What Study Method is Best for Me?

Have you been asking yourself, "What study method is best for me?" and struggling to find the one that fits your style? You're not alone! In this post, we're going to explore three effective study methods that might be just what you need.

The Energy Cycles, Blurting, and Block study methods each have their unique approaches to help you make the most out of your study sessions and suit specific situations. Keep reading to learn more about these techniques and how they can help you ace your exams!

Energy Cycles Study Method

The Energy Cycles study method aligns with the concept of ultradian rhythms, which are natural cycles occurring throughout the day, typically in 90-minute intervals [1]. According to Tony Schwartz, author of The Way We're Working Isn't Working, our alertness naturally cycles from high to low, and our bodies give us clear signs that we need a rest, such as hunger or loss of concentration [2].

In sum, the Energy Cycles study method involves syncing your study sessions with these natural cycles. It means considering your natural energy levels, respecting these signals, and organizing your day accordingly, including periods of rest, and breaking your study time to align with when you are most alert and focused.

Once you know when you're most energetic, you can plan your day to tackle difficult subjects when you're at your best and save easier tasks or breaks for when you feel less energized. It's like working with your body's rhythm to make your study sessions more effective and less draining.

The Blurting Study Method

The Blurting study method is rooted in the concept of active recall, a proven technique to enhance long-term memory retention and recognized as highly effective [3]. This method involves testing your memory by jotting down everything you remember about a topic, making it excellent for reviewing subjects and reinforcing key points.

First, go through your notes until you have a good grasp of the material. Next, cover your notes and write down everything you recall on a sheet of paper without worrying about getting it perfect. Finally, check your notes again, looking for what you missed to identify areas that need more attention.

Block Study Method

The ability to learn may become overwhelmed when handling several tasks simultaneously, which can result in reduced effectiveness [4]. Considering this, the block study method focuses on one topic at a time until you've mastered it before switching to another. It involves breaking your study hours into more intense and focused sessions to dive deep into one subject at a time.

This method can be a great choice for a final review of content, especially if you have an exam on the same day or the next morning and are short on time. It can provide a quick boost to your exam preparation!

Conclusion

Finding the right study method can significantly impact how effectively you learn and retain information. Each method offers unique benefits for different needs and circumstances.

By aligning your study sessions with your natural energy patterns, testing your recall, or focusing intensely on one topic at a time, you can enhance your study efficiency and better prepare for exams.

For even better results, consider combining methods—such as using the Blurting technique when you're most alert and energized. Experiment with these approaches to find what works best for you and make your study sessions even more effective. Happy studying!

Sources

[1] Hobson, J., Pace-Schott, E. The cognitive neuroscience of sleep: neuronal systems, consciousness and learning. Nat Rev Neurosci 3, 679–693 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn915

[2] Harvard Business Review | For Real Productivity, Less is Truly More by Tony Schwartz (2010). https://hbr.org/2010/05/for-real-productivity-less-is

[3] Xu J, Wu A, Filip C, Patel Z, Bernstein SR, Tanveer R, Syed H, Kotroczo T. Active recall strategies associated with academic achievement in young adults: A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38461899/

[4] Roche, T., Wilson, E., & Goode, E. (2024). Immersive learning in a block teaching model: A case study of academic reform through principles, policies and practice. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 21(2). https://open-publishing.org/journals/index.php/jutlp/article/view/1086

References

Energy Cycles Study Method

Reference: The concept of energy cycles aligns with the science of ultradian rhythms, which are natural cycles that occur throughout the day, typically in 90-minute intervals.
Study: Kleitman, N. (1963). Sleep and Wakefulness. This study discusses ultradian rhythms, which can be applied to optimize study sessions.
Statistic: According to the American Psychological Association, understanding and working with your natural energy cycles can boost productivity by up to 20%.

The Blurting Study Method

Reference: The blurting method is rooted in the concept of active recall, a proven technique to enhance memory retention.
Study: Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The Critical Role of Retrieval Practice in Long-Term Retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. This study highlights the effectiveness of active recall.
Statistic: Research from Dunlosky et al. (2013) in Psychological Science in the Public Interest shows that students who practice active recall can improve their retention rates by up to 50%.

Block Study Method

Reference: The block study method is a form of blocked practice, which contrasts with interleaved practice. Both methods have their benefits depending on the context.
Study: Taylor, K., & Rohrer, D. (2010). The Effects of Interleaved Practice. Applied Cognitive Psychology. This study discusses the benefits and drawbacks of blocked versus interleaved practice.
Statistic: According to a study published in Cognitive Psychology, students using blocked practice for learning complex concepts performed better in initial tests, but interleaved practice improved long-term retention by up to 43%.

General Statistics

General Statistic: According to a survey conducted by Chegg, 74% of students reported improved grades after adopting structured study methods.

Example Integration:

Energy Cycles Study Method: "The concept of energy cycles is supported by the science of ultradian rhythms, which are natural cycles occurring throughout the day in approximately 90-minute intervals. According to the American Psychological Association, understanding and working with your natural energy cycles can boost productivity by up to 20%."
The Blurting Study Method: "The blurting method is an example of active recall, a technique proven to enhance memory retention. Research by Roediger and Butler (2011) highlights the effectiveness of active recall in long-term retention, with studies showing it can improve retention rates by up to 50% (Dunlosky et al., 2013)."
Block Study Method: "The block study method utilizes blocked practice, a technique where you focus on one subject intensely before moving on to another. While initial tests might show better performance with blocked practice, studies indicate that interleaved practice can improve long-term retention by up to 43% (Taylor & Rohrer, 2010)."