E-PSYCHE: Scientifically Proven Study Tips for Better Learning and Memorisation

Studying can be smarter, not harder. Many students spend hours on their books, yet do not make the most of their learning. What if you could use science-based techniques to learn faster and more effectively? In this blog, you will discover proven study methods and tips on other health aspects that increase your concentration, make information stick better and help you succeed stress-free.

What is studying?

Studying is the process of active learning, training your brain to acquire, process and apply new knowledge. It is not just about memorising information, but about understanding and integrating new concepts.

Through neuroplasticity, your brain's ability to form new neural connections and strengthen existing ones, you improve your memory and learning ability. The more you practise and actively engage with the material, the more efficient your brain becomes in remembering and applying this information. So effective studying not only helps you succeed, but actually put the knowledge you have gained into practice.

Sleep is crucial!

Sleep plays a crucial role in the learning process. This is because something special happens during sleep: consolidation of information. This means that the knowledge you have acquired during the day is repeated, reinforced and stored in your brain. While you sleep, new memories are processed and linked to existing knowledge. This not only helps you remember information better, but also makes it easier to recall it in the future.

In addition, sleep plays an important role in your brain's recovery processes. During the deep sleep stages, your brain is cleansed of waste products that have built up during the day. This not only boosts your cognitive functions, but also your concentration and focus the next day.

Without sufficient and quality sleep, your brain cannot function optimally, leading to impaired memory function, poorer concentration and difficulty processing new information. Thus, the stereotypical image of a student who keeps studying through the night is not so productive after all!

Scientifically proven study tips for better learning and memorisation:

Timemanagement

Good planning is essential for successful studying, especially when you are dealing with a lot of learning. Start by breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and give yourself enough time in advance. Starting to study the night before an exam brings stress and lower chances of passing. Decide how much time you need for each section and take into account your personal learning style. It is important to keep your schedule flexible. Adjust your schedule if tasks take more time or if unexpected disruptions occur. Also, start your study session with the most difficult tasks, when your brain is sharpest, and then work towards the easier topics.

Using the 80/20 rule can be helpful. This rule says that by focusing on the most important topics (20%), you will achieve the most results (80%). Also plan enough breaks, for example using the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes studying, 5 minutes break), to avoid fatigue and maintain your focus.

Study environment

Choose a quiet, distraction-free place to study so you can concentrate fully, and make sure you have enough natural lighting or a good lamp to avoid eye strain.

Also, keep your workspace tidy and organised so you don't get distracted by clutter. A comfortable chair and desk can also be important if you study sitting down to avoid physical ailments and impaired concentration.

Also use technology consciously, apps like timers or focus software can help, but make sure your devices don't distract you too much. A well-appointed environment increases your focus and makes your study experience more efficient.

Motivation & mindset

First, a growth mindset, where you believe you can improve through effort, is helpful in seeing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. This makes you believe in being able to cope with learning, increasing your chances of success.

Secondly, intrinsic motivation, or interest that comes from within yourself, which manifests as genuine interest in the subject matter, is important. This ensures long-term commitment.

Thirdly, clear and achievable goals according to the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic and Time-bound) are also helpful to stay focused.

Finally, self-discipline and good study habits are good for preventing procrastination and staying consistent. By developing a positive mindset and actively managing your motivation, you can not only study more effectively, but also get more satisfaction from the learning process.

Effective learning methods

There are several, effective learning methods that can help you study better. First, you can do ‘active retrieval’, such as testing yourself or summarising. This reinforces your memory better than passive reading because you are actively extracting the information from your brain, which allows for deeper processing.

Furthermore, there is also the concept of ‘spaced repetition’. This is when you regularly revise the learning material in short parts instead of learning everything at once, which makes the information better stuck in your long-term memory.

The next concept is ‘interleaving’, or alternating between different topics under an overarching theme or subject. This promotes deep connections between concepts and makes it easier to apply knowledge in various situations.

Then there is ‘elaboration’, or explaining the material in your own words or connecting new knowledge with existing knowledge. This makes the information more personal and easier to remember.

Furthermore, combining senses while studying has been found to be effective for better storing learning material in memory. For example, reading your learning material and also repeating it aloud can be beneficial.

Finally, mnemonic techniques such as mnemonics or the memory palace method, where you use visual images to store information, can help you recall complex and large parts of information from memory faster.

Conclusion

Effective studying is all about the right strategies, a good environment and a strong mindset. By applying smart learning methods, creating a productive study environment and strengthening your motivation, you can significantly improve your learning performance. Repetition plays a crucial role here: returning to the subject matter regularly helps to retain knowledge better. Studying is not a one-off effort, but a continuous process of practising, applying and refining. So with the right approach, learning not only becomes more efficient, but also more valuable in the long run!