6 Effective Study Methods and How to Apply Them When Learning English

Spending a lot of time studying doesn't always guarantee proportionate results. Concentration, knowledge retention, and review frequency significantly impact learning effectiveness. Therefore, instead of just trying to extend study hours, learners can choose suitable methods to use their time more efficiently.

Below are 6 popular study methods that can be applied to the English learning process, from building vocabulary to practicing listening, speaking, and preparing for exams like IELTS.

1. Pomodoro – Divide time to maintain focus

The Pomodoro Technique divides study time into short, focused sessions, typically 25 minutes of study and 5 minutes of rest. After a series of consecutive sessions, learners can take a longer break before continuing.

Instead of setting a vague goal like “study English for two hours,” learners can dedicate a Pomodoro session to a specific task, such as completing a Reading exercise, practicing Dictation, or reviewing vocabulary.

The 25-minute duration is not a strict rule. Learners can adjust it according to their concentration ability and the difficulty of the task.

2. Active Recall – Actively retrieve knowledge

Rereading material multiple times can create a sense of familiarity, but that doesn't mean the knowledge has been memorized.

Active Recall focuses on actively retrieving information from memory. After learning a word or structure, instead of continuing to look at the answer, learners can close the material and try to recall its meaning, usage, or form a new sentence.

For example, after learning the phrase take something for granted, try to recall its meaning and use it in another context:

People sometimes take their health for granted.

This method is particularly useful for vocabulary, collocations, and grammar knowledge.

3. Spaced Repetition – Review at intervals

One of the reasons learners quickly forget vocabulary is by encountering new knowledge once and then moving on to other content.

Spaced Repetition addresses this problem by bringing old knowledge back at specific intervals. A new word might be reviewed after one day, a few days, and then one or two weeks. Once the knowledge becomes familiar, the intervals between reviews can be extended.

This method helps the learning process transition from short-term memorization to maintaining knowledge for a longer period, especially when learners need to accumulate a large amount of vocabulary.

4. Feynman Technique – Check understanding by explaining it again

The Feynman Technique is based on a rather simple principle: if you truly understand a problem, you should be able to explain it in simple language.

When learning a grammar point, such as the Present Perfect, learners can close their materials and try to explain when it is used. If they still rely heavily on textbook definitions, the knowledge might not be fully understood.

This method can also be applied when practicing Reading. After a complex passage, try to rephrase the main content in one or two simple sentences. This is both a way to check reading comprehension and to practice identifying and expressing main ideas.

5. Interleaving – Alternate knowledge types and skills

Practicing the same type of exercise continuously can help learners quickly get used to handling that type. However, in reality, learners often have to switch between various types of tasks.

Interleaving is a method of alternating related knowledge types or skills during practice.

For example, instead of spending an entire week only doing IELTS Reading Matching Headings, learners can alternate between Matching Headings, True/False/Not Given, and Sentence Completion. This requires the ability to identify requirements and choose appropriate strategies for each type.

Similarly, an English study session can combine listening, vocabulary learning, and Shadowing instead of focusing on a single skill for an extended period.

6. Habit Stacking – Link learning to daily habits

A good method will be difficult to be effective if learners cannot sustain it long enough. Habit Stacking focuses on linking a new activity with an existing habit.

For example, learners can spend 10 minutes reviewing vocabulary after breakfast, listen to English podcasts on their commute to work, or practice Shadowing after watching a YouTube video in the evening.

Instead of constantly having to find time to “sit down and study English,” learning gradually becomes a part of the daily routine. This is particularly suitable for those with busy study or work schedules.

Which study method should you choose?

There isn't a single method suitable for all goals. Pomodoro primarily supports time management and concentration, while Active Recall and Spaced Repetition are suitable for knowledge memorization. The Feynman Technique helps check understanding, Interleaving develops flexible application ability, and Habit Stacking supports building consistency in the learning process.

Instead of applying all six methods at once, learners should identify the problem they are facing. If they often lose focus, Pomodoro might be a good starting point. If they learn new words but quickly forget them, Active Recall combined with Spaced Repetition would be more appropriate.

Build your English learning method with Parroto

Regardless of the method chosen, the crucial factor remains transforming knowledge into regular practice.

On Parroto, learners can combine various forms of practice such as vocabulary, Dictation, Shadowing, and IELTS within the same learning process. Favorite English content on YouTube can also be imported into Parroto to create exercises, helping learners actively choose materials suitable for their interests and level.

Instead of trying to learn a lot in a short time, choose a suitable method, build a sustainable study schedule, and track your progress over time.

Start a study session on Parroto and gradually build an English learning method that suits you.