Last Updated: November 21, 2025
Advanced Study Techniques
Evidence-based learning strategies for maximum retention
Learning Science
Productivity
Feynman Technique
Step 1: Choose Concept
Write the topic/concept you want to learn at the top of a page
Step 2: Teach It
Explain it in simple language as if teaching a child
Step 3: Identify Gaps
Find areas where you struggled or used jargon
Step 4: Review & Simplify
Go back to source material and refine your explanation
Use Analogies
Create metaphors connecting new concepts to familiar ones
Test Understanding
Explain concept without looking at notes
Write Clear Definitions
Define technical terms in plain language
Spaced Repetition
Initial Review: 1 Day
Review new material after 24 hours
Second Review: 3 Days
Review again 3 days after first review
Third Review: 1 Week
Review one week after second review
Fourth Review: 2 Weeks
Review two weeks after third review
Fifth Review: 1 Month
Review one month after fourth review
Anki Software
Use Anki for automated spaced repetition scheduling
SuperMemo Algorithm
SM-2 algorithm: intervals increase based on recall difficulty
Difficulty Ratings
Rate cards: Again, Hard, Good, Easy for optimal spacing
Leitner System
Physical flashcard system with boxes for different review intervals
Active Recall
Flashcards
Create question/answer cards instead of re-reading notes
Practice Questions
Answer practice problems without looking at solutions
Free Recall
Write everything you remember on blank paper
Self-Testing
Test yourself immediately after learning new material
Closed-Book Practice
Attempt problems without reference materials first
Verbal Recitation
Say key concepts out loud from memory
Question Generation
Create questions you expect on the exam
Concept Mapping
Draw concept relationships from memory
Cornell Note-Taking Method
Page Layout
Divide page: 2.5" left column (cues), 6" right (notes), 2" bottom (summary)
During Lecture: Notes
Take notes in right column using short sentences
After Lecture: Cues
Write questions/keywords in left column (within 24 hours)
Bottom: Summary
Write 2-3 sentence summary of the page
Review Process
Cover right column, answer cue questions from memory
Use Abbreviations
Develop personal shorthand for speed (w/ = with, b/c = because)
Leave Space
Skip lines between topics for clarity and additions
Date & Title
Always include date, lecture topic, and page numbers
Pomodoro Technique
Choose Task
Select one task to focus on
Set Timer: 25 Minutes
Work with complete focus for one Pomodoro (25 min)
Work Until Timer
If distraction arises, write it down and return to task
Short Break: 5 Minutes
Take 5-minute break after each Pomodoro
Long Break: 15-30 Minutes
After 4 Pomodoros, take longer break
Track Pomodoros
Mark completed Pomodoros to measure progress
Protect Pomodoro
Don't answer calls/messages during active Pomodoro
Estimate Task Size
Estimate tasks in number of Pomodoros needed
Break Large Tasks
Tasks over 5-7 Pomodoros should be broken down
Mind Mapping
Central Idea
Start with main topic in center of page
Main Branches
Draw 3-7 thick branches for major subtopics
Sub-Branches
Add thinner branches for supporting details
Use Keywords
One or two words per branch, not sentences
Add Images/Icons
Use simple drawings to represent concepts
Color Code
Use different colors for different branches/categories
Curved Lines
Use organic, curved lines instead of straight
Cross-Links
Draw connections between related branches
Digital Tools
MindMeister, XMind, Coggle for digital mind maps
Elaborative Interrogation
Ask "Why?"
Constantly ask why facts are true
Generate Explanations
Create detailed explanations for stated facts
Connect to Prior Knowledge
Link new information to what you already know
Question Authority
Challenge statements and seek deeper understanding
Interleaving Practice
Mix Topics
Study multiple related topics in one session
Vary Problem Types
Don't do all problems of same type consecutively
Switch Subjects
Alternate between different subjects during study blocks
Random Practice
Shuffle practice problems instead of doing them in order
SQ3R Method
Survey
Skim chapter headings, summaries, and questions first
Question
Turn headings into questions before reading
Read
Read actively to answer the questions you created
Recite
Answer questions in your own words without looking
Review
Review key points and answers after completing chapter
Dual Coding
Visual + Verbal
Combine words with pictures/diagrams
Sketch Concepts
Draw simple illustrations of ideas
Timelines
Create visual timelines for historical events
Flowcharts
Map processes and procedures visually
Infographics
Combine statistics with visual representations
Pro Tips:
- Combine Techniques: Use active recall with spaced repetition for maximum retention (e.g., Anki flashcards)
- Sleep After Learning: Consolidate memories by sleeping within 12 hours of studying new material
- Test Effect: Testing yourself is more effective than re-reading, even if you get answers wrong
- Distributed Practice: Studying 1 hour/day for 5 days beats studying 5 hours in one day
- Avoid Highlighting: Highlighting gives illusion of learning; use active recall instead
- Teach Others: Teaching is the ultimate test of understanding (Feynman technique)
- Exercise Before Studying: 20 minutes of cardio improves focus and memory formation