How to study, simply

Why studying sometimes doesn't stick

Most students study by reading their notes again and again. It feels like it's working, because the material looks familiar. But recognizing something is not the same as remembering it. On a test, nobody shows you the answer first. You have to pull it out of your own head.

The good news: once you practice pulling information out of memory instead of putting it in, studying gets shorter and more effective. That's the whole idea behind EasyStudy.

Step 1: Pick one small goal

Before you open a book, decide exactly what "done" looks like for this session. Good goals are specific and finishable in under 30 minutes.

• Too vague: "Study for history."
• Just right: "Explain three causes of World War I without notes."
• Too vague: "Do math."
• Just right: "Finish problems 1–12 on page 84 and check answers."

Step 2: Quiz yourself

Close your notes and try to recall what you're learning. You can do this in many ways:

• Answer flashcards (try the flashcard maker).
• Write everything you remember on a blank page, then check what you missed.
• Explain the topic out loud to a friend, a pet, or an empty room.
• Do practice problems without looking at the worked examples.

Getting answers wrong is part of the process. Each mistake shows you exactly what to review.

Step 3: Come back later

Memories fade quickly at first, then more slowly each time you review. Spacing your reviews out takes advantage of this. A simple schedule:

1. Learn it today.
2. Review it tomorrow.
3. Review it again in 3 days.
4. Review it once more a week later.

Each review can be short — five or ten minutes with your flashcards is enough.