Study Skills
Evidence-based study techniques, academic writing, time management and exam strategies.
Evidence-based study techniques, academic writing, time management and exam strategies.
Decades of cognitive science research have identified the most effective study techniques — and they're not what most students do. Passive strategies like re-reading and highlighting are among the least effective, while active techniques produce significantly better learning outcomes.
The two most powerful techniques are active recall (testing yourself on material rather than re-reading it) and spaced repetition (reviewing material at increasing intervals). Combined, these techniques can dramatically improve retention and exam performance with less total study time.
Academic writing is a skill that improves with deliberate practice. Key principles include: clarity over complexity (use plain language where possible), evidence-based arguments (every claim should be supported), logical structure (introduction, body, conclusion with clear paragraphing), and proper referencing (APA, Harvard, MLA, or Chicago style).
Common mistakes to avoid: writing without a plan, not answering the question directly, over-quoting instead of paraphrasing, and leaving proofreading to the last minute.
Effective time management separates successful students from overwhelmed ones. Key strategies include: time blocking (scheduling specific study periods), the Pomodoro Technique (focused 25-minute work sessions), prioritisation (tackling high-value tasks first), and saying no to activities that don't align with your goals.
Create a weekly study schedule that accounts for lectures, independent study, revision, and rest. Build in buffer time for unexpected tasks and protect your study blocks from interruptions.
Effective exam preparation starts weeks before the exam, not the night before. Key strategies: start early and use spaced practice, practise with past papers under timed conditions, teach the material to someone else (or explain it aloud), and identify weak areas early so you can focus your revision.
On exam day: read questions carefully, plan your answers before writing, manage your time across questions, and leave time to review. For essay exams, a clear structure (argument, evidence, analysis) is more important than length.