5 Study Techniques Proven to Improve Retention

5 Study Techniques Proven to Improve Retention

Are you tired of cramming for exams only to forget the material soon after? Do you want to learn how to retain information more effectively? The good news is that there are several study techniques that have been proven to improve retention. In this post, we'll explore five of these techniques, along with tips and strategies for incorporating them into your study routine.

1. Active Recall

Active recall is a study technique that involves actively recalling information from memory rather than simply re-reading it. This can be done through various methods, such as:

• Taking practice quizzes or tests
• Creating flashcards and testing yourself
• Summarizing notes in your own words
• Writing concept cards with key terms and definitions

Studies have shown that active recall is one of the most effective ways to improve retention (Roediger & Karpicke, 2006). This is because it helps to strengthen the neural connections between different pieces of information, making it easier to recall them later.

2. Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a technique that involves reviewing material at increasingly longer intervals to help solidify it in long-term memory. This can be done by:

• Creating a review schedule and sticking to it
• Using flashcards with spaced repetition software
• Reviewing notes or textbook chapters at increasingly longer intervals

Research has shown that spaced repetition is an effective way to improve retention, particularly for information that needs to be remembered for a long time (Ebbinghaus, 1885). By reviewing material at increasingly longer intervals, you can help to prevent the "forgetting curve" and retain information more effectively.

3. Chunking

Chunking is a technique that involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can be done by:

• Creating concept maps or diagrams to organize information
• Breaking down large topics into smaller subtopics
• Using headings and subheadings to structure notes

Studies have shown that chunking is an effective way to improve retention, particularly for complex or abstract information (Miller, 1956). By breaking down large amounts of information into smaller chunks, you can help to make it more memorable and easier to recall.

4. Mnemonics

Mnemonics are memory aids that help to associate new information with something already familiar. This can be done by:

• Creating acronyms or rhymes to remember key terms
• Using visualization techniques to associate new information with a mental image
• Creating a story or scenario to help remember a sequence of events

Research has shown that mnemonics are an effective way to improve retention, particularly for information that needs to be remembered in a specific order (Higbee, 1988). By creating associations between new information and something already familiar, you can help to make it more memorable and easier to recall.

5. Interleaving

Interleaving is a technique that involves switching between different types of material or problems to help deepen understanding and improve retention. This can be done by:

• Interleaving different types of problems or questions
• Switching between different topics or subjects
• Using different study materials, such as textbooks, online resources, and practice exams

Studies have shown that interleaving is an effective way to improve retention, particularly for complex or abstract information (Kornell, Son, & Tai, 2007). By switching between different types of material or problems, you can help to deepen understanding and make it more memorable.

Conclusion

Improving retention is a key goal for many students, and there are several study techniques that can help. Active recall, spaced repetition, chunking, mnemonics, and interleaving are all proven techniques that can help you retain information more effectively. By incorporating these techniques into your study routine, you can improve your ability to recall information and achieve greater success in your academic pursuits.

References

Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology. Dover Publications.

Higbee, K. L. (1988). Your Memory: How It Works and How to Improve It. Prentice Hall.

Kornell, N. E., Son, L. K., & Tai, K. (2007). The role of constraints in the interleaving effect. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136(3), 514-528.

Miller, G. A. (1956). The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information. Psychological Review, 63(2), 81-97.

Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). The power of retrieval practice: Theory and application of the testing effect. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(5), 265-270.If you're looking for a powerful, student-friendly note-taking app, look no further than Oneboard. Designed to enhance your learning experience, Oneboard offers seamless handwriting and typing capabilities, intuitive organization features, and advanced tools to boost productivity. Whether you're annotating PDFs, organizing class notes, or brainstorming ideas, Oneboard simplifies it all with its user-focused design. Experience the best of digital note-taking and make your study sessions more effective with Oneboard. Download Oneboard on the App Store.