The StudyQuick study method: a quick guide in 4 steps

The study method grew out of a survey of 346 students. Its results were used to reconstruct how efficient studying works in 4 steps.

1. Set your target grade and assess where you stand

So that you don’t just study aimlessly, but work towards your target grade with a clear focus, the first essential step is to define that grade. In short: “What grade do you actually want to get?”

Next, you need to assess where you currently stand. Answer these questions: “How well do you already know the topic? Where are your knowledge gaps? What do you definitely need to look at again?”

This information is then used to draw up a study plan. A common thread that takes you from where you stand now to your target grade.

2. Prepare your study materials in a targeted way

With your target grade and a common thread, you can then prepare the right study materials. Classic study notes are recommended here.

These must explain the right information to you in the right order. That’s the only way to avoid confusion and quickly take in the essentials.

The important thing here is not to “waste” too much time making the study notes, because: we’re still in the preparation stage, not the studying stage! That follows in the next step.

3. Take in the content

Vera F. Birkenbihl, a German management trainer and non-fiction author, developed methods for remembering content better during her psychology studies, based on brain research.

The StudyQuick study method is based on this: the brain learns faster when something unfamiliar is connected to the “knowledge network” it already has. That means you should link unfamiliar content and knowledge gaps to topics you already know well from your studies.

In practice, you add key terms you already know to your study notes. That way you retain content better and understand topics that build on it faster.

4. Test your knowledge and close knowledge gaps

Finally, it’s important to test your knowledge regularly and close any further gaps. The easiest way to do that is with tests or practice exams that quiz you regularly and give you feedback. That way you uncover new knowledge gaps and can improve in a targeted way.