Study Tips
Study smarter, not harder: How to make your learning more efficient
27 Oct 2025
Long hours hunched over textbooks don’t guarantee exam success. Many learners fall into the trap of equating time spent studying with effective learning, but research shows that how you study matters far more than how long you study.
The good news? You can dramatically improve your exam performance by adopting evidence-based study strategies that work with your brain, not against it. These proven techniques will help you absorb information faster, retain knowledge longer, and approach your exams with genuine confidence.
The science behind efficient learning
Your brain isn't designed to remember everything you throw at it. Understanding how memory works gives you a significant advantage in your exam preparation. When you learn something new, your brain creates neural pathways. The stronger these pathways become, the easier it is to recall information during your exam.
Traditional study methods like re-reading notes or highlighting text feel productive, but they create an illusion of learning. These passive techniques don't strengthen neural pathways effectively. Instead, your brain needs active engagement and strategic repetition to build lasting memories.
Research from cognitive psychology reveals that effective learning requires three key elements: active recall, spaced repetition, and interleaving different topics. These principles form the foundation of smarter study strategies that deliver better results in less time.
Active recall
Active recall transforms passive reading into powerful learning. Instead of simply reviewing your notes, you actively retrieve information from memory. This process strengthens neural pathways and reveals gaps in your knowledge before exam day arrives.
Start by closing your textbook and writing down everything you remember about a topic. Don't worry about perfection - the struggle to recall information actually enhances learning. Compare your notes with the source material to identify areas that need more attention.
Create flashcards for key concepts, formulas, and definitions. Digital tools like Quizlet use spaced repetition algorithms to present cards just as you're about to forget them, maximising retention with minimal effort. For accounting standards or tax legislation, this technique proves particularly effective.
Practice questions are your most valuable study tool. Each question forces you to apply knowledge actively rather than passively consuming information. Start with basic questions to build confidence, then progress to more complex scenarios that mirror your actual exam format.
Spaced repetition
Cramming might feel intense, but it's remarkably ineffective for long-term retention. Your brain naturally forgets information over time, which is a phenomenon called the forgetting curve. Spaced repetition combats this by reviewing material at increasing intervals, moving information from short-term to long-term memory.
Review new material within 24 hours of first learning it. This initial review should be brief but thorough. Schedule your second review after 2-3 days, then again after a week, followed by reviews every few weeks. Each review becomes easier as the information becomes more deeply embedded.
Plan your revision calendar backwards from your exam date. Identify which topics need the most reinforcement and schedule multiple review sessions accordingly. Financial reporting standards, for example, benefit from regular review due to their complexity and interconnected nature.
Use the Leitner system for flashcards: move correctly answered cards to less frequent review piles, while incorrect cards return to daily practice. This approach ensures you spend more time on challenging material while maintaining knowledge of concepts you've already mastered.
The Pomodoro Technique
Sustained concentration becomes increasingly difficult as study sessions extend. The Pomodoro Technique breaks study time into focused 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks. After four intervals, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
This method aligns with your brain's natural attention cycles and prevents mental fatigue. During each 25-minute session, eliminate all distractions: close social media, silence notifications, and focus solely on the task at hand. Use a timer to maintain discipline and track your progress.
Adapt the technique to your study material. Complex topics like consolidation procedures might need longer focused sessions, while factual recall benefits from shorter bursts. Experiment with different interval lengths to find what works best for your concentration span.
Track how many Pomodoros you complete each day to maintain motivation and identify your most productive study periods. Many students find they accomplish more in four focused hours than eight hours of distracted studying.
Interleaving: Mix it up for better results
Studying one topic intensively before moving to the next feels logical, but research shows that mixing different topics within study sessions enhances learning. This technique, called interleaving, forces your brain to continuously adapt and strengthens your ability to distinguish between concepts.
For example, instead of spending an entire day on management accounting, alternate between different areas: spend 30 minutes on variance analysis, switch to budgeting techniques, then move to performance measurement. This approach mirrors the way exam questions often combine multiple topics.
Create mixed practice sets that include questions from various syllabus areas. When you encounter a question, you'll need to identify which technique to apply, which is exactly what happens during your actual exam. This develops critical thinking skills alongside technical knowledge.
Interleaving can feel more challenging initially because you can't rely on the momentum of working through similar problems. However, this increased difficulty leads to better long-term retention and improved problem-solving abilities.
Mind-mapping and visual learning for complex topics
Professional qualifications involve numerous interconnected concepts that benefit from visual representation. Mind mapping helps you see relationships between ideas and creates memorable visual patterns that aid recall during exams.
Start with a central topic in the middle of a page, then branch out with related concepts. Use different colours for different themes, add diagrams where appropriate, and keep text concise. For example, a mind map of corporate governance might branch into board structure, risk management, and stakeholder relationships.
Digital tools like XMind or SimpleMind offer templates and allow easy reorganisation, but hand-drawn maps often create stronger memories through the physical act of creation. Use your own symbols and abbreviations to make the maps personally meaningful.
Review and update your mind maps regularly as your understanding deepens. These visual summaries become excellent revision tools in the weeks leading up to your exam, allowing quick review of complex topic areas.
Additional tip: When using digital tools, leverage AI functions to initially break down and process information before hand-drawing mind maps.
Effective note-taking strategies
The way you take notes significantly impacts your ability to learn and recall information. Passive transcription creates busy work without genuine learning. Instead, focus on processing and organising information as you encounter it.
Use the Cornell Note-Taking System: divide your page into three sections. Take main notes in the largest section, write key questions and keywords in the left margin, and summarise main points at the bottom. This structure encourages active processing and creates built-in review materials.
Develop your own shorthand system for common accounting and taxation terms. This speeds up note-taking and helps you focus on understanding rather than writing every word. Create symbols for increase/decrease, positive/negative, and frequently used concepts.
Don't aim to capture everything. Instead, focus on understanding concepts and noting areas where you need additional clarification. Good notes should trigger your memory of broader concepts rather than serve as complete transcripts.
Creating the optimal study environment
Your study environment directly affects your ability to concentrate and retain information. Consistency helps your brain recognise study time, while proper setup minimises distractions and maximises comfort during long revision sessions.
Choose a dedicated study space that you use only for learning. This creates psychological associations that help you enter a focused mindset more quickly. Ensure adequate lighting, comfortable temperature, and minimal noise distractions.
Consider background music carefully. While some learners benefit from instrumental music, others need complete silence. Classical music or nature sounds can mask distracting environmental noise without interfering with cognitive processing.
Maximising your study success
Efficient learning isn’t about studying more, it’s about studying smarter.
These evidence-based techniques help you work with your brain’s natural learning processes, rather than against them. Remember that developing new study habits can take time and practice. Start by implementing one of two techniques, track your progress through practice questions and mock exams, then gradually incorporate others. Keep in mind that not all techniques may help with your study style.
Studying towards your professional qualification doesn’t have to mean you sacrifice your entire social life and wellbeing. Smart study strategies free up time for rest and the balanced lifestyle that actually supports better learning outcomes.
Ready to transform your exam preparation? Choose one technique from this guide and implement it in your next study session. Your future self will thank you when you're confidently tackling exam questions with knowledge that sticks.
Get back into your studies
If you are enrolled onto a course with Kaplan, you will also have access to the Academic Support tutor by email or live chat. They can assist with any content-related queries you may have.
Kickstart your studies and browse our courses.
Study Tips
Study smarter, not harder: How to make your learning more efficient
27 Oct 2025
Long hours hunched over textbooks don’t guarantee exam success. Many learners fall into the trap of equating time spent studying with effective learning, but research shows that how you study matters far more than how long you study.
The good news? You can dramatically improve your exam performance by adopting evidence-based study strategies that work with your brain, not against it. These proven techniques will help you absorb information faster, retain knowledge longer, and approach your exams with genuine confidence.
The science behind efficient learning
Your brain isn't designed to remember everything you throw at it. Understanding how memory works gives you a significant advantage in your exam preparation. When you learn something new, your brain creates neural pathways. The stronger these pathways become, the easier it is to recall information during your exam.
Traditional study methods like re-reading notes or highlighting text feel productive, but they create an illusion of learning. These passive techniques don't strengthen neural pathways effectively. Instead, your brain needs active engagement and strategic repetition to build lasting memories.
Research from cognitive psychology reveals that effective learning requires three key elements: active recall, spaced repetition, and interleaving different topics. These principles form the foundation of smarter study strategies that deliver better results in less time.
Active recall
Active recall transforms passive reading into powerful learning. Instead of simply reviewing your notes, you actively retrieve information from memory. This process strengthens neural pathways and reveals gaps in your knowledge before exam day arrives.
Start by closing your textbook and writing down everything you remember about a topic. Don't worry about perfection - the struggle to recall information actually enhances learning. Compare your notes with the source material to identify areas that need more attention.
Create flashcards for key concepts, formulas, and definitions. Digital tools like Quizlet use spaced repetition algorithms to present cards just as you're about to forget them, maximising retention with minimal effort. For accounting standards or tax legislation, this technique proves particularly effective.
Practice questions are your most valuable study tool. Each question forces you to apply knowledge actively rather than passively consuming information. Start with basic questions to build confidence, then progress to more complex scenarios that mirror your actual exam format.
Spaced repetition
Cramming might feel intense, but it's remarkably ineffective for long-term retention. Your brain naturally forgets information over time, which is a phenomenon called the forgetting curve. Spaced repetition combats this by reviewing material at increasing intervals, moving information from short-term to long-term memory.
Review new material within 24 hours of first learning it. This initial review should be brief but thorough. Schedule your second review after 2-3 days, then again after a week, followed by reviews every few weeks. Each review becomes easier as the information becomes more deeply embedded.
Plan your revision calendar backwards from your exam date. Identify which topics need the most reinforcement and schedule multiple review sessions accordingly. Financial reporting standards, for example, benefit from regular review due to their complexity and interconnected nature.
Use the Leitner system for flashcards: move correctly answered cards to less frequent review piles, while incorrect cards return to daily practice. This approach ensures you spend more time on challenging material while maintaining knowledge of concepts you've already mastered.
The Pomodoro Technique
Sustained concentration becomes increasingly difficult as study sessions extend. The Pomodoro Technique breaks study time into focused 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks. After four intervals, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
This method aligns with your brain's natural attention cycles and prevents mental fatigue. During each 25-minute session, eliminate all distractions: close social media, silence notifications, and focus solely on the task at hand. Use a timer to maintain discipline and track your progress.
Adapt the technique to your study material. Complex topics like consolidation procedures might need longer focused sessions, while factual recall benefits from shorter bursts. Experiment with different interval lengths to find what works best for your concentration span.
Track how many Pomodoros you complete each day to maintain motivation and identify your most productive study periods. Many students find they accomplish more in four focused hours than eight hours of distracted studying.
Interleaving: Mix it up for better results
Studying one topic intensively before moving to the next feels logical, but research shows that mixing different topics within study sessions enhances learning. This technique, called interleaving, forces your brain to continuously adapt and strengthens your ability to distinguish between concepts.
For example, instead of spending an entire day on management accounting, alternate between different areas: spend 30 minutes on variance analysis, switch to budgeting techniques, then move to performance measurement. This approach mirrors the way exam questions often combine multiple topics.
Create mixed practice sets that include questions from various syllabus areas. When you encounter a question, you'll need to identify which technique to apply, which is exactly what happens during your actual exam. This develops critical thinking skills alongside technical knowledge.
Interleaving can feel more challenging initially because you can't rely on the momentum of working through similar problems. However, this increased difficulty leads to better long-term retention and improved problem-solving abilities.
Mind-mapping and visual learning for complex topics
Professional qualifications involve numerous interconnected concepts that benefit from visual representation. Mind mapping helps you see relationships between ideas and creates memorable visual patterns that aid recall during exams.
Start with a central topic in the middle of a page, then branch out with related concepts. Use different colours for different themes, add diagrams where appropriate, and keep text concise. For example, a mind map of corporate governance might branch into board structure, risk management, and stakeholder relationships.
Digital tools like XMind or SimpleMind offer templates and allow easy reorganisation, but hand-drawn maps often create stronger memories through the physical act of creation. Use your own symbols and abbreviations to make the maps personally meaningful.
Review and update your mind maps regularly as your understanding deepens. These visual summaries become excellent revision tools in the weeks leading up to your exam, allowing quick review of complex topic areas.
Additional tip: When using digital tools, leverage AI functions to initially break down and process information before hand-drawing mind maps.
Effective note-taking strategies
The way you take notes significantly impacts your ability to learn and recall information. Passive transcription creates busy work without genuine learning. Instead, focus on processing and organising information as you encounter it.
Use the Cornell Note-Taking System: divide your page into three sections. Take main notes in the largest section, write key questions and keywords in the left margin, and summarise main points at the bottom. This structure encourages active processing and creates built-in review materials.
Develop your own shorthand system for common accounting and taxation terms. This speeds up note-taking and helps you focus on understanding rather than writing every word. Create symbols for increase/decrease, positive/negative, and frequently used concepts.
Don't aim to capture everything. Instead, focus on understanding concepts and noting areas where you need additional clarification. Good notes should trigger your memory of broader concepts rather than serve as complete transcripts.
Creating the optimal study environment
Your study environment directly affects your ability to concentrate and retain information. Consistency helps your brain recognise study time, while proper setup minimises distractions and maximises comfort during long revision sessions.
Choose a dedicated study space that you use only for learning. This creates psychological associations that help you enter a focused mindset more quickly. Ensure adequate lighting, comfortable temperature, and minimal noise distractions.
Consider background music carefully. While some learners benefit from instrumental music, others need complete silence. Classical music or nature sounds can mask distracting environmental noise without interfering with cognitive processing.
Maximising your study success
Efficient learning isn’t about studying more, it’s about studying smarter.
These evidence-based techniques help you work with your brain’s natural learning processes, rather than against them. Remember that developing new study habits can take time and practice. Start by implementing one of two techniques, track your progress through practice questions and mock exams, then gradually incorporate others. Keep in mind that not all techniques may help with your study style.
Studying towards your professional qualification doesn’t have to mean you sacrifice your entire social life and wellbeing. Smart study strategies free up time for rest and the balanced lifestyle that actually supports better learning outcomes.
Ready to transform your exam preparation? Choose one technique from this guide and implement it in your next study session. Your future self will thank you when you're confidently tackling exam questions with knowledge that sticks.
Get back into your studies
If you are enrolled onto a course with Kaplan, you will also have access to the Academic Support tutor by email or live chat. They can assist with any content-related queries you may have.
Kickstart your studies and browse our courses.
