A student can spend five hours with a textbook and remember very little if most of the time was spent reading without testing their understanding.

A better approach is to study in focused sessions.

Start by choosing one topic instead of trying to cover an entire course at once. Read the topic, close the material, and try to explain what you remember without looking at your notes. Then answer questions based on what you studied.

Past questions can also help. They show the type of questions that may come up and reveal areas where your understanding is weak.

Another useful habit is to review difficult topics more than once. Instead of waiting until examination week, review them after a few days and again later.

Students should also pay attention to their study environment. Constant phone notifications, social media and conversations can break concentration.

Studying for two focused hours can be more useful than spending six distracted hours at a desk.

Lesson: Better studying is not always about more hours. It is about better focus, practice and review.