10 Unique Study Techniques You’ve Never Tried (But Should)
10 Unique Study Techniques You’ve Never Tried (But Should)
Level Up Your Learning with These Underrated Study Methods.
Everything you need for the semester you want!
This bundle includes:
The Syllabus Study Planner
The Pomodoro Planner
A Confidence Tracker
A Q&A planner
The “Get Organized Checklist”
and more!
This workbook is full of super useful resources that can be applied to every aspect of your day.
* Disclaimer * Some of the posted links are affiliate programs. By clicking these links, I may receive monetary compensation. This will not alter the price or change the buyer's experience.
I used to think that “study techniques” were just a fancy way of saying, “sit still and stare at a textbook until your brain feels like mush.” I remember so many nights of flipping through pages, feeling that creeping sense of panic because nothing seemed to stick. I would watch the clock, the hours ticking by, and wonder why all my hard work wasn’t translating into results. Maybe you’ve been there, too—lost in a sea of highlighters and flashcards, searching for that one magic trick that will make everything click.
The truth is, I didn’t need a magic trick; I needed a new approach. It wasn’t until I started experimenting with different study techniques that things began to change. I realized that studying didn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all struggle. There were so many creative, unexpected ways to learn—ways that made studying less of a chore and more of an adventure.
So, if you’re tired of the same old methods and ready to discover new strategies that actually work, this post is for you. We’re diving into 10 unique study techniques you probably haven’t tried yet, but absolutely should. From creating a memory palace to mastering the art of the mindful study break, these hacks are here to shake up your routine and help you find what truly makes your mind light up.
Ready to make studying something you look forward to? Let’s get started!
Technique 1: The Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique is one of the most powerful study techniques to help you master any subject, no matter how complex. Named after physicist Richard Feynman, this study hack involves explaining a concept in the simplest possible terms, as if you were teaching it to a child or someone with no background knowledge. The goal? To make sure you truly understand the material, not just memorize it.
How to Use the Feynman Technique:
Choose a Concept: Start by selecting a concept or topic you need to learn. Write it down at the top of a blank page.
Explain It Simply: Now, explain the concept in your own words, as if teaching it to someone with no prior knowledge. Focus on breaking it down into simple, easy-to-understand language. If you find yourself using jargon or complex terms, this shows areas where your understanding may be shaky.
Identify Gaps in Your Understanding: As you write, you may notice sections where you struggle to explain clearly or stumble over certain parts. These are the gaps in your knowledge. Go back to your study materials, review the concept, and fill in these gaps.
Simplify and Refine: Repeat the process until you can explain the topic clearly and concisely without referring to your notes. Use analogies or examples to make the explanation even more accessible.
Why the Feynman Technique Works:
This study strategy forces you to engage deeply with the material, transforming passive reading into active learning. By attempting to teach the concept, you’re pushing yourself to think critically about the information, uncovering any weak spots in your understanding. It’s a great way to ensure that you actually grasp the material, making it easier to remember and apply during exams.
Bonus Tip: Supercharge Your Learning with the Feynman Technique
To get even more out of this study hack, try recording yourself explaining the concept. Play it back to see if it’s clear, concise, and understandable. You could also practice explaining the topic to a friend or study partner, who can ask questions to challenge your understanding further.
By incorporating the Feynman Technique into your study strategies, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of even the most challenging topics, boosting your confidence and exam performance!
Technique 2: Interleaved Practice
If you’ve been sticking to one subject or topic during your study sessions, it’s time to shake things up with interleaved practice! This study technique involves mixing different topics or subjects within a single study session instead of focusing on just one. Unlike traditional “block studying,” where you concentrate on a single subject for an extended period, interleaved practice helps your brain differentiate between concepts, making it easier to remember and apply them later.
How to Use Interleaved Practice:
Choose Multiple Topics or Subjects: Begin by selecting 2-4 different subjects or topics you need to study. Make sure they’re different enough to provide variety but still related to your overall learning goals.
Create a Rotating Schedule: Divide your study time into shorter intervals (e.g., 20-30 minutes) and assign each interval to a different topic or subject. For example:
0:00-0:30: Review biology notes on cell structure.
0:30-1:00: Practice calculus problems focusing on integration.
1:00-1:30: Read a chapter of history about the Renaissance period.
1:30-2:00: Complete English literature analysis on a selected poem.
Repeat and Rotate: Continue rotating through these topics for the duration of your study session. This variety forces your brain to constantly switch gears, enhancing your ability to recall and apply information in different contexts.
Why Interleaved Practice Works:
Interleaved practice is a practical study strategy because it mimics the real-world application of knowledge, where different concepts and skills are often used together rather than in isolation. This study hack challenges your brain to make connections between different subjects, boosting memory retention and comprehension. Plus, switching topics keeps things fresh and prevents burnout, making study sessions more engaging.
Bonus Tip: Make Interleaved Practice Even More Effective!
To get the most out of interleaved practice, start with topics that are more challenging or less familiar to you, then move on to those you find easier. This approach helps build confidence and maintains a sense of progress throughout your study session.
Want to make interleaved practice even easier? Use our specially designed study planner, which includes templates for interleaved practice sessions, ensuring you get the most out of every minute!
Technique 3: Memory Palace (Method of Loci)
Step into the world of the Memory Palace—a powerful and creative study technique that transforms your mind into an extraordinary tool for recall! Also known as the Method of Loci, this study strategy involves visualizing information in a familiar location, like your home, to create mental “rooms” that store the details you need to remember. This ancient technique, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, has been used by memory champions and scholars to retain massive amounts of information.
How to Use the Memory Palace Technique:
Choose Your Palace: Start by selecting a place you know well—your home, a childhood neighbourhood, or even a favourite route you walk regularly. The key is to pick a location where you can easily visualize every corner, room, and detail.
Identify Key Points: Break down the information you need to remember into key points or chunks. These could be formulas, definitions, dates, or any piece of knowledge you want to commit to memory.
Place Information Along a Path: Visualize yourself walking through your chosen location. As you move through each room or area, “place” one piece of information at a specific spot. For example, imagine your living room. As you enter, you might place a historical date on the coffee table, a math formula on the sofa, and a vocabulary word on the bookshelf. Make the images as vivid and memorable as possible—add colours, sounds, or even emotions to make them stand out.
Practice Walking Through Your Memory Palace: Once you’ve placed all the pieces of information, mentally “walk” through your memory palace to reinforce the associations. As you move from room to room, recall each piece of information you’ve placed along the way. The more you practice, the easier it will be to remember the details.
Why the Memory Palace Works:
This study technique taps into your brain’s natural spatial memory, which is incredibly powerful. By linking information to familiar locations, you create strong mental associations, making it much easier to retrieve the information when you need it. It’s an excellent study hack for memorizing lists, sequences, and complex data that might otherwise be hard to remember.
Bonus Tip: Make Your Memory Palace Even More Effective!
Don’t be afraid to get creative! The more bizarre and vivid the mental images you create, the better. Imagine oversized objects, unusual colours, or even outrageous scenarios happening in your familiar location. These quirks make the information even more memorable, ensuring it sticks in your mind longer.
Technique 4: Cornell Note-Taking System with a Twist
The Cornell Note-Taking System is a tried-and-true method for organizing notes, but it doesn’t have to be all black and white! By adding colour-coding, doodles, and mind maps, you can transform this classic study technique into a vibrant and engaging study tool. This twist not only makes your notes more visually appealing but also helps enhance memory retention and recall by tapping into your brain’s natural preference for images and colour.
How to Use the Cornell Note-Taking System with a Creative Twist:
Set Up Your Page: Start by dividing your paper into three sections, just like the traditional Cornell method:
Cue Column (Left): Leave a margin of about 2.5 inches on the left side. This is where you’ll jot down keywords, questions, or cues.
Note-Taking Area (Right): Use the larger right-hand section for the main notes during lectures or reading sessions.
Summary Section (Bottom): Dedicate the bottom section (about 2 inches) to summarize the key points after the session.
Add Color-Coding: Use different colours to highlight keywords, important concepts, or topics. Assign specific colours for various themes (e.g., blue for definitions, red for critical points, and green for examples). This not only makes your notes pop but also creates visual connections that help with memory recall.
Integrate Doodles and Mind Maps: While taking notes, add small doodles, icons, or sketches that represent the concepts you’re learning. For example, draw a lightbulb next to new ideas or a magnifying glass for terms that need further research. In the summary section, create a mini mind map that visually links the main points from your notes, reinforcing the connections between different ideas.
Use Different Fonts or Writing Styles: Play with bold, italics, or underlined text to emphasize important points. This variation in text style helps draw attention to critical information and makes it easier to scan your notes later.
Why the Cornell Note-Taking System with a Twist Works:
By adding visual elements like colours, doodles, and mind maps, this study strategy leverages dual coding—the combination of verbal and visual information—which is proven to improve memory retention. This creative spin not only makes note-taking more enjoyable but also transforms your notes into an active study tool that’s easy to review.
Bonus Tip: Supercharge Your Cornell Notes with Digital Tools!
Consider using digital note-taking apps like Notability or GoodNotes, which allow you to add colours, images, and diagrams easily. These tools can make it even simpler to keep your notes organized, searchable, and accessible from anywhere.
Ready to add some flair to your notes? Check out our favourite stationery, like colourful highlighters, fine-liner pens, and notebooks perfect for the Cornell system.
Technique 5: Pomodoro with a Purpose
The Pomodoro Technique is a popular study strategy that involves working in focused bursts of 25 minutes, followed by short breaks. But let’s kick it up a notch and add a twist! Instead of using the standard Pomodoro session for general studying, give each session a specific purpose. This study technique, Pomodoro with a Purpose, encourages you to set mini-goals for each 25-minute block, such as mastering a single concept, completing a quiz, or reviewing a particular section of notes. By giving each session a clear objective, you boost productivity and keep your study sessions laser-focused.
How to Use Pomodoro with a Purpose:
Define Your Mini-Goals: Start by identifying specific mini-goals for each Pomodoro session. Break down your study material into bite-sized tasks that can be realistically accomplished in 25 minutes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
First Pomodoro: Review and summarize one chapter of your textbook.
Second Pomodoro: Complete a practice quiz on the topic you just reviewed.
Third Pomodoro: Create a mind map or diagram to visualize key concepts.
Fourth Pomodoro: Use flashcards to test your knowledge of the material.
Create a Pomodoro Plan: Map out your study session by scheduling 4-5 Pomodoros, each with its own unique mini-goal. This plan helps you stay organized, maintain momentum, and make the most of every minute. You can use the Pomodoro Planner template in our free Study Planner.
Track Your Progress: Use a productivity app or a simple timer to keep track of each Pomodoro. As you complete each session, take a short break (5 minutes) to recharge, then move on to the next mini-goal. After completing 4 Pomodoros, reward yourself with a longer break (15-30 minutes) to relax and reset.
Why Pomodoro with a Purpose Works:
Focusing on specific mini-goals within each Pomodoro session transforms the way you study. This study hack not only maximizes productivity but also makes your sessions more dynamic and engaging. By constantly shifting focus and achieving small wins throughout your study time, you stay motivated and avoid burnout. Plus, having a clear objective for each Pomodoro ensures that every minute is used effectively.
Bonus Tip: Optimize Your Pomodoro Sessions for Maximum Impact!
To make your Pomodoro sessions even more effective, vary the types of tasks you set as mini-goals. For example, mix reading with active recall exercises like quizzes or flashcards or alternate between written tasks and visual activities like drawing diagrams. This variation keeps your mind sharp and engaged.
Ready to put Pomodoro with a Purpose into action? Check out our guided Pomodoro Study Sessions that come with built-in Pomodoro timers to help you track your mini-goals and progress.
Technique 6: Dual Coding
Ever feel like your notes are missing that extra spark? Enter Dual Coding, a powerful study technique that combines verbal and visual information to enhance memory and understanding. By pairing words with images, diagrams, or other visual elements, you engage both sides of your brain, creating a more dynamic learning experience. This study strategy has been shown to boost comprehension, retention, and recall, making it a must-try for any student looking to up their study game!
How to Use Dual Coding:
Create Mind Maps: Start by transforming your notes into a mind map. Begin with a central concept in the middle of the page, then branch out with subtopics and supporting details. Use different colours, symbols, and drawings to represent each idea, making connections between them visually clear.
Draw Diagrams or Infographics: When studying processes, cycles, or complex ideas, create diagrams or infographics alongside your written notes. For example, if you’re learning about the water cycle, draw a simple diagram showing evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, with brief explanations next to each step. Visualizing the process helps your brain encode the information more deeply.
Integrate Visuals with Notes: As you take notes, add simple sketches, doodles, or symbols next to key points. For example, draw a small magnifying glass next to a term that needs further research, or use arrows to show cause-and-effect relationships. You can also use colour-coded highlighters to categorize information or emphasize important points, creating a visual hierarchy that helps you prioritize what’s most important.
Why Dual Coding Works:
This study technique works by leveraging your brain’s natural preference for images. When you combine verbal and visual information, you create two different pathways for storing the same information, making it easier to retrieve later. It’s a fantastic study hack for visual learners, but it can also benefit anyone looking to improve their memory and comprehension.
Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Dual Coding Game!
To make the most of Dual Coding, mix and match different types of visuals. Try combining mind maps with infographics or diagrams with color-coded notes. This variety will keep your study sessions fresh and help you make multiple connections to the material, strengthening your overall understanding.
Technique 7: Spaced Repetition with Digital Tools
Do you ever feel like you’re cramming information just to forget it the next day? It’s time to try Spaced Repetition, a study technique designed to help you remember information for the long haul. By reviewing material at increasing intervals over time, you reinforce memory and retain what you’ve learned more effectively. This study strategy is perfect for committing facts, vocabulary, or key concepts to long-term memory. And the best part? You don’t have to do it all on your own—there are digital tools that make spaced repetition a breeze!
How to Use Spaced Repetition with Digital Tools:
Choose Your App: Start by selecting an app that uses spaced repetition algorithms, like Anki or Quizlet. These apps are designed to track your progress and remind you when it’s time to review material. They optimize the timing of each review session based on how well you remember the content, ensuring that you revisit it just before you’re likely to forget.
Create or Import Flashcards: Use the app to create digital flashcards for the material you need to study. Break down complex topics into smaller chunks that are easy to review. You can also import pre-made flashcard sets available on the app, which saves time and effort, especially for common subjects like languages or science.
Review at the Recommended Intervals: Follow the app’s prompts to review your flashcards at increasing intervals. Start with frequent reviews (e.g., daily or every other day), then gradually space out the sessions as you become more confident with the material. This process helps strengthen neural pathways and move information from short-term to long-term memory.
Why Spaced Repetition with Digital Tools Works:
Spaced repetition takes advantage of the brain’s natural forgetting curve by scheduling reviews at just the right time to combat forgetting. Using digital tools automates this process, so you don’t have to worry about remembering when to study what. These apps use advanced algorithms to customize the review schedule based on your performance, maximizing your learning efficiency and helping you retain information longer.
Bonus Tip: Make the Most Out of Your Spaced Repetition Sessions!
Try to mix different types of flashcards, such as text, images, or audio, to engage multiple senses and create stronger memory connections. Also, regularly update your flashcards with new information or tweak them to match your current understanding.
Technique 8: The Leitner System
The Leitner System is a powerful flashcard study technique that helps you focus on what you don’t know rather than wasting time on what you already do. Created by German scientist Sebastian Leitner, this study strategy organizes flashcards into groups based on your confidence level. It’s an efficient way to use your study time by dedicating more focus to areas that need improvement while reinforcing what you already know. Plus, it adds a bit of gamification to your study sessions—perfect for keeping things interesting!
How to Use the Leitner System:
Create Your Leitner Box: To start, you’ll need to set up a Leitner box with multiple compartments or sections. You can divide a simple shoebox into 3-5 sections or buy a pre-made Leitner box. Label each section from “Most Difficult” to “Mastered,” or number them from 1 to 5.
Sort Your Flashcards: Create or gather a set of flashcards for the material you want to learn. Place all the flashcards in the first section of your Leitner box, labelled “Most Difficult.” As you study, pull out each card and try to recall the answer. If you answer correctly, move the card to the next section (e.g., Section 2). If you answer incorrectly, keep it in Section 1.
Review Based on Difficulty: The key to the Leitner System is frequency. Cards in Section 1 (Most Difficult) should be reviewed daily, Section 2 every two days, Section 3 once a week, and so on. The better you know the material, the less often you need to review it. This ensures that you spend most of your time on the cards you find challenging while occasionally reinforcing the information you’ve already mastered.
Why the Leitner System Works:
This study technique is a type of spaced repetition but with a twist—it adds a focus on the difficulty level. By spending more time on the concepts you find tricky and less time on the easy ones, you use your study time more efficiently and reinforce knowledge where it’s needed most. It’s a great study hack for anyone who wants to improve recall while keeping their study sessions productive and balanced.
Bonus Tip: Customize Your Leitner Box for Maximum Impact!
Use colour-coded cards to categorize different subjects or topics. You can also add pictures or diagrams on one side for visual learning. This not only makes the study process more engaging but also helps create stronger memory connections.
Technique 9: Reverse Engineering Test Questions
Ever wondered what goes through your professor’s mind when they write exam questions? With Reverse Engineering Test Questions, you can channel your inner teacher and create potential test questions as a study exercise. This technique helps you think critically about the material, identify key concepts, and better understand how to apply what you’ve learned. By designing your own questions and answers, you reinforce your understanding and gain insight into what might appear on the exam.
How to Use Reverse Engineering to Create Test Questions:
Identify Key Concepts: Start by reviewing your notes, textbooks, or any course materials to pinpoint the most important concepts, terms, or theories. Make a list of these topics, focusing on those that are frequently mentioned in lectures or assigned readings—these are likely candidates for test questions.
Create Different Types of Questions: Use a mix of question types to cover the material from multiple angles:
Multiple Choice: Write a question with one correct answer and 3-4 plausible distractors. For example, “What is the primary function of the mitochondria?” followed by choices like “A) Protein synthesis, B) Energy production, C) DNA replication, D) Cell division.”
Short Answer: Ask for a brief explanation or definition, such as “Define homeostasis and provide an example.”
Essay Questions: Develop prompts that require more in-depth responses, like “Explain the role of enzymes in digestion and how they affect metabolic processes.”
Fill-in-the-Blank or True/False: These can be quick questions that test specific facts or details. For example, “True or False: The heart has four chambers.”
Answer and Reflect: After creating your questions, write out the correct answers and explain why each answer is correct. This step ensures that you understand the material deeply enough to explain it clearly and concisely. Review your questions periodically to test yourself, or swap with a study buddy for added practice!
Why Reverse Engineering Test Questions Works:
This study technique not only reinforces your knowledge of the subject matter but also helps you think like an examiner. You learn to anticipate the types of questions that could appear on the test and practice formulating clear, concise answers. It’s a great study strategy for building critical thinking skills and preparing you to tackle any question on exam day.
Bonus Tip: Collaborate for More Diverse Questions!
Form a study group and have each member create a set of questions based on different topics. Then, swap your questions and quiz each other. This will expose you to a wider range of possible questions and help you discover any gaps in your knowledge. Download our customizable worksheet template for creating practice questions! Whether you’re studying alone or in a group, this template will guide you in crafting multiple types of exam questions tailored to your course content. Make your test prep sessions even more effective with our step-by-step framework!
Technique 10: Mindful Study Breaks
Feeling overwhelmed or unfocused during long study sessions? It might be time to rethink how you spend your breaks. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or grabbing another cup of coffee, try incorporating mindfulness techniques into your study breaks. This study strategy helps you recharge, reduce stress, and maintain better focus throughout your session. By practicing mindfulness, you’re not only giving your brain a break but also resetting your mental state for maximum productivity.
How to Use Mindful Study Breaks:
Deep Breathing Exercises: One of the simplest ways to practice mindfulness is through deep breathing. Try the “4-7-8” method: breathe in deeply for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly for 8 seconds. Repeat this cycle a few times during your study breaks to calm your nervous system and improve concentration.
Short Meditation Sessions: Use a mindfulness app or timer to guide you through a 5-10 minute meditation session. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus on your breath or a calming mantra. This practice can help clear your mind of distractions, allowing you to return to your study session with a fresh perspective.
Mindful Walking: If sitting still isn’t your thing, try a short, mindful walk. Step outside or walk around your home, paying attention to each step and the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Focus on your surroundings—the sights, sounds, and smells—without judgment. This practice grounds you in the present moment, reducing stress and increasing mental clarity.
Why Mindful Study Breaks Work:
Mindful study breaks help regulate your stress levels and prevent burnout, which is especially important during intense study sessions. Studies have shown that incorporating mindfulness techniques can improve focus, memory, and emotional well-being. By pausing for a mindful break, you’re more likely to return to your studies refreshed, re-energized, and ready to tackle challenging material.
Bonus Tip: Customize Your Mindful Breaks!
Try different mindfulness activities to see what works best for you. Some people prefer guided meditation, while others benefit from journaling or mindful stretching. Keep a list of your favourite mindfulness exercises and rotate through them to keep your breaks varied and effective.
Your Next Steps to Smarter Studying
Let’s be real—studying doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending uphill climb. By mixing up your strategies and trying out these unique techniques, you can make your study sessions more effective, enjoyable, and even a little fun! Remember, it’s not about finding one magic solution but creating a study routine that fits you. Whether you’re testing out the Pomodoro with a Purpose or diving into the world of Dual Coding, each small step is a win toward mastering your material.
And hey, you don’t have to figure this all out alone! I’ve been where you are—feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, and wondering how to make this whole “studying” thing work for me. That’s why I created a free Study Planner and Activity Tracker—to help you map out your journey, keep track of what’s working, and get the most out of your study time. It’s got all the tools and templates you need to start building your perfect study plan today.
So go ahead, download the planner, and take that first step towards a more organized, focused, and successful study routine. You’ve got this, and I’m right here cheering you on!
Download Your Free Study Planner and Activity Tracker Here and start making your study time work for you!
I would like to be transparent so that there are no misunderstandings. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any products linked in this post. This is not a sponsored post, and I was not asked to recommend these products. These are products that I genuinely love and want to share with my audience.