Effective studying is not just about cramming information — it’s about possessing the mind, as philosopher Thomas Hobbes noted in 1651.
To truly understand and retain information, you need a structured approach.
One such method is the M.U.R.D.E.R Study System, which provides a comprehensive framework to organize your learning and ensure that you not only memorize material but also deeply understand and engage with it.
In this article, we’ll break down the M.U.R.D.E.R. system and provide practical tips for implementing each step.
M: Mood – Setting the right environment for learning
The first step in the M.U.R.D.E.R system is to set the right mood.
Your mindset, environment, and time of day all play critical roles in your ability to focus and absorb information.
Thus, it’s essential to create a conducive space where distractions are minimized.
Here’s how to set the right mood for studying:
- Choose a quiet, comfortable location: Whether it’s a library, a home office, or a cozy corner, find a space where you can concentrate without interruptions.
- Determine the best time for you: Everyone has a peak time for learning. Some people study best early in the morning, while others find late evenings to be more productive. Identify when you are most alert and schedule your study sessions accordingly.
- Cultivate a positive attitude: Before you start studying, take a few minutes to clear your mind. Deep breathing or a short meditation session can help you transition into a focused mindset.
U: Understand – Focusing on what’s important
Once your environment and mindset are ready, the next step is to dive into your study material with a focus on understanding.
Skimming over content without truly grasping it can hinder long-term retention.
Steps to ensure deep understanding:
- Focus on manageable units: Instead of trying to absorb an entire textbook in one sitting, break it down into smaller sections or units. For example, focus on one chapter or even one key concept at a time.
- Mark confusing sections: As you study, underline or highlight any areas that seem unclear. This will help you pinpoint where you need further review or clarification.
- Create mind maps or diagrams: Visualizing the relationships between different pieces of information can aid in comprehension. Mind maps are particularly helpful when dealing with complex topics, as they show how ideas are connected.
R: Recall – Reinforcing what you’ve learned
After each study session, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on what you’ve learned.
This is the recall stage, where you actively retrieve information from memory without looking at your notes.
Let’s take a look at some effective techniques for recalling information:
- Summarize in your own words: Once you’ve finished studying a unit, close your book and summarize the key points out loud or in writing. This forces your brain to actively retrieve the information and helps solidify your understanding.
- Use the Feynman Technique: Pretend you’re teaching the material to someone else. If you can explain a concept in simple terms, it’s a good indicator that you’ve truly understood it.
- Test yourself: Flashcards or self-quizzing tools like Quizlet can be useful for checking your recall. Create questions based on the material and see how well you can answer them without looking.
D: Digest – Tackling areas of difficulty
Digesting the material involves going back to any areas you found difficult and giving them another look.
This step helps you deepen your understanding and resolve any confusion.
Here’s how to effectively digest challenging material:
- Review your notes: Go over the sections you marked earlier as confusing. Sometimes, a second or third reading is all you need to clarify the content.
- Seek external resources: If you’re still struggling with certain concepts, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Consult other textbooks, watch educational videos, or ask a teacher or peer for clarification. Sites like Khan Academy or YouTube can offer different explanations that may resonate better with you.
- Break down complex ideas: Divide challenging topics into smaller, more manageable parts. Once you understand the basic components, you can gradually build a clearer picture of the whole concept.
E: Expand – Engaging with the material on a deeper level
The expand phase encourages you to go beyond memorization by asking deeper questions and connecting the material to your interests or real-world applications.
Key strategies for expanding your learning:
- Ask critical questions: Consider questions like: If I could talk to the author of this material, what would I ask? What criticisms or alternative perspectives might I offer? Critical thinking deepens your engagement with the content and can lead to valuable insights.
- Relate the material to your life: How does this information apply to your personal or academic goals? By linking the subject matter to something you care about, you make it more memorable and relevant.
- Discuss with peers: Teaching others is a powerful way to reinforce your learning. Join study groups where you can share your insights and learn from others. Engaging in discussions can offer new perspectives on the material.
R: Review – Reflecting on your progress
The final stage of the M.U.R.D.E.R. system is review.
This means regularly revisiting the material. Why does it matter?
To ensure that the information remains fresh in your mind and most importantly, to prevent it from slipping away.
Some of the most effective review techniques include:
- Daily or weekly reviews: Set aside time each week to go over your notes and flashcards. Reviewing information at regular intervals, rather than all at once before an exam, enhances long-term retention.
- Evaluate your study strategies: Reflect on what methods have worked for you and what could be improved. For example, were there sections you consistently struggled to recall? Were there certain strategies, like mind maps or summarizing, that helped you understand concepts better?
- Practice spaced repetition: This technique involves reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals. It helps move knowledge from short-term to long-term memory, which is especially helpful when preparing for exams.
Practical tips for implementing M.U.R.D.E.R. in your studies
To get the most out of the M.U.R.D.E.R. system, consistency is key.
Here are some additional tips to maximize your results:
- Create a study schedule: Plan regular study sessions that align with your most productive hours. Sticking to a consistent schedule helps reinforce the habit of focused learning.
- Take breaks: Studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout. Use the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break to keep your mind fresh.
- Stay organized: Keep your notes, study guides, and materials in an orderly fashion. Organization reduces the stress of searching for resources and helps you maintain focus.
Conclusion: Empowering your learning journey
As you can see, the M.U.R.D.E.R. study system is more than just a collection of steps — it’s a roadmap to mastering your own learning process.
Each stage encourages you to engage with your material in meaningful ways, whether you’re understanding complex concepts, recalling information, or expanding on what you’ve learned.
While the system provides structure, it also offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your individual learning style and goals.
Before you start practicing, here’s one important thing to keep in mind:
Building effective study habits takes time and practice. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first, especially when tackling difficult subjects.
But with persistence and the right approach, self-discipline, and consistency, you’ll find that learning becomes less stressful and more rewarding.