5 best study techniques to help kids retain more in less time
In fact, research from educational psychology and cognitive science shows that learning can be made faster, more enjoyable, and longer-lasting with a few smart tweaks. It's not always about the number of hours put in, it's about how those hours are used.
Here are 5 study techniques that are not only rooted in real research but also proven to help children remember more in less time.
Retrieval practice
Studies from cognitive scientists like Dr. Henry Roediger at
Washington University
show that retrieval practice, the act of recalling information without looking, significantly boosts memory.
This means after learning something new, a child should try to recall it without peeking into the textbook. Flashcards, mini quizzes, or even explaining what was just studied to a toy or a sibling can do wonders. It forces the brain to retrieve information, strengthening the memory trace.
Spaced repetition
A technique known as spaced repetition fights this forgetfulness. Backed by research from
Hermann Ebbinghaus
, this method spreads revision over several days, allowing the brain to re-encounter the information just before it is about to be forgotten.
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A quick five-minute review on Day 1, followed by the same on Day 3 and Day 6, cements the concept deeply.
Interleaving
Interleaving is a technique where different types of problems or subjects are mixed during study sessions. For instance, a 30-minute study slot can be divided into 10 minutes of science, 10 of history, and 10 of maths, all rotated in a cycle. This forces the brain to adapt, switch context, and build better connections between ideas.
Research
shows that interleaving strengthens problem-solving skills and long-term understanding, especially useful in subjects like maths and science.
Dual coding
According to cognitive psychologist
Allan Paivio
, dual coding, using both text and visuals together, engages more areas of the brain. For example, when a child learns about the solar system, pairing the definitions with hand-drawn diagrams or videos helps the brain store the data in multiple formats.
Even doodling a flowchart or sketching a comic strip from a history lesson can lead to deeper learning. The trick is to see what's being read.
The protégé effect
This is known as the protégé effect. When children teach what they learn, they pay more attention, organize information more clearly, and retain it longer. Whether it's teaching a younger sibling how multiplication works, or pretending to be a teacher and using a toy classroom setup, the act of teaching transforms passive knowledge into active understanding.
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