to 97.6% across countries.
A Reductio Ad Absurdum
We can easily disprove the VARK hypothesis by thinking of an obvious counter-example to this theory. Imagine that a student’s preferred learning style is auditory.
This student loves listening to podcasts, listening to the teacher and so on. However, would listening be particularly effective if the student wanted to master a maths concept?
Probably not as effective as attempting questions.
Similarly, we could imagine another student whose preferred learning style is visual learning. Try to teach this student how to play the violin without relying on auditory methods!
Why is this important?
If people believe they can only learn in their preferred style, it can limit their growth and lead to less effective teaching methods. Time and resources may be wasted on strategies that don’t improve learning.
Students might also feel boxed into a specific “style,” missing out on other ways of learning that could benefit them.
Instead, focusing on proven methods that help all students succeed. Addressing this myth ensures teaching is based on what works, not outdated ideas. Also, a greater emphasis should be placed on differentiating methods based on what people need to learn.
The Neuroscience Behind Learning
So what happens when we learn?
Our brains are made up of millions of neurons, which are cells that transfer, electrical impulses from one place to another.
These neurons do not store information themselves. The storing of information is done through the connections between neurons, known as synapses.
When we learn something new, our brain strengthens these connections by passing signals between neurons. The more we use a particular connection, the stronger it becomes, making it easier to recall information later.
This process is called synaptic plasticity—our brain’s ability to change and adapt based on experience.
Think of it like a pathway in a forest. The first time you walk through, it’s difficult, with branches and obstacles in the way. But the more you walk the same path, the clearer it becomes. Learning works in a similar way—the more we practice, the stronger and faster our brain pathways become.
However, our brains don’t just store information passively. Learning involves encoding, storage, and retrieval:
- Encoding: This is when new information enters our brain. It’s easier to encode when we pay attention, link it to what we already know, or engage with it in different ways.
- Storage: Once encoded, the brain keeps the information. But not everything stays—our brains filter out what they think isn’t important.
- Retrieval: When we recall information, we strengthen those pathways, making it easier to remember in the future.
This is why techniques that rely on actively recalling information are so critical for learning. They force the brain to strengthen those connections, improving long-term memory and understanding. That’s why two of the 3 studying strategies I’ve included rely on the principle of active recall.
Instead of relying on “learning styles,” which aren’t backed by science, using strategies based on how the brain learns can help everyone study more efficiently and learn faster.
What Scientifically Proven Methods Can Help Students Study More Efficiently?
In this section, I’ll show you 3 scientifically proven ways to get ahead in your studying and make it more productive and fun. I have used all of these methods whenever I learn something new or revise.
Spaced Repetition
You have to accept that when you’re learning, there’s a natural cycle of learning, forgetting, and relearning. This is completely normal and forms the foundation of how our brains retain information over time. The forgetting curve, a concept introduced by Hermann Ebbinghaus, shows that we forget most of what we learn within a day unless we actively review it. This is where spaced repetition comes in.
The forgetting curve, developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, illustrates how information retention decreases over time if no effort is made to review it. The curve shows an exponential decay in memory, with the sharpest drop happening shortly after learning.
Spaced repetition combats this by reviewing material at strategically increasing intervals (highlighted as red points). This strengthens memory, making it easier to retain information for longer periods
Here’s how I use it: I break my topics into small chunks and schedule review sessions over days or weeks. Apps like Anki or Quizlet are fantastic for this because they automate the scheduling based on your progress. If you prefer offline methods, keep a list of topics and write down when you’ll review each one.
When I was studying Chinese, I had to learn a lot of strange characters, and there was a software program I used to improve my recall called Skritter. This software ran on the principle of spaced repetition, as whenever I made a mistake, a character would come up more often. I wish that I had known about spaced repetition earlier as it would have helped me with languages at school and biology facts.
And as a tutor, I embrace the fact that students will forget. Instead of expecting them to master everything in one go, I build their confidence by revisiting key concepts over time.
Pomodoro Technique
If you struggle with focus or procrastination, the Pomodoro Technique is a game-changer. This method was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s and is backed by research into attention and productivity.
Essentially, it works with your brain’s natural focus rhythms by breaking your work into short, focused intervals, followed by a break.
Here’s how it works:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a single task with full focus (this is called a “Pomodoro”).
- When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to relax.
- Repeat this cycle 3-4 times, and after every 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
Why does this work? Studies show that working in short bursts improves focus and reduces mental fatigue. Our brains aren’t designed for long, uninterrupted study marathons. By giving yourself regular breaks, you allow your brain to reset, stay fresh, and consolidate what you’ve learned.
I use this technique whenever learning something new, such as language. The timer creates a sense of urgency and keeps distractions in check. Plus, the regular breaks make studying feel manageable and even enjoyable.
Mind Mapping
Any method that requires active recall, is useful in revision as it forces the brain to retrace old neural connections.
If you’re someone who struggles to connect ideas, mind mapping is a fantastic tool.
This technique, popularised by Tony Buzan, involves creating a visual representation of the information you’re learning. Instead of linear notes, you start with a central idea and branch out with related topics, creating a web of connections.
Why does this work? Mind mapping engages both hemispheres of your brain—the left side (logic and structure) and the right side (creativity and visuals). This dual engagement improves understanding, memory, and the ability to see how different concepts relate to each other.
Here’s how I use it: When I’m revising or planning a new lesson, I start by writing the main topic in the centre of a page. Then, I add branches for subtopics, key points, and examples. Using colours, symbols, or even drawings makes it more engaging and memorable.
For example, when I was studying history, I created a mind map for each topic, such as the Lutheran Reformation and the reign of Henry VII, which helped me see connections and recall concepts easily during exams. Another valuable aspect of mind mapping is that it reminds you of areas where you have poor recall.
Bringing It All Together
The best part? You don’t have to pick just one of these techniques—they complement each other beautifully.
For example, you can use mind mapping to plan your study sessions, then review the material with spaced repetition, and stay on track with the Pomodoro Technique.
The science behind these methods shows that studying smarter, not harder, leads to better results. And the best part? They make learning less stressful and more enjoyable.
Try them out, and let me know which one works best for you.