Effective Study Techniques & Tools
Unlocking Your Learning Superpowers: A Comprehensive Course for Students (& Anyone Else!)
Welcome to this free, practical course designed to help you study smarter, not harder. Whether you're in Year 7 battling history dates or in sixth form prepping for A-Levels (or just want to level up your learning at any age), these techniques are proven, easy to start, and backed by science.
Why this course?
- Techniques ranked from easiest (basic tools) to more advanced (systems for life).
- Every module takes ≤ 60 minutes.
- 100% free resources — mostly short, fun YouTube videos.
- Built for busy students: clear steps, quick activities, and real results.
- Grouped logically: Note-taking → Reading → Remembering → Understanding → Applying → Organizing.
How to use it:
- Go module by module (1–2 per week).
- Watch the video(s).
- Read the quick guide.
- Do the activity immediately.
- Track your progress in a simple notebook.
Total course time: ~8–10 hours (spread out).
Navigation
- Module 0: Getting Started
- Module 1: Cornell Note-Taking
- Module 2: Mind Mapping & Visual Aids
- Module 3: SQ3R Reading Strategy
- Module 4: Active Recall & Self-Testing
- Module 5: Spaced Repetition
- Module 6: The Feynman Technique
- Module 7: Practice Past Papers
- Module 8: Second Brain & PARA Method
- Module 9: Bonus Techniques
Module 0: Getting Started (25 minutes)
Why study techniques beat "just read it again"?
Your brain loves active work, not passive staring. These methods use how memory actually works.
Video (10 min):
How to Study for Exams – An Evidence-Based Masterclass (start at 0:00) – Watch the intro (first 8 minutes) for motivation.
Quick Activity:
Write down 3 subjects you're struggling with right now and why. Keep this list – you'll revisit it at the end.
Time check: Done in under 30 min. You're ready!
Module 1: Cornell Note-Taking (40 minutes)
Why start here?
Simplest, most immediate technique. Perfect for class, textbooks, or videos. Organizes notes so review is effortless.
Video (8 min):
How to Use Cornell Notes – Super clear demo with examples.
Alternative fun one (9 min):
How it works (step-by-step):
- Draw the page: Big right column (notes), left column (cues), bottom summary.
- During class/reading: Fill right column with main ideas.
- After: Add questions/key words in left column.
- Cover right side → answer from memory (active recall!).
Activity (15 min):
Take notes on a recent lesson using Cornell format. Then test yourself by covering the notes.
Pro tip for secondary students: Use it for every subject – your future self will thank you.
Module 2: Mind Mapping & Visual Aids (45 minutes)
Next level: Turn boring lists into colourful brain pictures. Great for creative thinkers and visual learners.
Video 1 (12 min – beginner friendly):
You're Not Dumb: How to Mindmap as a Beginner
Video 2 (15 min – advanced tutorial):
The Ultimate Mind Map Tutorial
How to do it:
- Start with central idea in the middle.
- Branch out main topics (thick lines).
- Add details, images, colours, arrows.
- Keep it messy at first – then tidy.
Activity (20 min):
Make a mind map for one topic you're studying (e.g. "Photosynthesis" or "World War I causes").
Bonus: Combine with dual coding (words + pictures) for extra power.
Module 3: SQ3R Reading Strategy (35 minutes)
For when textbooks feel impossible.
SQ3R (or SQ4R) makes reading active and memorable.
Video (8 min):
Understand and Remember What You Read! – SQ3R Method
Steps (SQ3R):
- Survey: Skim headings, pictures, summary.
- Question: Turn headings into questions.
- Read: Read actively, answer your questions.
- Recite: Say it out loud in your own words.
- Review: Close book, recall main points.
Activity (15 min):
Apply SQ3R to one textbook chapter or article.
SQ4R upgrade: Add Reflect – "How does this connect to what I already know?"
Module 4: Active Recall & Self-Testing (50 minutes)
The #1 most powerful technique.
Stop re-reading. Force your brain to retrieve information.
Video (10 min):
How to do ACTIVE RECALL Effectively? (4 Techniques)
How to use it:
- Close your notes.
- Write/test what you remember.
- Check and fix gaps.
- Repeat with flashcards, blank pages, or teaching a teddy bear.
Activity (25 min):
Take 5 key facts from a subject. Test yourself 3 times without looking. Rate your confidence each time.
Why it works: Your brain gets stronger when it struggles to remember.
Module 5: Spaced Repetition (45 minutes)
Builds on active recall.
Review at the right time so you never forget.
Video 1 (3 min – quick intro):
How to Use Spaced Repetition in 3 Minutes
Video 2 (8 min – 1-3-5-7 rule):
Study Smarter with the 1-3-7 Rule
The 1-3-5-7 Rule (simple version):
- Day 1: Learn it.
- Day 2 (or 3): Review.
- Day 5 (or 7): Review again.
- Day 10–14: Final review.
Without flashcards: Use a notebook – schedule reviews in your planner.
With flashcards: Free Anki app (or paper cards).
Activity (20 min):
Create 10 flashcards (or notebook entries) for a topic. Schedule your first 3 reviews.
Module 6: The Feynman Technique (40 minutes)
Teach it to understand it.
Named after genius physicist Richard Feynman. Forces deep learning.
Video (9 min):
How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique – Thomas Frank explains perfectly.
4 Steps:
- Write the topic at the top.
- Explain it simply (like to a 10-year-old).
- Find gaps → go back to sources.
- Simplify and use analogies.
Activity (20 min):
Pick a tricky concept. Explain it on paper as if teaching your little sibling or best friend.
Bonus: Record yourself explaining on your phone!
Module 7: Practice Past Papers (50 minutes)
Exam time = game time.
This turns knowledge into marks.
Video (12 min):
How to ACTUALLY use Past Papers to study FAST
How to do it right:
- Do the paper under timed conditions.
- Mark it honestly.
- Analyse mistakes (not just "I got it wrong").
- Make a "weak topics" list.
- Re-do similar questions next day.
Activity (25 min):
Find one past paper for your subject (search "[subject] GCSE past papers" or A-Level). Do Section A timed.
Tip: Start early – not just before exams!
Module 8: Second Brain & PARA Method (55 minutes)
For the mature learner.
Turn scattered notes into a lifelong knowledge system.
Video (10 min):
Organize Your ENTIRE Digital Life in Seconds (The PARA Method) – By the creator, Tiago Forte.
PARA stands for:
- Projects (goals with deadlines)
- Areas (ongoing responsibilities)
- Resources (topics you want to learn)
- Archives (completed stuff)
How to start:
- Use free tools: Notion (free), Google Docs, or even folders.
- Capture everything in one place.
- Sort into PARA.
Activity (25 min):
Set up a simple PARA folder system on your computer/phone for school notes.
Why now? This grows with you into university and beyond.
Module 9: Bonus Techniques (Pick 2–3, 30–40 min each)
Mix these in whenever you want.
Pomodoro Technique
Video (6 min):
Beginner's Guide to The Pomodoro Technique
25 min focused work → 5 min break. Use a timer!
Interleaving
Video (5 min):
Interleaving: A Video for Students
Mix topics instead of blocking (e.g. Maths → Biology → Maths).
Dual Coding
Video (7 min):
How to Use Dual Coding to Study
Words + pictures = double the memory power.
Activity for all: Try one new technique this week and note what worked.
Course Completion & Next Steps
Congratulations! You've now got a full toolkit.
Final activity (15 min):
- Go back to your Module 0 list of struggling subjects.
- Pick one technique per subject.
- Make a 7-day study plan.
Track progress: Every Sunday, review what improved.
Share your wins: Tell a friend or teacher – teaching reinforces learning!
Resources to keep going:
- The Learning Scientists – Free posters and videos.
- Search YouTube for your subject + "study with me".
You now study like a pro. Go crush those exams – and life!
Made with love using only free YouTube resources. Update your own links as new videos appear.