Study Smarter with Proven Study Techniques
Studying can feel like a mountain to climb, especially when there’s a looming deadline or an exam around the corner. But if we change how we study, we can make things a lot easier on ourselves. Memorising every word in a textbook isn’t the best way to learn. Our brains work better when we use strategies that suit the way we think and remember. Let’s explore some proven study techniques that help us learn faster and retain more, so we don’t have to study harder, just smarter.
Set Up Your Space for Success
Before diving into study techniques, we must talk about where we study. Our environment plays a huge role in how well we focus. A tidy desk, good lighting and a comfy chair can make a world of difference.
Let’s be honest, it’s hard to concentrate if your workspace is cluttered with distractions. Notebooks, pens, and study materials should be within arm’s reach, and digital distractions like phones should be kept to a minimum. At A2B Office, we’ve seen how the right office supplies and furniture can help set the tone for productive study time. A good-quality desk and supportive chair help maintain focus over longer periods, especially during revision weeks.
If we’re not comfortable or keep getting distracted by a mess, even the best study tips won’t help.
Use Active Recall
Active recall is one of the most powerful study strategies out there. It means testing ourselves on the material, rather than just re-reading it. For example, if we’re reading about World War II and want to remember the key events, close the book and try to list everything we remember. Then check back to see what we got right and what we missed.
Flashcards are perfect for this. Apps like Anki or physical cards do the job well. Writing questions on one side and answers on the back trains our brain to pull information out, which improves memory.
When studying a new topic, go over a bit of it, then shut the book and try to recall what you just learnt. Do this regularly with breaks in between to reinforce what we know.
Space Out Your Learning (Spaced Repetition)
We’ve all left studying to the last minute and crammed, but how much do we actually remember later? Research shows that spreading out learning over time helps us retain more.
Spaced repetition means reviewing the same material at increasing intervals, like on day 1, then day 3, then day 7, and so on. This taps into how our memory works, reinforcing the knowledge every time we’re about to forget it.
Mix this with active recall, and we have a winning combination. There are spaced repetition apps like Quizlet and again, Anki that help manage this for us automatically.
Schedules can help, too. We can create a revision timetable, giving each subject its own time slot, then stick to it.
Break Big Tasks into Smaller Pieces
Big tasks can be overwhelming. When we have to study a whole textbook or write a long essay, it feels impossible to start. The trick is breaking it into smaller tasks.
Instead of trying to study an entire subject in one go, focus on one chapter or topic. Write a to-do list: “Read pages 10-20,” “Make a mind map of topic 2,” “Do past paper questions from 2019.” Crossing them off one by one creates momentum and gives us a sense of progress.
The Pomodoro Technique works well here. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, take a longer 15-minute break. This keeps our brain fresh and focused.
Our workspace can support this. A2B Office offers affordable planners and accessories to help break things down and track tasks in a way that’s easy to stick with.
Mix Up How You Learn (Interleaving)
A clever strategy many top students use is called interleaving. Instead of spending hours on one subject or doing all our maths problems in one chunk, we mix topics up.
Spending twenty minutes on algebra, then twenty minutes on geometry, going back to algebra forces our brain to work harder to switch between ideas. That might sound tough, but it helps us remember over time.
Interleaving is great when preparing for exams. Past papers are perfect for this, as they jump between topics naturally.
We can also use interleaving during revision by rotating how we review subjects. For example, rather than doing an entire biology afternoon, mix it up with half an hour each of biology, history and French.
Use Visual Study Tools
Some of us learn best through pictures. That’s where visual tools like mind maps, diagrams and charts come in. When we study something complex, like how blood flows through the heart, a picture can explain more than a full page of text.
Making our own mind maps while studying can help with both understanding and memory. Start with the main idea in the centre, then draw branches to topics, and then subtopics.
We can also draw timelines for history or create flow charts for science processes. These tools make revision feel active and hands-on, rather than passive reading.
At A2B Office, we stock quality whiteboards, flip charts and sticky notes to help visual learners. Having a space to sketch ideas and revise creatively turns revision into an easier and more enjoyable task.
Teach What You’ve Learnt
One of the best ways to make sure we’ve really learnt something is to teach it to someone else. If we can explain it simply, it means we truly understand it.
Try explaining a topic to a friend, sibling or even your pet. Seriously, talking out loud helps! If we get stuck while explaining, that’s a clue we need to revise that part again.
This technique builds confidence and highlights any gaps in our knowledge. It also helps us remember better, since we have to recall and explain the material actively.
Some students even record themselves teaching and replay it later. It takes a bit of effort, but it helps solidify learning far better than passive reading.
Keep a Healthy Mind and Body
Study techniques work best when our body and brain are in good shape. It may sound boring, but eating well, sleeping enough, and staying active matter just as much as reading and writing.
When we’re tired, hungry, or down about something, it’s nearly impossible to concentrate. Make sleep a priority; research shows teens need between 8 to 10 hours every night.
Take short walks, stretch during long study days or even do a few minutes of basic yoga between sessions. Drink enough water and fuel your brain with real food, not just crisps and soda.
We spend a lot of time sitting when we study, so invest in a proper chair. At A2B Office, we offer chairs made for longer hours of use. Staying comfortable helps us concentrate for longer.
FAQs
What’s the best technique to improve memory during revision?
Active recall, used with spaced repetition, has shown the best results for memory over time. Using flashcards or practising past papers works well.
How long should I study in one session?
Try studying in chunks of 25 minutes with 5-minute breaks in between. This is called the Pomodoro Technique. It helps avoid burnout and keeps our brains alert.
What materials or tools do I need for better study habits?
A desk and chair you can sit at comfortably for longer periods, good lighting, notebooks, pens, flashcards and perhaps a whiteboard for visual learning. These items can all be found via the A2B Office blog.
Should I study one subject a day or several?
Mix it up. Interleaving works better than sticking with one subject for hours. Change topics every 20 to 30 minutes to help your brain make better connections.
What if I get easily distracted while studying?
Try removing distractions by putting phones away, using apps like Forest, or studying in a quiet space. Keep only the materials you need at your desk. Stay organised with tools from A2B Office.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Studying doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. When we use science-backed techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, interleaving and visual learning, we make study time far more effective. It’s not about how long we study, but how smartly we do it.
Let’s stop memorising aimlessly and start building study plans that help us truly understand and remember what we need to succeed. Whether we’re studying for GCSEs, A-levels, or just trying to keep up at school, choosing the right technique can make all the difference.
Create a space that supports focus, simplifies our study tasks, and work in ways that suit how our brain learns best. And when needed, check out the wide range of study supplies and resources we’ve got on hand at A2B Office.
Let’s study smarter, not harder.
