The Study Myths That Are Holding You Back

Let’s start with a wake-up call: the two most popular study habits—rereading and highlighting—are among the least effective.

Why?

These methods give you the illusion of learning. They’re like watching someone else ride a bike and thinking you’ve mastered it. Sure, you feel familiar with the material, but familiarity is not the same as mastery. Highlighting and rereading trick your brain into thinking you’ve done the work when, in reality, the knowledge hasn’t sunk in.

Instead, the secret lies in active engagement—strategies that challenge your brain to do the heavy lifting.

1. Retrieval Practice: Pull, Don’t Push

Think of your brain as a muscle. To grow stronger, you need to challenge it, not coddle it. That’s where retrieval practice comes in. Instead of passively absorbing information, you actively pull it out of your memory.

The Science:

In a 1917 study, students who spent time recalling what they’d learned—rather than just rereading it—outperformed their peers. This finding has been replicated in hundreds of experiments since.

Retrieval practice works because it forces your brain to grapple with information, creating stronger neural pathways. Even if you don’t know the answer, the act of trying preps your brain to learn it better later.

Real-World Example:

Flashcards are a simple but powerful tool for retrieval practice. Test yourself on what you know. Struggle. Fail. Repeat. You’ll remember more in the long run—and retain it for months, or even years.

2. Spaced Practice: The Antidote to Cramming

Imagine planting a garden. Would you water it once, then expect it to thrive forever? Of course not. Learning works the same way: it needs regular attention over time.

The Science:

Known as the spacing effect, this phenomenon shows that distributing study sessions over days or weeks leads to far better retention than cramming everything into one sitting. One study found that students who spaced their math practice over three days scored twice as high as those who crammed in a single day.

Real-World Example:

Use spaced repetition apps like Anki to schedule reviews at scientifically optimized intervals. The key? The longer you want to remember something, the farther apart your study sessions should be.

3. Interleaving: Spice It Up

Ever noticed how great chefs don’t stick to just one ingredient? The same applies to learning. Mixing topics—known as interleaving—might feel chaotic at first, but it dramatically improves your understanding and adaptability.

The Science:

In one study, students learning geometry either practiced problems by type (blocked practice) or mixed them up (interleaving). The interleaved group performed worse during practice but far better on the test, improving retention and problem-solving skills.

Real-World Example:

Instead of dedicating an entire study session to one subject, alternate between topics. For instance, spend 20 minutes on history, then switch to math, then back to history. Your brain will thank you.

4. Elaborative Interrogation: The Power of Curiosity

Remember when you were a kid, constantly asking “Why?” It turns out that childlike curiosity is one of the most powerful learning tools.

The Science:

Asking “how” and “why” questions helps you connect new information to what you already know, creating a rich web of understanding. This technique, called elaborative interrogation, turns passive reading into an active dialogue with your brain.

Real-World Example:

When studying, don’t just accept facts at face value. Ask yourself:

• Why does this work the way it does?
• How does this concept fit into the bigger picture?

By doing this, you’ll create deeper connections that make the material stick.

Why These Techniques Work (and Feel Hard)

Here’s the catch: these strategies aren’t as “easy” as rereading or highlighting. They require effort. But that’s the point. This effort—what scientists call “desirable difficulty”—is what cements knowledge into your brain.

A Game Plan to Transform Your Learning

1. Stop highlighting and rereading. Let those methods go. Today.
2. Start small. Choose one technique—like retrieval practice—and test it for a week.
3. Combine for maximum impact. Use spaced practice to schedule your retrieval sessions. Add interleaving for variety. Ask “why” as you go.
4. Use tools. Apps like Anki or Quizlet make retrieval and spaced practice easier. A study calendar can help you plan interleaved sessions.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Brain’s Potential

Learning isn’t just about cramming facts. It’s about building a foundation that can withstand the test of time. By shifting to these evidence-based methods, you can go beyond superficial understanding and unlock your true potential.

Your Challenge: Try one of these techniques today. Whether it’s testing yourself with flashcards, spacing out your study sessions, or mixing up topics, take the first step toward smarter learning. The science is clear: the way you study can transform your future.

Now, the question isn’t if you’ll become a better learner—it’s when. Will you start now? Or will you let another day slip by? The choice is yours.