10 Effective Study Methods and Techniques

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 06.03.2025

Many people know the feeling: You study for hours, but the information just won’t stick. Often, this isn’t due to a lack of motivation but rather the wrong study method. Everyone learns differently – what works for one person might not be helpful for another.

And this is exactly where the key lies: The right study methods can change your entire study experience. They not only help you absorb knowledge faster and more effectively but also make studying less stressful, more structured, and more efficient. In this blog post, we’ve put together some of the best learning techniques for you – try out different methods to find out which one works best for you!

Table of Contents:

Why Are Study Methods Essential for Effective Learning?

Learning isn’t just about spending hours buried in books – it’s about how you learn. By definition, study methods are structured approaches that help you systematically organise study material. They not only enable you to absorb information but also store it long-term and retrieve it effectively.

Especially in university, where large amounts of material need to be mastered, effective learning techniques are essential. They offer several key benefits:

  • Increased learning efficiency – The right method ensures that you learn faster and more effectively instead of aimlessly repeating content. This way, you make the most of your time.
  • Long-term knowledge retention – Studying just for an exam isn’t enough. Through structured repetition, you ensure that the knowledge remains accessible later – whether for future semesters or your career.
  • Reduced stress – A clear learning strategy and structured approach prevent chaos and overwhelm. With a solid plan, you can study with less stress and enter the exam phase with more confidence.

Finding the Right Study Method

You obviously need to find out for yourself how you study most productively and effectively. The best approach is to try different methods and see what works best for you. Your learning type plays an important role – for example, visual learners benefit from mind maps, while auditory learners are more successful with podcasts or verbal explanations.

To find the right method, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Priorities: What is truly important, and what should I focus on while studying?
  • Goals: What do I want to achieve with my learning method – deep understanding, quick revision, or long-term retention?
  • Time: How much time do I have, and how can I use it most efficiently?
  • Support: Do I need help from study groups or tutoring?

To get into the optimal study mode, prepare your workspace, minimise distractions, create a study plan, and schedule enough breaks. Celebrating small achievements can also help you stay motivated!

The 10 Best Study Techniques

Depending on what you study and what type of learner you are, some methods will work better for you than others. Not every technique is equally effective for everyone. That’s why we’re introducing you to 10 different study methods – so you can find the one that suits you best!

SQ3R Method: Boost Your Text Comprehension

Long, complex academic texts can quickly become overwhelming  – but with the SQ3R method, you can structure them effectively and absorb key information more easily. This method consists of five phases:

  1. Survey: Before diving into the text, get a first impression. Scan headings, graphics, key terms, and the table of contents to understand the structure and main ideas.
  2. Question: Think about what the text might be about. What questions could it answer? This activates your prior knowledge and gives you a clear focus while reading.
  3. Read: Read attentively and highlight key points. Pay attention to whether your initial questions are being answered.
  4. Recite: After reading a section, summarize it in your own words. What was it about? If you can explain it, you truly understand it.
  5. Review: Go through the material again at the end. Have you grasped all the important points? Could you explain the text to someone else? If not, it’s worth revisiting specific sections.

Method of Loci & Memory Palace: Remember Everything Systematically

Did you know that our brain remembers spatial information particularly well? The Loci Method takes advantage of this by linking learning material to familiar places or mental images. Imagine walking through your home: a giant maths formula is lying on the kitchen table, or a philosopher from your seminar is sitting in your living room. When recalling the information, you can mentally “walk” through these locations and remember what you’ve learned.

The Memory Palace takes it a step further. Instead of using single locations, you visualise an entire building in your mind to store complex information. For example, you can imagine that each room could represent a different topic, with various details embedded within.

Both techniques help you store knowledge not just temporarily but in a structured and long-lasting way. They are especially useful for memorising long lists, definitions, or complex relationships – making them a true game-changer.

Mind Mapping: Visualise and Connect Your Knowledge

Mind mapping is a great technique for organising complex topics in a clear and structured way. By visually mapping out connections, you can better understand the material and think more creatively. This method is especially useful when you need to learn a large amount of information at once.

You start with a central topic in the middle of your page and draw branches to the main subtopics. These subtopics can then be broken down further by adding smaller branches with specific details or examples. This step-by-step breakdown helps you process the material while keeping an overview of the bigger picture. Using colours and images can make certain aspects stand out and enhance your visual memory. 

If you prefer working digitally, mind-mapping apps can help you organise your thoughts even more efficiently. Looking for more helpful learning apps? Check out our recommendations here!

Flashcards, Mnemonics & the Leitner System: Retain Information Long-Term

Flashcards are ideal for reinforcing knowledge over the long term. They break down information into small, manageable chunks, helping you focus on the essentials. On one side, you write a question, on the other, the answer. This forces you to actively recall the information rather than just reading it. A well-organized system is crucial: create separate stacks for each chapter or topic. This way, you can keep track of what you’ve learned and revise specific areas as needed.

To make your flashcard sessions even more effective, try the Leitner Method. This technique uses spaced repetition: cards you answer correctly move to the next box and are reviewed less often, while those you struggle with stay in the first box for frequent practice. This way, you focus more on difficult material without wasting time on what you already know.

Mnemonics are a fantastic way to remember difficult content. You can choose between visual associations and rhymes to make learning easier. With a visual association you link the information to a strong mental image. For example, to remember that the Amazon River is the longest, picture it as a massive, winding vein running through the rainforest – just like a lifeline in nature.

Rhymes also work really well. You can come up with your own cathay rhymes or phrases that fit the content of your study material. A classic example for English grammar is: “He, she, it – the ‘s’ must fit!” But be careful – not too many mnemonics at once, or things can get confusing!

Spaced Repetition: Learn More Efficiently with Optimal Timing

Spaced Repetition is a powerful learning technique that helps you retain information long-term by reviewing material at increasing intervals. The more confident you become with the content, the longer the gaps between the reviews. This method works because recalling information right before you forget it strengthens your memory. Here’s how to use it effectively:

  1. Create Study Material: Prepare flashcards, notes, or summaries to capture key concepts.
  2. First Review: Within 24 hours, go over the material again – but before you do, try to recall as much as possible without looking at your notes.
  3. Consistent Repetition: Repeat this process at gradually increasing intervals. If necessary, use your notes or flashcards as prompts, but try to rely on memory as much as possible.

The Feynman Technique: If You Can Explain It, You Understand It

The Feynman Method is an effective learning technique that requires you to explain a topic so simply that even a child could understand it. This means deliberately avoiding jargon and complex terms, forcing you to break the concept down to its core.

This method helps identify gaps in your understanding and develop a deeper understanding of the material. If you struggle to explain certain aspects clearly, it’s a sign for uncertainties and that you need to review and refine your explanation. Keep simplifying and reworking it until it becomes truly easy to follow. By going through this process, you reinforce what you’ve learned and store it in your memory for the long term.

Pomodoro Technique: Productivity in 25-Minute Sprints

The Pomodoro Technique is a popular study method for staying focused and efficient. The concept is simple: work for 25 minutes with full concentration, then take a short break. This approach helps prevent procrastination and keeps you concentrated.

Want to learn more about how it works and its benefits? Check out our in-depth guide here!

Writing Summaries: Simplify Complex Knowledge

Studying long texts can be tiring – that’s why summaries are so useful. Writing information in your own words forces you to truly understand it rather than just skimming through. At the same time, you filter out unnecessary details, making the material more digestible.

A particularly effective way to do this is the Cornell Method:

  1. Notes (right side): Jot down key information concisely.
  2. Keywords (left side): Write down keywords or questions to make reviewing easier later.
  3. Summary (bottom section): Condense everything into a few sentences.

This technique not only helps you study more efficiently but also creates the perfect review for later revisions!

Group Learning & Discussions: Stay Strong and Motivated Together

Studying in a group often makes things easier – especially if you’re an auditory learner. Talking, listening, and discussing helps the material stick because you’re actively processing it and considering it from different perspectives. Plus, you’ll quickly discover that explaining the material is one of the best ways to learn – it’s during explanations that you often realise where you have gaps in your understanding.

A study group can also be a huge motivation booster. Working together makes it easier to stay on track, support each other, and discuss challenging topics. However, be cautious: group study sessions can quickly turn into distraction. To keep things productive, set clear goals, schedule fixed times, and stay focused. That way, studying not only becomes more effective but also a lot more enjoyable!

Self-Testing & Past Exams: Prepare Effectively for Assessment

Simply studying isn’t always enough – you need to test your knowledge to make sure it really sticks. This is where self-tests and old exams come in handy. They help you assess your progress and identify topics that still need improvement.

Old exams are especially useful because they give you a feel for the structure and types of questions you can expect. This allows you to prepare accordingly and avoid surprises on the exam day. You can find old exams on forums like Studo or in Facebook and WhatsApp groups! If you can’t find any old exams, don’t worry – create your own test questions! This forces you to actively think through the material.

Conclusion: Which Study Method Suits You?

Everyone has their own way of studying – and that’s exactly the secret! While some excel with mind maps or mnemonics, others thrive in study groups or by using the Feynman Technique to gain clarity. Often, a combination of different methods brings the greatest success.

The key is not to just blindly cram, but to figure out what works best for you. Experiment with different techniques, adjust your strategy, and make the most of your study time. With the right method, you’ll not only learn more efficiently but also in a less stressful way!

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