IN THE academe, most students are eager to excel. Most of them spend most of their lives in the four corners of the room, trying to absorb everything they have to learn just to ace their examinations. 

However, there are times that despite the time invested, some students still fall short in achieving their goals. Others feel discouraged as they have tendencies to associate themselves with how they have performed in school.

Academic validation—most students felt the need to obtain the applause that comes with getting recognitions. Their grades define them. If they fail, they will feel like they have disappointed those who are expecting a lot from them. 

If one has spent most of his time trying to be at his best, then why does one still fall short?

The answer lies in the effectiveness of the study methods used. While most students find comfort in rewriting and highlighting their books, if the goal is to retain the information on a long-term basis, one must resort to the proven methods of studying. Below is the list of science-backed study methods. 

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique works by working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break, repeating on four cycles of 25 minutes before taking a long 30-minute break. This helps in sustaining one’s focus and prevents burnout during long study sessions. This method has been proven to improve one’s concentration and lessen mental fatigue. 

If you are just new to this method, you may consider using the Forest App on your phone to get started. 

Active Recall

This study method urges one to retrieve information from the memory without looking at the notes or answers. One effective way of doing this is through using flashcards. This has been proven to help in long-term retention especially when the exam type is identification. 

Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition urges a learner to review at increasing intervals over time. This enhances one’s long-term memory and retention. This study method is based on the principle that the memory improves when the learning material is spaced out rather than crammed overnight. This requires one to review before completely forgetting the information. 

This method debunks the need to study for lengthy hours trying to absorb the entire semester. You may opt to learn your lessons in chunks in a consistent manner. In this way, you’re getting enough time to understand the material and not only retain the information for the meantime. 

Feynman Technique

This method instills to a learner that you must be able to teach to a child a concept you would like to learn to be able to confirm that there are no gaps in your knowledge. Being able to teach someone a concept you are still learning simply means you have developed a deeper understanding of what you are trying to learn. If you haven’t tried studying in groups, learning and teaching others, then maybe this is your sign to try now!

Practice Tests

Most of us are terrified to confront the extent of our knowledge. However, we must begin facing those fears. In order to know the gap in your knowledge, you must conduct a pre-test. After that, you will obtain knowledge of the concepts that you still need to learn. By the time you read your lecture notes, you are already eyeing on the concepts you have missed and will thoroughly take note of everything. After your study session, you may want to also take a post-test to assess whether you have improved in a particular field or you are still making the same mistakes from the pre-test.

Gen Zs on their tips for studying: 

“Personally, ang ginagawa kong method every time na meron akong tasks is pinaplano ko muna yung uunahin kong gawin, and usually nagsstart ako sa pinakamadali then ihuhuli ko yung pinakamahirap para at least doon na lang ako magfofocus since natapos ko na yung ibang tasks. Unlike pag inuna ko kasi yung pinakamahirap, mas madali akong mabuburn out, so ang tendency is mawawalan na ako ng gana para tapusin yung natitira pang tasks. Another tip din is mas maganda kung kabibigay pa lang is simulan na agad, maski small progress pa lang yan, para mas maaga din matapos then makapag proceed na sa iba pang mga gagawin.”,-Adeline, an IT Student, shared with Republicasia. 

“Above anything else, prioritize resting since the best ability is availability. Once you complete your tasks, take small breaks in between. Because if you don’t, your body will force you to rest through Illnesses,” – Lourence Marcellana, a Journalism Student, shared with Republicasia.

Excelling academically requires consistency and forgiveness. Forgiveness in a sense that it is inevitable that you will have shortcomings sometimes despite how hard you try—and consistency. Knowing all of the effective ways to study is useless if there is no momentum built. If you are just reliant on the fleeting motivation that visits you once in a while, seeing the results you are expecting is less likely to happen. One must understand the price that comes with wanting to be the best. 

With Reports from Danielle Barredo