Best Study Techniques for Class 10 Students: Active Recall vs Passive Learning

Introduction

Class 10 is a crucial academic milestone, and students often struggle with retaining large amounts of information while preparing for board exams. Many students spend hours reading textbooks and notes, yet forget concepts quickly when attempting exams.

The problem? Ineffective study methods.

Many students rely on Passive Learning, where they:
✔ Read the textbook multiple times without testing themselves.
✔ Highlight important points but don’t actively recall them later.
✔ Watch videos and listen to lectures without self-assessment.

While Passive Learning feels productive, it often leads to poor retention and difficulty recalling answers during exams.

A more effective approach is Active Recall, a scientifically proven technique that helps students retain, recall, and apply knowledge efficiently.

At Deeksha Vedantu, students are trained to use Active Recall strategies, self-testing techniques, and structured revision methods to maximize their learning efficiency and perform better in exams.

Understanding Active Recall vs Passive Learning

To study effectively, students need to understand the difference between Active Recall and Passive Learning. While Passive Learning is easier and feels productive, it does not ensure long-term retention. In contrast, Active Recall forces the brain to retrieve information, strengthening memory and improving exam performance.

1. What is Passive Learning?

Passive Learning involves absorbing information without actively engaging with it. It relies on reading, highlighting, and listening but does not test memory retrieval.

✔ Why it feels productive but is ineffective:

• No active effort is required, making it feel easier.
• The brain does not reinforce the information, leading to forgetfulness.
• Information is stored in short-term memory but is not retained for exams.

✔ Examples of Passive Learning:
1. Reading the textbook repeatedly without self-testing.
2. Highlighting or underlining text without trying to recall it later.
3. Watching educational videos without attempting to solve related questions.

🔹 Example:
A student preparing for Biology reads the entire NCERT chapter on the digestive system but does not test themselves with questions. Later, they struggle to recall key functions during the exam.

Tip: Simply reading or listening is not enough. You must retrieve the information actively to retain it.

2. What is Active Recall?

Active Recall is a scientifically proven method where students actively test their memory by retrieving information without looking at notes. It strengthens neural connections, leading to better long-term retention and faster recall during exams.

✔ Why it works:

• Forces the brain to search for information, strengthening memory.
• Helps in better application of concepts in problem-solving.
• Reduces exam anxiety because students become used to recalling answers quickly.

✔ Examples of Active Recall:
1. Self-quizzing: Cover notes and recall key points without looking.
2. Writing answers from memory before checking notes.
3. Teaching concepts to others to reinforce understanding.

🔹 Example:
A student preparing for Physics closes their book and tries to write the three laws of motion from memory. After recalling, they check their notes to see what they got right or missed.

Tip: Active Recall makes learning harder initially, but the results are far superior to Passive Learning.

Studies have shown that Active Recall improves memory retention by up to 80%, while Passive Learning leads to quick forgetting. By using recall-based study techniques, Class 10 students can significantly improve their board exam performance.

5 Best Study Techniques for Class 10 Students

Now that we understand why Active Recall is superior to Passive Learning, let’s explore five proven study techniques that help Class 10 students retain information effectively, recall answers faster, and perform better in exams.

1. Spaced Repetition: Retain Information Longer

Spaced Repetition is a scientifically backed technique that helps students review information at increasing time intervals instead of cramming everything at once. This ensures that knowledge moves from short-term memory to long-term retention.

How to Use Spaced Repetition Effectively:

✔ Revise topics after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days instead of memorizing in one sitting.
✔ Use flashcards to test yourself periodically.
✔ Revise difficult topics more frequently and mastered topics less frequently.

🔹 Example:
If you study Trigonometry formulas today, review them again tomorrow, then in 3 days, then in a week. This prevents forgetting and strengthens recall.

Tip: Use the Leitner Method, where you move correctly recalled flashcards to a longer review interval while revisiting weaker ones frequently.

2. Self-Testing & Practice Questions

Self-testing is one of the most effective ways to improve retention. Instead of passively reading, students should actively quiz themselves on the topics they study.

How to Implement Self-Testing:

✔ Solve previous year’s board exam papers under timed conditions.
✔ Answer questions before checking notes to train your brain to recall information.
✔ Convert textbook headings into questions and try answering them.

🔹 Example:

• Instead of re-reading a History chapter, close the book and write down key events from memory, then check accuracy.

Tip: Write down what you remember before referring to notes. The harder your brain works, the stronger the memory.

3. The Feynman Technique: Learn by Teaching

The Feynman Technique is a simple yet powerful method where students teach a concept in their own words to ensure deep understanding.

How to Use It Effectively:

✔ Choose a topic and explain it as if teaching a 6-year-old.
✔ Identify gaps in your knowledge and revisit those areas.
✔ Use simple language and avoid technical jargon—if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

🔹 Example:

• To learn Newton’s Laws of Motion, try explaining them to a friend, sibling, or even an imaginary student. If you struggle, revisit the textbook and refine your understanding.

Tip: Teaching forces you to simplify and reinforce learning, making it more effective than just memorizing.

4. Mind Maps & Visual Learning

Mind maps and diagrams help students visualize concepts and establish connections between topics.

How to Use Mind Maps for Better Retention:

✔ Draw concept maps linking ideas instead of writing paragraphs.
✔ Use colors, arrows, and images to make information visually appealing.
✔ Convert complex topics into flowcharts or tables to improve recall.

🔹 Example:

• Instead of writing paragraphs on the Carbon Cycle, create a flowchart showing how carbon moves through the environment.

Tip: The brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text—make use of diagrams wherever possible!

5. Interleaving: Mixing Subjects for Better Retention

Interleaving is a study technique where students mix different subjects or types of problems in a single study session instead of focusing on one subject for hours.

How to Implement Interleaving in Studies:

✔ Study Math for 30 minutes, then Science for 30 minutes, instead of doing Math for 2 hours straight.
✔ Mix different types of problems within a subject (e.g., Algebra, then Geometry).
✔ Rotate easy and difficult subjects to maintain focus.

🔹 Example:

• Instead of spending 3 hours on History, study History for 40 minutes, then do a few Math problems, followed by a quick Science revision.

Tip: Interleaving prevents boredom and improves problem-solving flexibility.

How Deeksha Vedantu Helps Students Adopt Smart Study Techniques

At Deeksha Vedantu, students don’t just study harder—they study smarter. By incorporating Active Recall, Spaced Repetition, Self-Testing, and Interactive Learning, Deeksha Vedantu ensures students develop effective study habits that enhance memory retention and exam performance.

1. Training in Active Recall Strategies

✔ Deeksha Vedantu’s structured curriculum integrates self-quizzing, retrieval practice, and oral recall into daily learning.
✔ Teachers encourage students to recall concepts before looking at notes, reinforcing stronger memory connections.
✔ Concept-based problem-solving sessions replace passive note-reading, ensuring students apply what they learn.

🔹 Example:
Instead of passively reading Math formulas, Deeksha Vedantu students are trained to write them from memory, solve problems, and apply them to real-world situations.

2. Regular Self-Assessments & Doubt-Solving Sessions

✔ Weekly mock tests and self-quizzes help students track progress and identify weak areas.
✔ Teachers conduct regular doubt-solving sessions to clarify concepts and ensure conceptual understanding.
✔ Students learn to test themselves before referring to textbooks, improving problem-solving skills.

🔹 Example:
A student struggling with Physics derivations can test themselves weekly using past exam questions and improve through guided doubt-clearing sessions at Deeksha Vedantu.

3. Smart Revision Methods Using Spaced Repetition

✔ Deeksha Vedantu integrates spaced revision techniques into the study plan, ensuring students don’t cram last-minute.
✔ Custom revision planners are provided, focusing on difficult topics more frequently.
✔ Flashcards, mind maps, and formula sheets are encouraged to reinforce memory.

🔹 Example:
Students revising Social Science chapters in a spaced manner (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, etc.) retain information far better than those who revise everything at once.

4. Conceptual Discussions & Peer Learning

✔ Group discussions, debates, and peer learning sessions help students apply the Feynman Technique (learning by teaching).
✔ Interactive classroom activities boost confidence and encourage students to explain concepts in their own words.
✔ Doubt-solving within peer groups strengthens memory through collaborative learning.

🔹 Example:
Students preparing for History essay questions engage in group discussions, explaining key events in storytelling format, which reinforces better recall.

FAQs

1. Why does Passive Learning feel easier but result in poor retention?

✔ Passive Learning (reading, highlighting, re-reading) feels comfortable because it doesn’t require much mental effort.
✔ However, because the brain is not forced to recall information, it doesn’t store it in long-term memory.
✔ Active Recall is more challenging but highly effective because it strengthens memory connections through retrieval.

2. How often should I revise a topic to improve memory?

✔ Follow the Spaced Repetition technique:

• 1st Review → Same day after learning.
• 2nd Review → After 3 days.
• 3rd Review → After 1 week.
• 4th Review → After 2 weeks.

✔ The more you space out your revisions, the longer you retain information.
✔ Difficult topics should be revised more frequently, while easier ones need fewer repetitions.

3. What is the fastest way to learn complex subjects like Maths and Science?

✔ Use Active Recall—solve questions before checking solutions.
✔ Apply the Feynman Technique—explain the concept to a friend in simple terms.
✔ Use visual learning (diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps) for complex theories.
✔ Solve mock tests & previous year papers to identify weak areas.

4. Can Active Recall help with subjects like Social Science and English?

✔ Yes! Active Recall works for all subjects, including theory-based ones.
✔ Instead of re-reading Social Science chapters, write down key points from memory.
✔ For English, practice writing answers without looking at notes, then check for accuracy.

5. How does Deeksha Vedantu’s approach make studying more effective?

✔ Guided self-assessment and doubt-clearing sessions help students actively recall information.
✔ Time-bound practice tests and structured learning techniques ensure better retention.
✔ Customized revision plans and spaced repetition strategies are built into the curriculum.
✔ Teachers encourage concept-based discussions rather than rote memorization.

Conclusion

Class 10 board exams require not just hard work, but smart study techniques to ensure efficient learning, better retention, and improved exam performance. Many students spend hours studying yet struggle to recall information during exams. This happens because they rely on Passive Learning, which is ineffective for long-term memory.

✔ Active Recall and Spaced Repetition are scientifically proven to help students remember concepts for longer and retrieve them faster during exams.
✔ Self-testing, concept-based discussions, and problem-solving exercises improve memory retention far more than just reading or highlighting.
✔ By using structured revision methods, mind maps, and interleaving techniques, students can master complex subjects like Maths, Science, and Social Studies efficiently.
✔ Deeksha Vedantu’s expert guidance, structured study plans, and time-bound practice tests help students develop highly effective learning habits that lead to success in board exams.