How to Study and Remember for Students

Teens 13–17 · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before you start studying and remembering?

Before starting your study session, gather all the materials you’ll need: textbooks, notebooks, pens, highlighters, and any digital tools such as note-taking apps or flashcard programs. Having everything ready prevents interruptions and saves time. Next, create a study space that suits you—ideally quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions like your phone or loud noises. For example, a desk by a window or a quiet corner in the library can work well.

Set a clear and specific goal for your session. Instead of saying, “I’ll study history,” try “I’ll learn the causes of the American Civil War.” This makes your studying purposeful and easier to measure. Keep a water bottle and a light snack nearby to stay energized, and wear comfortable clothes so you’re not distracted by discomfort. Finally, have a timer or app ready to manage your study and break intervals, which helps maintain focus.

What are the steps to study and remember better?

Follow these seven steps to improve your study and memory skills, with clear reasons behind each one:

1. Preview the material Spend 5 to 10 minutes scanning headings, bolded words, summaries, and any questions at the end of chapters. This gives your brain a roadmap of what’s ahead. For example, before studying a science chapter on the human body, note the main sections like “Circulatory System” and “Respiratory System” to organize details later.

1. Read actively As you read, highlight key ideas or underline important facts. Write short questions or comments in the margins, such as “Why does this part of the heart pump blood?” This keeps your brain involved rather than passively reading. Stop after each paragraph or section to think about what you’ve learned.

1. Summarize and simplify After finishing a section, close your book and write a summary using your own words. For instance, you might write, “The circulatory system moves blood through the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients.” Explaining aloud to yourself or a friend works well too. This step makes sure you truly understand the material.

1. Use memory techniques Try tools like acronyms (words made from first letters), visualization (creating mental images or stories), and chunking (breaking information into small groups). For example, to remember the planets in order, use the phrase “My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming” to represent Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

1. Test yourself regularly Hide your notes and try recalling information without looking. Use flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other. Quiz yourself or have someone else test you. This builds strong memory pathways and shows what you need to review.

1. Take breaks After 25 to 50 minutes of focused study, take a 5 to 10-minute break. Stretch, walk around, or get some fresh air. Avoid jumping on your phone or gaming during breaks if that distracts you from returning to work. Breaks help your brain rest and improve concentration.

1. Review often Go over your notes and flashcards several times over days or weeks. For example, review today’s notes tomorrow, then again in a week. Spreading out reviews helps move information into your long-term memory, so you remember it when it counts.

How can you tell if your study method is working?

You’ll know your approach is effective if you can explain what you’ve learned without looking at your notes and answer practice questions confidently. For example, if you can describe the causes of the Civil War to a friend or write an essay on the topic, your memory is solid.

Another sign is that you spend less time reviewing the same material because it sticks better. If you find yourself rereading the same paragraph multiple times without understanding or forgetting information quickly, it’s a sign to adjust your method.

To monitor your progress, keep a simple study journal where you note what you studied, what worked well, and what was challenging. Over time, this helps you spot patterns and improve your plan.

If studying feels easier and less stressful, and you feel more confident in tests or class discussions, that means your method is working well.

What should you do when studying and remembering doesn’t work?

If you struggle to remember or understand material, try changing your study environment first. Maybe your current spot has too many distractions or isn’t comfortable. Find a quieter place or use noise-canceling headphones.

Try different study methods. If reading and highlighting are not enough, use flashcards, draw diagrams, or explain the topic to someone else. Sometimes teaching helps your brain process information better.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep because tired brains don’t memorize well. Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals. Also, take regular breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout.

If stress or frustration is holding you back, try deep breathing exercises or a short walk outside. Talking to a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult can provide new ideas and support.

Finally, break large topics into smaller chunks. For instance, instead of “study all of chemistry,” focus on “learn the periodic table groups” today and “practice chemical reactions” tomorrow. Smaller goals feel more manageable.

How can these study and memory techniques fit teens’ busy lives and schedules?

Since teens balance school, activities, and social time, study techniques need to be flexible. Use a planner or phone calendar to schedule short study sessions, such as 30 minutes after dinner or during weekends.

If you’re a visual learner, use colorful notes, diagrams, or mind maps. If you learn better by hearing, record yourself summarizing lessons and listen on your way to school. If focusing alone is hard, form a study group with friends to quiz each other.

Use apps like Quizlet for flashcards or timers to keep sessions on track. Try mixing subjects to keep things interesting, for example, study math for 30 minutes, then switch to history.

Remember, even 15 minutes of focused studying daily adds up. Also, make sure to balance study with rest, exercise, and time for friends. A well-rested and happy brain learns and remembers better.

What are some simple memory techniques you can start using today?

Try these easy memory tools to help with studying:

• Acronyms: Form words from the first letters of what you need to remember, like “HOMES” for the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior).
• Chunking: Break long information into smaller groups, like phone numbers divided into sections.
• Visualization: Picture funny or vivid stories connecting facts. For example, imagine a giant tree with leaves labeled for different biology terms.
• Flashcards: Write a question on one side and the answer on the other. Use these to quiz yourself or friends.
• Teach someone: Explain what you learned to a sibling, friend, or even your pet. Teaching helps organize your thoughts and strengthens memory.

Mix and match these techniques to find what works best. For example, use flashcards with pictures or create acronyms for lists you need to remember.

How do reading and memorizing work together when studying?

Reading and memorizing are connected parts of learning. Reading gives you the information; memorizing helps you keep it in your memory. To get the most from reading, slow down and ask questions as you go, like “What is the main point?” or “How does this fit with what I already know?”

Highlight key ideas and write notes in your own words. Then, turn those notes into questions you can test yourself on later. Understanding the meaning before memorizing makes it easier to remember and use the information.

For example, when studying the water cycle, focus on understanding how evaporation, condensation, and precipitation work together before trying to memorize their sequence. After you understand, you might draw the cycle or say the stages aloud to help memorize.

Reading actively and memorizing regularly helps you study smarter and remember better.

For more detailed approaches, check out guides like How to Remember What You Study for Better Learning and Memorization Techniques for Students.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I review material to remember it well?

Reviewing material 3 to 5 times over several days or weeks works best. This spaced repetition helps move information into long-term memory. Avoid cramming, which makes short-term memory fragile.

Is studying alone better than studying with friends?

Both have benefits. Studying alone lets you focus deeply, while studying with friends can make learning more engaging and clarify confusing topics. Try both to see what works for you, or switch depending on the subject.

Can I memorize things without understanding them?

You can memorize facts by repetition, but understanding helps you remember longer and apply knowledge better. Aim to understand ideas first, then use memorization to reinforce what you know.

What can I do if I have trouble focusing while studying?

Try the Pomodoro technique: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Remove distractions like your phone, set clear goals, and reward yourself after completing tasks. Changing subjects during sessions can help maintain interest.

How can I memorize formulas or equations?

Break formulas into smaller parts and understand each part’s meaning. Use mnemonic devices for sequences, and practice applying formulas with example problems. Writing them repeatedly can also help.