What are the "scientifically proven" tactics to optimize time on books and learn effectively? 
It has been illustrated in this video - by [AsapSCIENCE](https://www.youtube.com/embed/p60rN9JEapg?rel=0), and contents are summarized below:

![](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/03/11/15/10/wristwatch-2135219_1280.jpg)
[Credits](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/03/11/15/10/wristwatch-2135219_1280.jpg)
### DILUTE OVER TIME
Compressing everything you need to learn in a long and unnerving 10-hour study session will not give you great results . Rather, it is better to divide the swag of pages to be studied into smaller portions, for example 20 short sessions of 30 minutes each, spread over one or more weeks.
The brain is more adept at encoding information into synapses when it works in this mode. For the same reason, to learn the techniques of a new discipline, such as swimming, it is better to dedicate yourself with patience and constant and repeated efforts over time.

![](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCnw6M4nQXnbX6A_evz2WMxo_PDN3UfR5EQDft5VBQmcdsKZ658yqH2ieSoA)
[Credits](http://cbseexamfear.blogspot.com/2013/10/effects-of-late-night-studying.html)
### NO TO LATE HOURS
A night spent in books risks damaging the memory and processing skills for the next 4 days. It is better to get organized first and set a pre-set day time to devote to the study: the brain will easily get used to this routine, which will facilitate concentration.

![](https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMEN15uxsGHHk15iL0E4I4YncuxCMXlaIbRPRhYzqUmxH_VZAsa7f6xA7T)
[Credits](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/4-science-backed-ways-toward-better-learning-hint-drop-highlighter-2017060111775)
### DROP THE HIGHLIGHTER
Re-reading the same paragraph several times and highlighting the key steps is a technique used by many. But not necessarily winning: some experts believe it is counterproductive because it risks focusing attention on minor information. Go ahead instead to diagrams, schemes, drawings to summarize the key concepts . They work both in the hours dedicated to the study, both if sketched in other contexts, as on the bus to go to school.

![](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/10/04/12/08/archery-472932_1280.jpg)
[Credits](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/10/04/12/08/archery-472932_1280.jpg)
### SET A GOAL 
It does not necessarily have to be ambitious (learn the whole chemistry program ...). It can be a specific skill (balancing chemical equations, learning to conjugate French verbs): achieving it will increase your self-esteem and make things easier. While pursuing your goal, remember: if you can not explain it clearly, but you do understand it pretty good.

![](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLcWKCQZPWYp-iqgfAXFSBQBnDtxCOyIUPCMH7gVHkGndnsqipyvXOIZImOg)
[Credits](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLcWKCQZPWYp-iqgfAXFSBQBnDtxCOyIUPCMH7gVHkGndnsqipyvXOIZImOg)
### STUDY AS IF YOU WERE TO TEACH 
In some scientific experiments, two different groups of students were asked to study some passages of a text. One group was told that it would have to pass one test, another that would have to teach the studied concepts. In the second case, the key steps were memorized more effectively. In fact, when it is called to teach, the brain encodes and organizes information in a clearer and more coherent way.

![](https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTjZcq44PQ-DjnsTpr4_pZlpHXtbjD7JgRA39X5sSR-Vj_veLtpBUXBuNN5)
[Credits](https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTjZcq44PQ-DjnsTpr4_pZlpHXtbjD7JgRA39X5sSR-Vj_veLtpBUXBuNN5)
### PRACTICE CONTINUOUSLY
It will also be obvious, but the practice is never enough. Always test yourself, even with tests that seem "precocious" or for which you do not feel ready enough. Failing will help you focus on your weaknesses; find the right answers, to increase your self-esteem, in view of checks, examinations or queries.

![](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYbCMciwg8rg4Ysw_U6TLGvix_-YlTbLxOtCFnWihmaKrIWxHw106yXG-I)
[Credits](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYbCMciwg8rg4Ysw_U6TLGvix_-YlTbLxOtCFnWihmaKrIWxHw106yXG-I)
### CUT OUT A CORNER FOR THE STUDY
Choose a quiet, tidy and well-lit place that has everything you need to work: when you reach it, the brain will understand, for an automatic effect of conditioning ( priming ) that it is time to concentrate and focus on learning.

![](https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUGPUi86zmA1IXQDfXgCa2piaqtY88YaODyOzFR6OdenhNgLHnHSx4RMDaZA)
[Credits](https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUGPUi86zmA1IXQDfXgCa2piaqtY88YaODyOzFR6OdenhNgLHnHSx4RMDaZA)
### A PLAYLIST TO STUDY? 
Not so fast. In past studies have found that studying with a classical background can encourage concentration, more recent research shows that having a constant rhythm in the ears can distract from the goal. But there is another reason (see next point) so it is good to avoid headphones in the ears.

![](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9ZCFs4SGiToTfXxIYVkbmvcDSTb19b4otKA8NM47u1WkToEDv-ZbASb7e5w)
[Credits](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9ZCFs4SGiToTfXxIYVkbmvcDSTb19b4otKA8NM47u1WkToEDv-ZbASb7e5w)
### LEAVE THE SMARTPHONE IN ANOTHER ROOM
Being connected and responding to chat and social network notifications will not facilitate learning. We know it well, but how many remember to remove the phone from the desk?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/p60rN9JEapg?rel=0
Video by AsapSCIENCE