First things first:
- With the Pomodoro Technique, you can divide large topics into smaller learning units.
- Use the Loci Method for memorizing information.
- Mind maps help visualize connections and relationships.
What was already a challenge for many during school does not become easier at university: learning as much material as possible quickly and efficiently. Especially during exam periods, students often have to memorize a huge amount of different information within a very short time. But what is the best way to approach this?
In this article, we introduce three well-known methods that make studying easier: the Pomodoro Technique, the Loci Method, and Mind Mapping. These study techniques help you learn more productively and successfully manage exam preparation.
Pomodoro: Working and Studying in Smaller Time Intervals
The Italian Francesco Cirillo developed the so-called Pomodoro Technique in the 1980s: You set aside 25 minutes to study with full concentration and without distractions, followed by a five-minute break before starting the next 25-minute session.
Usually, after four such work sessions, a longer break of around 30 minutes follows. However, the number of work sessions can also be adjusted individually depending on your daily requirements.
The duration of individual study and break intervals can theoretically be varied as well. However, the structure of 25 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break has proven particularly effective.
The Pomodoro Technique is especially useful for studying large subject areas in smaller units. Complex learning material becomes easier to manage, and the sheer amount of information no longer feels overwhelming.
This also makes it easier to motivate yourself to start studying in the first place.
Today, you naturally no longer need to use an egg timer like Cirillo did. Instead, you can simply use modern Pomodoro apps for your smartphone or computer to organize your study sessions.
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The Loci Method: Success with an Ancient Memory Technique
What the ancient Greeks could do, you can do too! Even professional memory champions still frequently use this simple technique today.
The Loci Method is not particularly suitable for learning complex relationships and concepts, but it is highly effective for memorizing many different terms and pieces of information.
The idea behind it is to mentally connect new information with familiar places (locus in Latin means “place”).
To do this, imagine a route through your apartment or shared flat, for example from the kitchen to the living room. Along this route, identify distinctive landmarks (such as doors, shelves, or other noticeable objects).
Once you have memorized these landmarks, you can connect them with different pieces of information.
This allows you not only to memorize study material but also, for example, to remember your shopping list.
The great advantage of the Loci Method is that you can use different routes and landmarks or reuse the same route for different sequences of information.
Of course, you do not have to limit yourself to routes within your home. You can also use, for example, the route from your home to the nearest supermarket as an information anchor.
Do you want to create order not only in your thoughts but also on your desk? Then we have some tips for you here: How to create sustainable order on your desk | GRIN
Mind Mapping: Just a Popular School Exercise?
Mind mapping is not only a popular assignment given by teachers to their students. On the contrary: it is much more than that. It is a simple but effective method for retaining learned information more successfully.
This learning technique is best used when you have already worked through the material once and want to review it or check how much information you have actually retained.
The process is simple: Write a topic or main concept in the center of a large blank sheet of paper. From there, arrange additional subcategories around it in a circular structure, continuing with further connections as needed.
This makes it particularly easy to break down complex topics and visualize their individual components.
It is especially important to work with different colors and as many images as possible. This helps make connections clearer when looking at the mind map later.
Due to its flexible and individual design options, this learning method is particularly suitable for visual learners who want to better understand abstract concepts.
Besides these three well-known learning and working methods, there are many other techniques available. However, even if you only use one of these methods, studying and retaining information will likely become much easier.
With these efficient and time-saving study techniques, the next exam period can come: You are prepared.
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