Study Techniques

Core Principles

• Active recall: test yourself from memory instead of re-reading.
• Spaced repetition: review at increasing intervals to fight forgetting.
• Interleaving: mix related topics to improve transfer and discrimination.
• Elaboration: explain concepts in your own words with examples.
• Dual coding: combine words with visuals (diagrams, timelines, charts).

Daily Study System

1. Warm‑up (5–10 mins): skim today’s objectives and past mistakes; set a concrete outcome.
2. Focused blocks (25–45 mins): one topic per block; use Active Recall cards or problems.
3. Short breaks (5–10 mins): step away; no scrolling; light movement resets attention.
4. End‑of‑day consolidation (15 mins): write a one‑page summary and 5–10 quiz items.
5. Plan the next session with a clear micro‑goal and materials prepared.
6. Log obstacles and fixes; adjust strategy weekly based on patterns.

Active Recall Toolkit

• Question cards: one concept per card, answer from memory, then check notes.
• Blurting: close notes and write everything you remember about a topic; fill gaps.
• Teach‑back: explain to a peer or into a voice memo; flag weak spots you can’t teach.
• Problem sets: prioritize mixed problems over section‑only drills.
• Reverse questions: given an answer, generate the prompt from memory.
• Confidence tagging: mark items 1–3 and focus reviews on low‑confidence.

Spaced Repetition Schedule

• Day 0: learn and create recall prompts.
• Day 1: first review.
• Day 3: second review.
• Day 7: third review.
• Day 14/30: monthly consolidation for long‑term courses.

Time Management

• Pomodoro variants: 45/10 for deep work; 25/5 for lighter tasks; batch similar topics.
• Plan weekly themes (e.g., algebra focus week) with daily subgoals.
• Protect mornings for hardest tasks; admin and chores later.
• Timebox review and creation separately to avoid context switching.
• Use calendar blocks and reminders; defend study time like appointments.

Note‑Taking Methods

• Cornell: cues, notes, summary for efficient review.
• Outline: structured headings for theory courses.
• Matrix: compare concepts side‑by‑side (e.g., diseases, laws, formulas).
• Sketch/draw: dual coding improves memory for systems and processes.
• Mind maps: show relationships and hierarchies for quick overviews.
• Linked notes: create evergreen ideas and connect related topics.

Exam Strategy

• Two‑pass approach: quick scan then targeted solving.
• Mark and move: flag hard items; return with fresh eyes.
• Show working: earn partial credit; avoid silent blanks.
• Post‑mortem: log mistakes, misreads, time sinks, and fixes.
• Estimate per‑question time; bail early when time cost spikes.
• Read prompts twice; underline constraints and edge conditions.

Common Pitfalls

• Passive re‑reading without testing.
• Endless highlighting with no prompts or summaries.
• Monotopic drills; add interleaving to improve transfer.
• Ignoring sleep, nutrition, and exercise — memory needs recovery.
• Skipping scheduled reviews and relying on last‑minute cramming.
• Watching solution videos without attempting problems first.

Nigeria‑Specific Tips

• Use offline‑first tools (local PDF libraries, Anki decks).
• Schedule downloads during off‑peak data windows to save costs.
• Form study circles with rotating teach‑back sessions.
• Leverage campus libraries and community centers for bandwidth.
• Plan around power availability; keep small backups for devices.

Quick Checklist

• Define outcomes before each session.
• Create recall prompts for every topic.
• Schedule spaced reviews (Day 1, 3, 7, 14, 30).
• Summarize daily; log mistakes and fixes.
• Track confidence per prompt and focus on weak items.
• Batch interleaved problem sets twice per week.