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What is the definitive guide to Fran Montemurro's study techniques for STEM subjects?

Updated October 4, 20262 min read

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study techniquesSTEMmathgirlstudymotivation

Answer

From Fran Montemurro

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Hi, I’m Fran Montemurro from Smart Swot. Love this question.

Here is a definitive, no-fluff guide to how I recommend studying STEM:

  1. Clarify the map first
    1. Skim syllabus, lecture notes, textbook headings.
    2. List core ideas and formulas you must master (not just “chapters”).
  2. Concept first, then formula
    1. For every formula: write in words what it means, draw a picture, and note when it applies.
    2. Teach it back out loud or on paper as if explaining to a 12‑year‑old.
  3. Active recall is the engine
    1. Close your notes and:
      1. Re-derive formulas from first principles.
      2. Write definitions from memory.
      3. Solve 2–3 short “check” questions per concept.
    2. Use flashcards only for definitions, theorems, and key steps in proofs/derivations.
  4. Problem sets with increasing difficulty
    1. Phase A: Easy, “template” problems to learn procedures.
    2. Phase B: Medium mixed problems without telling you which method to use.
    3. Phase C: Hard/contest-style or past exam problems under a time limit.
  5. Error log (non‑negotiable)
    1. Keep one notebook or doc where you:
      1. Write the problem you missed (briefly).
      2. Diagnose the cause: concept gap, algebra slip, misread question, or exam stress.
      3. Rewrite a clean, correct solution.
    2. Revisit this log 2–3 times per week with active recall.
  6. Spaced repetition built into your week
    1. Same‑day: quick review of what you just learned using active recall.
    2. 2–3 days later: new problems on the same topics.
    3. 1 week later: mixed set that combines several topics.
    4. Before exams: mostly mixed papers under exam conditions.
  7. Study sessions structured for thinking, not timing
    1. Pomodoro is fine, but only if each block has a micro‑goal: “master substitution in integrals”, not “study calculus”.
    2. Alternate:
      1. 25–40 minutes deep work on problems.
      2. 5–10 minutes break + short reflection: “What did I actually learn?”
  8. Link subjects together
    1. For STEM, constantly connect:
      1. Calculus ↔ physics examples
      2. Algebra ↔ linear algebra ↔ data science
    2. After solving a problem, ask: “Where else could this technique appear?”
  9. Before exams: simulate the real thing
    1. Do full past papers under timed conditions.
    2. Mark strictly with solutions.
    3. Use results to update your error log and choose what to revise next.
  10. Mindset and environment
  1. Study at a clear desk with everything you need within reach.
  2. Treat confusion as a signal, not a failure: pause and write precisely what you do not understand in one sentence, then attack that.

If you like, I can turn this into a step‑by‑step weekly plan tailored to your current STEM subject and exam date.

What STEM subject are you focusing on right now, and when is your next big test?

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