STUDY SMART CHECKLIST

20 Scientific Ways To Learn Faster (+3 Bonus Tips!)

Created by Daniel Wong

Reference article: Daniel-Wong.com/StudySmart

1. Learn the same information in a variety of ways.

To learn a topic, you could read the class notes, watch a Khan
Academy video, look up other online resources, create a mind
map, teach someone what you’ve learned, or do a wide range of
practice problems.

2. Study multiple subjects each day, rather than focusing on just

one or two subjects.
Studying a bit of multiple subjects each day is more effective than
studying a lot of the same one or two subjects.

3. Review the information periodically, instead of cramming.

Use this periodic review system to move information from your
short-term memory to your long-term memory:
- 1st review: 1 day after learning the new information
- 2nd review: 3 days after the 1st review
- 3rd review: 7 days after the 2nd review
- 4th review: 21 days after the 3rd review
- 5th review: 30 days after the 4th review
- 6th review: 45 days after the 5th review
- 7th review: 60 days after the 6th review

Copyright © Daniel Wong

www.Daniel-Wong.com
4. Sit at the front of the class.
Students who sit at the front tend to get higher exam scores.

5. Don’t multitask.
Turn off your phone notifications, log out of all instant messaging
programs, turn off your Internet access, close all of your Internet
browser windows that you don’t need, and clear the clutter from
your study area.

6. Simplify, summarize, and compress the information.

Use mnemonic devices like acronyms. Summarize the information
into a comparison table, diagram, or mind map.

7. Take notes by hand, instead of using your laptop.

Students who take notes by hand perform better in tests and
exams.

8. Write down your worries.

Before every exam, take 10 minutes to write down all the things
related to the exam that you’re worried about.

9. Test yourself frequently.

When preparing for a test or exam, quiz yourself on the key
concepts and equations, and do as many practice questions as
possible.

10. Connect what you're learning with something you already

know.
The more strongly you relate new concepts to concepts you
already understand, the faster you’ll learn the new information.

11. Read key information out loud.

When memorizing key concepts and equations, read them out
loud.

Copyright © Daniel Wong

www.Daniel-Wong.com
12. Take regular study breaks.
Take a 5- to 10-minute break for every 40 minutes of work. Use a
timer or stopwatch to remind yourself when to take a break and
when to get back to studying.

13. Reward yourself at the end of each study session.

The reward can be something as simple as going for a short walk,
eating a healthy snack, listening to your favorite music, or
stretching.

14. Focus on the process, not the outcome.

Set learning goals (e.g. do three algebra problems every other day,
learn five new words a day) instead of performance goals (e.g. get
90% on the next science test, get into a top-ranked school).

15. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

When you’re dehydrated, your brain’s overall processing power
goes down. So bring a water bottle wherever you go, and drink
water before you start to feel thirsty.

16. Exercise at least three times a week.

Exercise improves your memory and brain function, and reduces
stress. Aim to exercise at least three times a week, for 30 to 45
minutes each time.

17. Sleep at least eight hours a night, and don’t pull all-nighters.
When you get enough sleep, your focus and memory improves,
and you learn faster.

18. Eat blueberries.

Eating blueberries improves both short-term and long-term
memory.

Copyright © Daniel Wong

www.Daniel-Wong.com
 19. Eat chicken and eggs.
Chicken and eggs (especially the egg yolk) are high in choline.
People who eat a lot of choline perform better on memory tests. If
you’re a vegetarian, you can eat lentils, sunflower seeds, pumpkin
seeds, almonds, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli to get more
choline in your diet.

20. Eat omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for brain function, and can even
reduce test anxiety. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
include salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, flaxseed, pumpkin
seeds, and walnuts.

21. (BONUS TIP) Eat dark green leafy vegetables.

Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are good
sources of folate and vitamin E. Eating these vegetables is linked
to better memory.

22. (BONUS TIP) Eat broccoli.

Broccoli is high in vitamin K, which is known to enhance brain
function.

23. (BONUS TIP) Eat dark chocolate.

Chocolate contains flavonols, which improves memory and
cognitive function.

Want to be a happy and successful student? Or, if you’re a

parent, do you want that for your children?

I work with students 1-to-1 through The Exam Excellence

(TEE) Mentoring Program to help them find long-term
success and fulfillment.
Copyright © Daniel Wong
GO TO DANIEL-WONG.COM/TEE TO FIND OUT
www.Daniel-Wong.com MORE!