Studying hard but still not seeing results in school? You’re not alone. Many students across Singapore feel the same too—confused, stressed, stuck, and desperate.
It’s not always about how much effort, or how much you study. Sometimes, it’s about using the wrong study method.
Here’s the good news: there are smarter, more effective ways to learn, and they’re easier to apply than you think.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective study techniques that actually work in the Singapore school system.
Whether you’re preparing for your weighted assessments (WAs), PSLE, O-Levels, or A-Levels, these methods help you study productively, manage your time well, and retain information you’ve studied—without burning out.
Why Your Study Habits Aren’t Working (And How To Fix Them)
Let’s be real—spending time re-reading your school’s notes, highlighting everything, and memorising word-for-word might feel productive, but it’s not always effective.
You could spend hours studying and yet forget everything the next day.
Sounds frustrating? But what is the reason for this? Because your brain isn’t being challenged. It’s not being asked to recall facts, connect concepts or think critically.
And if your study schedule is all over the place, your time management may be the real culprit.
Trying to cram and absorb too much content in one go—without breaks or repetition—also leads to burnout and frustration.
Additionally, if your study schedule is all over the place, poor time management may be the real problem.
Now, let’s flip that script—and take back control of your learning.
👉 Not sure which habits are holding you back? Our tutors help students identify and fix unproductive routines—fast. Reach out today.
Effective Study Techniques Backed by Science To Help You Understand Better (That Actually Work)
These great study techniques don’t just help you remember what you studied—they help you understand. That’s the key difference.
1. Active Recall & Retrieval Practice
Instead of reading your notes over and over again, test yourself, and see if you are able to recall key points from memory without reference to your notes.
Make use of flashcards, verbalise your answers out loud, or write down everything you remember about the specific concept your are studying on a blank page.
Why it works: It challenges your brain to retrieve information, improving long-term memory and deep learning.
Try this: After every chapter, write 3 short quiz questions and test yourself the next day.
2. The Feynman Technique – Explain in Your Own Words
Here’s the trick: If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough yet.
The Feynman Technique tests your understanding by actively engaging your brain to simplify complex ideas into clear explanations—using your own words.
How to do it:
- Choose a topic (e.g., photosynthesis).
- Explain it as if you’re teaching to a student who has no knowledge on the topic.
- Identify gaps in your explanation and any weak points—and review those parts again.
3. Spaced Repetition & Distributed Practice
Cramming might get you through tomorrow’s quiz—but it won’t help you any more than that. Spaced repetition on the other hand spreads your study sessions over days or weeks, helping you better remember what you have studied, even in the coming months.
This is what scientists call distributed practice, and it’s one of the most research-proven ways to strengthen long-term memory—especially when applied consistently to your course material.
Try this:
- Review new material today.
- Go over it again after 2 days.
- Review it again once more after a week.
You can make use of apps like Anki for spaced repetition—alternatively, a basic planner works just as well.
💡Want access to diagnostic questions that help pin-point which concepts you may be weaker in? Our programmes include built-in practice test sessions—designed to boost confidence and accuracy.
Contact us to learn more.
4. Mind Maps and Related Ideas
Too many concepts in a particular chapter? Make use of mind maps to see how everything connects!
Start with the central concept in the middle (e.g., Cell Structure), and branch out with key points, diagrams, and related ideas.
Best for: Visual learners and subjects that involves extensive systems or step-by-step processes—like Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.
Bonus tip: Make use of colours and shapes to organise information—it helps your brain understand and retain it better, and makes your mind map more aesthetically pleasing.
5. Self Testing and Practice Tests
There’s a reason schools hand out so many past-year papers—because self-testing works.
Self testing is a type of active studying method that helps you apply what you have studied for, spot weak areas, and improve your time management, especially for the tests and exams.
Try this:
- Set a timer.
- Attempt a section of a past-year paper or the whole paper if you are confident—no notes allowed.
- Check your answers and review any mistakes that you have made.
Productivity Hacks to Maximise Study Time
Feel like you’re studying for hours but getting nowhere? The issue might not be what you’re learning, but how you’re managing your time and focus.
6. Create a Focused Study Plan
Don’t just “study whenever.” Treat your study sessions like appointments that you make.
- Allocate one subject per time block.
- Have a combination of tough and easy topics to stay motivated.
- Add buffer time for revising or catching up.
This helps to keep your study blocks organised and effective as you balance other commitments that matter to you like family time or CCA.
7. Break Study Sessions into Smaller Manageable Chunks
Studying for hours non-stop? That’s the fastest way to burn out.
Try the Pomodoro technique:
- Do a focused study sessions for 25 minutes.
- Take a short 5-minute break
- Repeat for 4 rounds before taking a longer 15–20 min break
It’s all about staying focused without frying your brain.
8. Eliminate Distractions to Stay In The Zone
It’s easy to get distracted—your phone rings, your siblings are talking, and TikTok, Instagram and Netflix, are all one click away.
Here’s how you can eliminate distractions and create a productive learning environment.
- Turn off app notifications or use a focus timer app like Forest or Focus Keeper
- Choose a quiet place to study—earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones can help
- Keep your desk clean and clutter-free (a messy space = a distracted mind)
Even soft background noises can break your focus. If total silence feels weird, try lo-fi beats or ambient instrumental playlists to stay in the zone.
9. Take Smarter Notes That Actually Help You Learn
Copying everything down word-for-word might feel productive—but it does not help you understand. Here’s a method you can use to take effective notes:
- Make use of bullet points to highlight key ideas
- Use colours group different topics and emphasise key concepts
- Include diagrams to visualise complex concepts
The key? Rewrite your notes in your own words. This helps you process information more deeply—making it easier to recall later.
📚Struggling to stay focused or manage your study time? We coach students on creating personalised study schedules that work. Ask us how we can help.
Study Smarter with Your Learning Style
Everyone learns differently—and understanding how you learn best can make studying a whole lot easier.
Here are some strategies that match common learning styles:
- Visual learners: Use colour-coded notes, mind maps, flow charts, and visual organisers
- Auditory learners: Read notes aloud, record explanations, and use video lessons
- Kinesthetic learners: Make use of use flashcards, walk around while studying, or act concepts out
Most students are a mix of styles. Try combining different techniques and find what works best for you!
Group Study Sessions: Make Them Worth Your Time
Study groups can be highly effective and powerful—but only when they’re structured and focused.
Benefits of Group Study Sessions and Why They Work
- You reinforce your learning by explaining concepts to others
- You discover new study methods and perspectives
- You stay motivated and accountable with shared goals
How to Increase Productivity Within a Study Group:
- Set a specific topic or chapter to cover
- Keep the group small (3-5 students)
- Stay on task—no distractions or gossip zones!
Study Smart Checklist: Are You on Track?
Use this quick checklist to evaluate your current study habits:
✅ I am using active recall instead of just re-reading notes passively
✅ I explain topics in my own words to check my understanding
✅ I use spaced repetition over at least two weeks
✅ I take regular breaks to avoid burnout
✅ I do self testing with quizzes or past-year papers
✅ I balance solo study with occasional group sessions
✅ I adjust my study methods based on my learning style
If you’re not doing these yet, that’s okay! Start with one or two small changes now—it’ll lead to big results later.
✅ Want help turning these strategies into daily habits? Our students get hands-on coaching to study smarter, not harder. Get in touch for a trial class or info session or WhatsApp us directly.
How Future Achievers Hub Helps Students Study Smarter
At Future Achievers Hub, we don’t just deliver tuition—we teach students how to learn for life.
Instead of memorising blindly, our students build study habits that actually work in and beyond the classroom.
Here’s how we make that happen:
✅ We integrate active recall and retrieval practice in every subject
✅ We coach students to discover their own learning strategies
✅ We personalise lessons based on each student’s learning style and pace
✅ Our small class sizes mean more engagement, feedback, and support for students
Whether it’s staying ahead in O-Levels, A-Levels, or preparing for university, we help students develop long-term learning skills—not just short-term exam fixes.
Ready to Study Smarter and Succeed with Confidence?
You don’t need to be constantly studying, or burning yourself out to excel in school. With the right study techniques, you can feel confident before every test and exam.
Let us help you make that change. Message us on WhatsApp today or book your free diagnostic/trial lesson now!