15 Best Ways to Retain Information When Studying

Studying for exams can sometimes feel overwhelming. The pressure to retain a ton of information in a short amount of time is enough to send any student into panic mode. However, certain study habits for high school can help alleviate this stress. For instance, developing effective ways to retain information can help students feel more confident and prepared as they approach their tests. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to retain information when studying so you can breeze through your next exam.

One of the solutions we’ll discuss is an AI study tool that helps you retain information while studying. Using this tool can help you achieve your goal of learning how to study effectively to retain information.

Why Do I Struggle to Retain Information for Long?

Internal and external distractions are a significant cause of memory retention issues. When you are not fully engaged with the material, your brain fails to encode the information effectively. Distractions include social media notifications, background noise, and interruptions during study sessions. Fragmented focus reduces your ability to transfer short-term knowledge into long-term memory. Create a dedicated, quiet workspace. Use tools like focus apps to block distractions and manage your study time.

Active Learning vs. Passive Learning Strategies

Simply reading or listening to material without active engagement makes retention difficult. Passive learning involves surface-level exposure without deeper understanding or recall. For example, skimming through a textbook without pausing to reflect or quiz yourself.

While recognizing information during a review, you may struggle to recall it later in exams or real-life scenarios. Instead, use active learning strategies like quizzing yourself, teaching others, or applying the Feynman Technique, which involves explaining concepts in simple terms.

Avoid Cramming and Information Overload

Trying to learn too much at once can overwhelm your brain. When your working memory is overloaded with facts, your brain cannot store new knowledge effectively. For example, cramming multiple subjects the night before an exam can lead to chaos. Your mind may shut down or retain only superficial details, leading to poor performance. The solution is to break your study material into smaller, manageable chunks. Use tools that help structure and organize information for better digestion.

Create Consistent Study Habits for Memory Retention

Studying irregularly or only when you have an immediate deadline can prevent long-term retention. Without regular reinforcement, your brain doesn't consolidate memories effectively. For instance, skipping study sessions for weeks and then trying to review everything in one day can wreak havoc on your memory. The impact of inconsistent study habits is a lack of repetition, which weakens neural connections and causes rapid forgetting of information. Instead, implement a spaced repetition system. This method involves reviewing material at increasing intervals to strengthen memory retention.

Prioritize Sleep for Memory Consolidation

Sleep plays a vital role in memory consolidation. During deep sleep, the brain processes and organizes information you’ve learned during the day. For example, studying late at night and sleeping fewer than six hours can impair memory retention. Inadequate sleep prevents your brain from transferring information from short-term to long-term memory. Prioritize seven to nine hours of sleep each night, especially before and after intensive study sessions.

Manage Anxiety and Stress for Better Focus

When you are stressed or anxious, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that interferes with the brain’s ability to focus and remember. For example, feeling overwhelmed by an upcoming exam or assignment deadline can harm your performance. High cortisol levels can impair your ability to absorb and recall information. Instead, practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular physical activity to improve focus and mental clarity.

Connect with the Material to Improve Memory Retention

The brain is naturally inclined to remember personally meaningful or emotionally engaging information. If a topic feels irrelevant or uninteresting, retention becomes harder. For example, you might struggle to remember complex mathematical formulas that don’t seem applicable to your life. A lack of emotional or intellectual engagement reduces the likelihood of long-term retention. Instead, try to connect new information to topics you find interesting or valuable. Use real-world examples to make the material more relatable.

Review Material Regularly to Improve Memory Retention

Studying once and never reviewing the material again is a recipe for forgetting. Without repeated exposure, your memory of the information decays over time. For instance, reading a chapter in a textbook and never revisiting it can lead to poor performance. You may quickly forget key concepts or details without reinforcement. Instead, use spaced repetition and regular quizzes to reinforce your memory over time.

Use Effective Study Techniques to Enhance Learning

Some everyday study habits are counterproductive, such as highlighting large text sections without active engagement or relying solely on rote memorization. For example, highlighting entire paragraphs instead of summarizing key points can harm retention. Passive techniques don’t actively engage the brain, leading to shallow understanding. Instead, use evidence-based techniques like active recall, creating summaries, and practicing self-testing to enhance learning efficiency.

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15 Best Ways to Retain Information When Studying

1. Study When Your Mind Is Fresh

Find the best time to study. Everyone has different internal clocks to determine their alertness levels. For many people, the brain is most receptive to new information early in the day. Studying at this time helps improve concentration and retention. Studies have shown that early morning study sessions result in better test scores than studying late at night. Pay attention to when you feel most alert during the day to identify your peak focus hours. Once you determine your optimal study time, schedule regular study sessions around this time. When you start, study the most challenging material first.

Tip

Successful people often report higher productivity when studying early when distractions are minimal.

2. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks

Prevent burnout by breaking study tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Instead of cramming for hours, study for short bursts (20-30 minutes) followed by short breaks. This technique keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout. To get started, set a timer for 25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break (also known as the Pomodoro technique). During breaks, engage in physical tasks like stretching, walking, or organizing your workspace.

Tip

When you’re in the zone, keep going even if a break is scheduled. Listen to your body.

3. Take Notes in Your Own Words

Rephrase what you’re learning into your language as you study to reinforce understanding and memory. When researching, avoid copying notes verbatim. Instead, summarize key concepts in a way you understand. Use digital or physical notebooks for handwritten notes, as writing improves retention.

Tip

Record audio notes in your voice and listen to them later to reinforce learning.

4. Use Active Recall

Regularly test yourself on the material you're studying instead of passively re-reading. For example, after reading a chapter, close your book and summarize what you remember. To further reinforce your memory, use flashcards or practice questions to quiz yourself.

Tip

Apps like Anki and Quizlet can automate spaced repetition for long-term retention.

5. Incorporate Visual Aids

Use mind maps, diagrams, and charts to visualize connections between concepts. Start by creating a mind map that links related topics with key points. As you develop the visual, highlight different sections in color to identify categories quickly.

Tip

People tend to remember visuals more than text alone.

6. Use Mnemonics and Acronyms

Memory aids like mnemonics and acronyms can help you recall complex or abstract information. For example, create acronyms (e.g., "HOMES" to remember the Great Lakes; Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior). You can also develop rhymes or short stories to link complex ideas.

Tip

The sillier the mnemonic, the more likely you’ll remember it.

7. Study in a Distraction-Free Environment

Remove or minimize potential distractions to improve your focus. Start by turning off notifications on your devices. You can also use focus-enhancing apps like Forest or Focus To-Do to stay on track.

Tip

If you can't eliminate distractions (e.g., noisy environments), use noise-canceling headphones or play calming background music.

8. Use Audio and Video Learning

Supplement reading with educational videos, TED talks, or podcasts to help reinforce the material and improve your understanding of concepts. For example, watch YouTube tutorials on your topic to gain new perspectives. You can also listen to audiobooks while simultaneously reading the text.

Tip

Speed up audio to 1.25x or 1.5x to cover material faster.

9. Teach What You’ve Learned

Reinforce your knowledge by teaching someone else. Ask a friend, family member, or study partner if they would like help learning the topic you’ve been studying. Use a whiteboard or presentation software to simulate teaching a class as you prepare.

Tip

Teaching exposes gaps in your understanding, helping you identify areas for review.

10. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is critical to consolidating learning and memory retention. Ensure you get enough sleep to improve your test performance. Create a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up simultaneously daily. Avoid late-night study sessions, which can impair memory retention.

Tip

Sleep helps your brain move information from short-term to long-term memory.

11. Form Study Groups

Collaborating with others can help you share insights and deepen your understanding of the material. Meet regularly with a group of 3-5 peers to get started. Assign each person a topic to present and discuss.

Tip

Stay focused on studying during sessions and save socializing for after.

12. Focus on Understanding, Not Grades

Prioritize comprehension over obsessing about grades. To do this, list out the key learning objectives for each course. Then, track your progress on completing assignments rather than worrying about the final score.

Tip

Good grades follow when you have a deep understanding of the material.

13. Use Contextual Learning

Study material in contexts that resemble real-life applications. To get started, create scenarios or case studies to apply what you’ve learned. You can also connect theoretical concepts to practical examples in your field.

Tip

Applying knowledge helps you retain it better than rote memorization.

14. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Exercise Routine

Support your cognitive function with proper nutrition and physical activity. Eat balanced meals with brain-boosting foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fish. Incorporate regular physical activities, such as walking or yoga, to reduce stress.

Tip

Even short 10-minute walks can improve focus and creativity.

15. Use AI-Powered Study Tools

Take advantage of technology to enhance your learning experience. For example, Transcript's AI study tool can instantly scan and solve complex problems. You can also ask for step-by-step solutions and explanations to solidify your understanding of complex concepts.

Tip

AI tools can help you personalize your learning pace and style.

Get Answers for Free Today with Transcript

Transcript brings AI-powered study tools directly to students' fingertips, helping them tackle complex coursework more efficiently. Our platform features three core tools: instant scan-and-solve for any subject, an intelligent digital notebook, and an AI chat system that provides step-by-step explanations.

Simply scan your problem; our AI offers detailed, step-by-step solutions to help you learn faster and more effectively. Whether you're stuck on a complex equation or need help breaking down complicated concepts, Transcript transforms the way you study. Get answers for free with Transcript.

Best Practices and Tips for Retaining Information Effectively

Build a Study Schedule For School Success

A regular study schedule helps reinforce memory so you can retain information longer and perform better in school. Consistency builds long-term memory by strengthening neural pathways. Random study times confuse your brain’s internal clock. Regular schedules condition your mind to focus and absorb information. For instance, set a fixed study period daily (e.g., 7 PM to 9 PM) and stick to it. To form the habit more quickly, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase study time.

Set Clear Study Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals will improve your focus and motivation when studying. Instead of absorbing too much information at once, an approach that can cause mental fatigue, breaking down your learning objectives into smaller targets will keep you on track. Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to establish effective targets. For example, instead of saying, “Study physics,” aim for “Review two physics chapters and write summaries in 40 minutes.”

Focus on Understanding Concepts

When studying, focusing on understanding concepts is essential rather than memorizing. This is because rote memorization leads to poor retention. Instead, the aim is to understand the relationships between ideas, which creates stronger neural connections and improves recall. Best practice? Ask “Why?” and “How?” questions to deepen understanding. When learning math, explore the logic behind formulas instead of rote memorization.

Leverage AI-Powered Study Tools

Modern technology can help you study more innovatively and not more complicatedly. AI-powered study tools like Transcript’s AI study tool simplify complex topics with interactive explanations. Tools like this can enhance learning and academic performance by providing detailed step-by-step solutions to complex questions. For instance, you can scan problems with Transcript to get instant explanations, summaries, and concept breakdowns.

Mix It Up and Alternate Between Subjects

Interleaving learning—switching between topics—enhances flexible thinking and memory recall. Focusing on one subject for too long can cause fatigue and reduce absorption. Instead, break your study blocks into different subjects. For example, spend 45 minutes on history and 30 minutes on chemistry.

Create a Distraction-Free Environment

An organized workspace maximizes focus when studying. Distractions split your attention and reduce brain efficiency. Create a better environment by turning off your phone, clearing clutter, and learning in a quiet space.

Use Spaced Repetition

Regularly reviewing material helps strengthen long-term memory. Spaced reviews reduce the forgetting curve by reinforcing stored information. To study effectively, schedule reviews over weeks. For example, review material after 1 day, then again on Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14.

Practice Active Learning Techniques

Active learning encourages engagement and critical thinking when studying. Actively engaging with material enhances understanding and retention. To study actively, use flashcards quizzes, or teach others to reinforce key ideas.

Take Breaks Using the Pomodoro Technique

Taking breaks during study sessions can boost productivity. Extended study sessions cause mental fatigue, which reduces information retention. Instead, aim to study for 25 to 30 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a more extended 20-minute break.

Utilize Visualization and Mind Mapping

Creating visual representations helps organize and recall information when studying. Visual tools like diagrams and flowcharts simplify complex concepts. Use mind maps to connect related ideas and flowcharts to visualize processes.

Let’s Talk About Transcript AI

Transcript brings AI-powered study tools directly to students' fingertips, helping them tackle complex coursework more efficiently. Our platform features three core tools: instant scan-and-solve for any subject, an intelligent digital notebook, and an AI chat system that provides step-by-step explanations.

Simply scan your problem; our AI offers detailed, step-by-step solutions to help you learn faster and more effectively. Whether you're stuck on a complex equation or need help breaking down complicated concepts, Transcript transforms the way you study. Get answers for free with Transcript.

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Get Answers for Free Today with Transcript

Transcript's AI study tools help students get unstuck and learn complex concepts in any subject, whether math, science, social studies, or foreign language. The instant scan-and-solve feature works like a search engine for homework problems. Just take a picture of a complex equation, difficult word problem, or any other homework question, and Transcript will pull up detailed, step-by-step solutions. Not only will this get you past your homework roadblock, but it will also help you learn and retain the information for next time.

Keep Your Study Materials Organized

Effective studying is all about how you approach it. To get the most out of your study sessions, you must start by getting organized. The more structured your study materials are, the easier it will be to tackle your studying when the time comes. Transcript features a bright digital notebook that automatically creates organized study folders based on your assignments. This means you can focus on what matters in learning the material rather than wasting time sorting through your notes.

Get Personalized Help with AI

Everyone has different learning needs and preferences. Some students benefit from visual aids, while others prefer reading information in a textbook. Transcript's AI chat feature helps you find the answers you need in a way that works for you. After scanning a homework problem, click the AI chat option for personalized help. The AI will break down the information for you, providing clear explanations in an easily digestible format. You can even ask the AI follow-up questions if you need additional help. Get answers for free with Transcript.

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