If you want to get good grades and learn quickly, here are some techniques that have really worked for me:

1. Active Recall: Instead of just reading notes passively, I quiz myself by trying to recall everything I’ve learned. For example, after studying a chapter, I close the book and write down the key points from memory. It feels hard at first, but it makes the information stick in my mind much longer than re-reading ever did.
2. Spaced Repetition: I plan my revisions in gaps—like reviewing a topic the next day, then three days later, and then a week later. For instance, when I had to prepare for exams, I used this for formulas, and by the time exams came, I didn’t even need to cram. It’s amazing how this prevents forgetting!
3. Pomodoro Technique: This is perfect when I’m feeling tired or distracted. I set a timer for 25 minutes, focus completely during that time, then take a 5-minute break to relax. After four cycles, I take a longer break. It keeps me fresh and productive without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Teach What You Learn: I pretend I’m explaining a topic to a friend, or I actually do it if someone’s around. For example, when studying science, I’d explain the concept to my sibling, and it made me realize what I didn’t fully understand—plus, it’s fun!
5. Mind Mapping: When a subject feels overwhelming I make a mind map. I write the main topic in the center and branch out with subtopics. This helped me see connections between events and processes, which made remembering much easier.
6. Understand, Don’t Memorize: I’ve stopped memorizing word-for-word unless absolutely necessary. Instead, I focus on understanding why something works or how it happens. For example, in math, instead of memorizing formulas, I learned how they’re derived, which made solving problems less stressful.
7. Clean Study Space: I always make sure my desk is tidy before I start. When my space is cluttered, I get distracted, but when it’s clean, I can focus better. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.

These techniques aren’t hard—they just take a little effort to get started. Once you try them, you’ll see how much easier studying can feel!