Not every study method works the same. Science confirms that some techniques are dramatically more effective than others, and yet most students use the less effective ones.
Active recall, the most effective method
Instead of reading your notes for the third time, close the textbook and try to recall the material from memory. This active retrieval of information (active recall) is many times more effective than passive reading. Flashcards, tests, questions to yourself: all of this is active recall.
Spaced repetition
We remember material best when we return to it at longer and longer intervals: a day after learning, a week later, a month later. Apps like Anki do this automatically.
The Pomodoro technique, managing concentration
25 minutes of intense work, 5 minutes of break. Repeat 4 times, then take a longer break. This simple method helps keep concentration and prevent burnout.
Interleaving, mixing topics
Instead of studying one topic for several hours in a row, interleave topics. Research shows that mixing material (e.g. algebra → geometry → algebra) gives better long-term effects than “blocked” learning.
What does not work as well as you think?
Re-reading the same notes many times, highlighting text and listening to lectures without actively processing the information are popular methods but relatively ineffective. They create a deceptive sense of knowing the material.
How does tutoring fit these methods?
A good tutor naturally uses active recall (by asking questions), spaced repetition (by returning to earlier material) and adapts the pace to your needs. That is an advantage over studying on your own.