Methods for learning quickly and remembering for a long time: 11 ways to get high scores on exams.

Are you about to take an important exam or want to improve your grades at school? Everyone says you should "study hard," but how do you study effectively? Studying isn't just about burying yourself in books – it's about knowing how to turn studying into a smart process that helps your brain remember longer and saves you time.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, I understand that not all students have the right learning methods. Many learn by rote, forget what they've learned quickly, or become increasingly stressed the more they study. The good news is that by applying scientific learning techniques, you can absolutely improve your memorization, build confidence, and achieve high scores in exams.

In this article, I will share a method for studying quickly and remembering information for a long time , easily applicable at home , based on advice from tutoring experts and practical experience from generations of students.

Let's explore and apply these methods to make learning easier, more enjoyable – and most importantly, to help you achieve the high grades you desire .

3 secrets to studying quickly and remembering for a long time to get high scores on exams.

• Create a clear study plan.
  Divide your study time into short, goal-oriented sessions. When you study according to a schedule, your brain will retain information better and won't become overwhelmed.

• Eliminate distractions.
  When studying, turn off your phone, put the TV and social media aside. A quiet, focused environment will help you absorb information faster and remember it longer.

• Study with friends or in a study group.
  Having study partners will provide motivation, help you understand the material more deeply through discussion, and turn studying into a less stressful and more enjoyable experience.

Method 1: Organize your study time scientifically to remember things better.

• Create a weekly schedule
  Allocate a fixed amount of time each day for studying, even if it's just 30 minutes, but consistently, it's more effective than cramming. Persistence and consistency are more important than the number of hours spent.

• Break down the lesson into smaller parts.
  Don't try to cram the entire chapter into one session. Study it section by section, focusing on the main points so your brain can easily absorb and remember them.

• Identify priorities
  Treat studying as a "full-time job." Complete the important subjects or modules first, then schedule other activities.

• Use a calendar or time management app.
  Write down your study plan and important milestones to avoid forgetting. A calendar or reminder app will help you better control your progress and reduce stress while studying for exams.

Method 2: Create a comfortable and focused learning environment.

• Choose a quiet place to study.
  A quiet, private corner will help you concentrate better. You can choose a spacious desk to arrange your books and notebooks, or a comfortable chair for extended study sessions.

• Avoid studying in bed.
  Beds are only for sleeping. If you bring books to bed, you'll easily get sleepy and find it difficult to absorb information.

• Comfortable clothing
  Wearing light, breathable clothing will help you sit and study for longer periods without feeling uncomfortable or losing focus.

• Keep it tidy.
  A tidy study desk will help your brain "breathe" more easily and save time when searching for materials.

Method 3: Minimize distractions while studying.

• Turn off your phone and TV.
  Constant ringing or notifications can divide your brain's attention. To study effectively, turn off or leave the device in another room.

• Use a social media blocking app.
  If you need to study on a computer/phone, install an app to block Facebook, TikTok, etc., during class time. Some popular apps include StayFocused and Cold Turkey .

• Relieve your worries and anxieties.
  If you have a lot on your mind, quickly jot it down on paper or make a note to clear your head. Afterward, you'll find it easier to focus entirely on the lesson.

Method 4: Smart note-taking for faster learning and longer retention.

• Focus on taking notes of the main points.
  Don't just copy from the textbook; write down what your teachers emphasize. This is often a crucial part of the exam.

• Use symbols and abbreviations.
  Writing concisely saves time and helps you keep up with the lecture.

• Ask a question
  If you don't understand something, ask directly in class or take notes to learn more about it later.

• Review and practice after class.
  At home, reread your notes, adding details from memory or other sources to turn them into your own "personal summary."

Method 5: Applying knowledge to real life.

• Transforming theory into experience
  Simply reading books isn't enough to retain information for the long term. Find ways to apply it immediately: discuss it with friends, connect the knowledge to real-life situations.

• Find real-world examples.

  • Learn about photosynthesis → try growing a small potted plant.

  • Learn about chemical reactions → conduct simple experiments at home.

• Exchange and share
  Explaining the lesson to others is also a way to help you understand it more deeply and remember it for longer.

Method 6: Apply smart learning techniques to remember things longer.

• Learn smart, instead of learning by rote.
  Instead of trying to cram, choose a learning method that suits you to save time while still retaining information effectively.

• Some effective learning techniques

  • Create your own story or example to make it easier to remember.

  • Summarize the knowledge on a single piece of paper.

  • Use highlighters to mark keywords, dates, and important formulas.

  • Rewrite the content in your own words.

  • Create flashcards for quick practice.

  • Use mind maps to systematize your knowledge.

  • Break the lesson down into small parts and study them little by little.

  • When encountering a new concept, pause to memorize it immediately.

  • Choose one keyword to act as a "switch" to help you get back on track when you lose focus.

  • Apply the SQ3R method: skim – ask questions – read carefully – repeat – review.

• Advice from the teacher
  Review the foundational knowledge before moving on to advanced topics. If you're unsure about anything, ask your teacher or take a short quiz to identify your weaknesses, then practice with a clear goal in mind.

Method 7: Take proper breaks to help your brain remember better.

• Don't study continuously for too long.
  After every 25–30 minutes of studying, take a 5-minute break to allow your brain to "recharge."

• Engage in light activities during breaks.
  You can take a walk, get a drink, have a quick chat with friends, or relax your eyes.

• The benefits of taking short breaks.
  It helps to keep the mind alert, reduce stress, and help knowledge be stored in memory for longer.

Method 8: Study in groups to create motivation and remember better.

• Find a study partner.
  Having study partners will help you become more responsible and maintain a good study routine.

• Sharing and exchanging knowledge
  Each person brings their own notebook, and they can ask questions, solve exercises, or discuss together. This method is both effective for learning and entertainment.

• Turn the lesson into a game.
  You can organize a short quiz using Kahoot or a question-and-answer game to make studying fun and stress-free.

• Choose the appropriate group
  Studying with peers who have similar skill levels and goals will lead to more effective communication and prevent mismatches.

Method 9: Get enough sleep to study effectively and remember things longer.

• Sleep is just as important as studying.
  While you sleep, your brain processes and stores information. Getting enough sleep helps you concentrate better and perform more effectively on exams.

• Avoid staying up late studying intensely.
  Studying all night can easily lead to fatigue, reduced memory retention, and negatively impact exam results.

• Take short naps if you're sleep-deprived.
  If being busy means you're not getting enough sleep, take a 15-30 minute nap before studying to regain your energy.

Tip 10: Eat smart snacks to maintain focus while studying.

• Choose foods that are good for your brain.
  Instead of sugary sweets, eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, or dark chocolate to maintain stable energy levels.

• Prepare some snacks in advance.
  Having healthy snacks readily available will save you time searching for food while studying.

• Expert advice
  If you have a sweet tooth, you can choose chocolate-covered almonds – they're both delicious and nutritious.

• Don't forget to drink water.
  Staying hydrated will help you stay alert and focused throughout your study session.

Method 11: Choose suitable background music to increase concentration.

• Music can help you learn better.
  Some students prefer quiet, but many find that listening to soft music helps them concentrate and stay motivated to study.

• Prioritize instrumental music or nature sounds.
  Gentle, lyrical melodies will minimize distractions and help you maintain focus.

• Adjust the volume to a moderate level.
  Music that's too loud can be distracting; keep it at a gentle, low volume.

• Expert advice
  Many tutors recommend listening to Mozart or other music that helps you relax.

Some tips for studying quickly and confidently before the test day.

• Review the material in the morning before the exam.
  Quickly review the summary or outline to reinforce your memory and boost your confidence.

• Try the Pomodoro method.
  Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-15 minute break, repeat 4 times, then take a longer break. This helps maintain focus for an extended period.

• Reviewing important information
  Record formulas, definitions, or notes and listen to them on your way to school.

• Some other helpful tips from students.

  • Don't expect to understand everything right away; learn at your own pace.

  • Take a shower or wash your face before studying to refresh your mind.

  • Chew mint gum while studying and use the same flavor during the exam to activate your memory.

  • Read aloud or explain the lesson to yourself to remember it better.

  • If it's too difficult, consider studying with an online tutor or forming a study group.

References

1. https://cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/howtostudy.html
   
2. https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/study-space/10-tips-on-how-to-study-effectively
3. https://www.kent.edu/community/what-experiential-learning-and-why-it-important

Translated by: Lesley Collins Tran .