5 Proven Study Methods That Actually Work — and Tools That Help You Master Them
Let’s be real: studying can feel like a full-time job (without the paycheck). You spend hours reading, highlighting, and taking notes, but somehow, half of it vanishes from your brain the next day.
The problem isn’t you — it’s your study strategy. Research shows that some study methods are far more effective than others, helping you remember more in less time.
So today, I’m breaking down the 5 Best Study Methods that actually work (backed by science!) and pairing each one with student-friendly tools to make them even easier. Whether you’re cramming for finals, prepping for a quiz, or just trying to keep your GPA up without burning out, this guide is for you.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly believe will help you study smarter.
1. Active Recall — Test Yourself, Don’t Just Read
What it is:
Instead of passively reading your notes, you actively pull information from your memory. Think quizzes, flashcards, or explaining the concept to a friend.
Why it works:
Your brain gets stronger at retrieving information the more you practice it, making it way easier to remember during exams.
How to use Active Recall:
- Read your material once, then close it.
- Write down or speak out what you remember.
- Use flashcards to quiz yourself regularly.
Best tools for Active Recall:
- Anki – Free flashcard app with spaced repetition.
- Quizlet – Fun study games and quizzes.
📌 Tool I Personally Recommend for This Method — Digital Paper Tablet
Best for: Students who want distraction-free note-taking
Price Range: $250–$350
Benefits:
- Feels like writing on paper
- Syncs your notes to cloud storage
- Slim and lightweight for on-the-go studying
If you want to pair Active Recall with minimal distractions, the ReMarkable 2 lets you write, draw, and review notes anywhere without social media temptations. It’s perfect for rewriting notes and testing yourself.
2. The Pomodoro Technique — Study Without the Burnout
What it is:
Short, focused work intervals (25 minutes) with 5-minute breaks. After four rounds, take a longer break.
Why it works:
It keeps you focused and prevents mental fatigue.
How to use Pomodoro:
- Pick one task.
- Set a 25-min timer.
- Study until it rings.
- Take a 5-min break.
- Repeat and enjoy guilt-free Netflix later.
Best tools for Pomodoro:
- Forest App – Grow a virtual tree as you study.
- Focus To-Do – Timer + task list in one.
📌 My Favorite Study Helper for Pomodoro Sessions — Visual Study Timer
Best for: Students who want a simple, no-app solution
Price Range: $20–$40
Benefits:
- No phone needed (reduces distractions)
- Large, easy-to-read display
- Adjustable intervals for flexibility
For Pomodoro lovers, the TimeCube Visual Timer makes it easy to stick to focused sessions without pulling out your phone. Just flip it and start studying.
3. Spaced Repetition — Learn Once, Remember Forever
What it is:
Reviewing information at set intervals (1 day, 3 days, 1 week…) so it moves from short-term to long-term memory.
Why it works:
It beats the “forgetting curve” and ensures you remember important info months later.
How to use Spaced Repetition:
- Review new material within 24 hours.
- Review again after 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks.
- Keep cycling old material into your review schedule.
Best tools for Spaced Repetition:
- Anki – Automates the schedule for you.
- Memrise – Great for vocabulary and languages.
📌 Game-Changer for Spaced Repetition — Smart Notebook
Best for: Students who love handwriting but want digital backup
Price Range: $25–$40
Benefits:
- Erasable pages for reuse
- Scan notes directly to cloud storage
- Eco-friendly and cost-effective
The Rocketbook Smart Notebook is perfect for combining handwritten notes with Spaced Repetition. Take notes, scan them to your phone, and schedule your review dates.
4. Interleaving — Mix Subjects for Maximum Learning
What it is:
Switching between topics or types of problems in a single study session.
Why it works:
Forces your brain to think critically and adapt quickly, leading to better mastery.
How to use Interleaving:
- Mix math problems, reading comprehension, and essay writing in one session.
- Rotate between subjects every 30–45 minutes.
Best tools for Interleaving:
- Notion – Plan sessions with different topics.
- Google Keep – Quick reminders and task lists.
📌 Planner I Swear By for Interleaving — Color-Coded Study Planner
Best for: Visual learners who like organized study sessions
Price Range: $10–$25
Benefits:
- Monthly + weekly views
- Color-coded stickers for subjects
- Lightweight and portable
Keep your Interleaving sessions organized with a Color-Coded Study Planner. Each subject gets its own color so you can visually track variety.
5. The Feynman Technique — Learn by Teaching
What it is:
Explain a concept in simple terms, as if to a beginner.
Why it works:
Teaching reveals gaps in your knowledge and forces you to simplify complex ideas.
How to use the Feynman Technique:
- Choose a topic.
- Write out an explanation in simple words.
- Identify gaps and review.
- Simplify again.
Best tools for the Feynman Technique:
- Google Docs – Write and edit explanations.
- Whiteboards – Practice teaching visually.
📌 Perfect for Feynman Technique Practice — Mini Whiteboard
Best for: Students who learn best by visualizing
Price Range: $15–$30
Benefits:
- Reusable for quick diagrams
- Lightweight for desk or lap use
- Great for group study or solo review
Use a Mini Whiteboard to “teach” yourself concepts daily. Writing and drawing your explanations makes them stick better than reading alone.
If you’re interested in checking out these products, here’s a quick comparison table for your ease:
Product Comparison Table
| Name | Best For | Price | Quick Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReMarkable 2 | Distraction-free note-taking | $250–$350 | Paper feel, cloud sync, slim design |
| TimeCube Visual Timer | Pomodoro sessions | $20–$40 | No phone needed, simple to use |
| Rocketbook Smart Notebook | Digital + handwritten notes | $25–$60 | Reusable, eco-friendly, cloud storage |
| Color-Coded Study Planner | Interleaving study sessions | $10–$25 | Organized, color-coded, portable |
| Mini Whiteboard | Feynman teaching method | $15–$30 | Visual learning, reusable, portable |
These 5 Proven Study Methods aren’t just tips — they’re habits that can transform your academic life. Start small, try one today, and build from there.
📌 Pin this post so you can revisit it before your next exam week.
🛒 Check out the study tools linked above — they’ll make each method easier (and more fun!).
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