Effective Study Habits for Academic Success
Students face several common study challenges for many reasons, including poor use of time, distractions, no motivation, or not engaging with the material. It is critical students adopt successful study habits to get the most out of their study sessions. These include time management skills, organization, reducing distractions, and using active learning techniques.
Here are 6 of our favorite study habits you can utilize to help your kids succeed.
1. Time Management
One of the first successful student habits to develop is creating a schedule. Life can get busy between school, work, and social activities, so it’s important to have good time management skills for a balanced life. With a schedule, they can block time to complete assignments, study for exams, and arrange extracurricular activities.
To begin, determine the most important priorities and mark them down. For example, if they have a large research paper due in three weeks, mark down the due date. Then schedule some time to work on the assignment over the next few weeks, including time for a final proofread and edit before it’s due. In the same way, mark down the days they have tests or exams and schedule in time to study the material in the weeks prior.
2. Organization
Organization plays a crucial role in reducing stress and enhancing productivity, especially when it comes to your child’s studies. This involves keeping all study materials in one place, creating a study schedule, and adopting effective note-taking techniques. Utilizing digital tools can be a valuable asset in organizing your child’s notes and research materials. Additionally, some students find it beneficial to color-code their notes, making it easier to distinguish between familiar course content and information requiring further review.
Getting organized also means being clear about what they want to achieve during their study session. If they’re getting ready for a test, make sure they know what topics to cover. Then, figure out what they need to study and break it into smaller parts, like different topics or ideas. This will help them concentrate better during study time and lead to more success. You can introduce planners to set different goals for each study session, which will help them stay organized. For parents, helping your child stay organized is a way to support them with their homework and make their study time better.
3. Motivation and Procrastination
Children often delay tasks when they feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to studying. One effective way to overcome this and boost motivation is by breaking down bigger tasks or goals into smaller, manageable steps. By doing this, they can gradually gain momentum, and accomplishing these smaller tasks will give kids a sense of accomplishment.
To get started, have your child define what they want to achieve during their study sessions. Is there a specific concept or topic they need to review? Are they preparing for a class presentation? Once you and your kids set a goal for their study time, you can divide it into 15-minute tasks. This approach allows them to take short breaks to refresh their mind and prevents them from feeling overwhelmed by the workload, keeping your kids motivated to continue.
4. Active Learning
Active learning can significantly enhance your child’s ability to remember and understand the material because it encourages them to actively participate in the learning process, instead of being a passive observer. Some teachers use active learning methods, such as group discussions, to help students engage more deeply with the subject matter in the classroom. But even if their teacher doesn’t use these techniques, there are ways you can incorporate active learning into their study sessions.
Depending on the subject they’re studying, your child can seek assistance from a qualified professional, like a math tutor, to enhance their comprehension. Collaborating with their peers can also be beneficial, as they can have discussions about the topics being taught and even take turns teaching the material to each other. Engaging in activities like debates, role-playing, or problem-solving adds an active dimension to their learning, allowing them to put the concepts they’re studying into practical use. This active learning approach can lead to better understanding and retention of the material.
5. Effective Study Environment
The place where your child chooses to study can significantly influence their learning experience. To ensure they have the most effective study environment, it’s crucial to identify and eliminate potential distractions, including their phones, tablets, or social media accounts. Creating an optimal study environment involves closing all unrelated windows on their computer. Additionally, consider putting their phones and other electronic devices out of their immediate reach to resist the temptation of checking for messages or notifications.
The physical location of their study space is equally important. The right location can greatly enhance their concentration and focus, especially if they’re surrounded by people who may be coming and going. It’s advisable to select a quiet area that is free from any potential disturbances or distractions. The ideal study space should also be comfortable, allowing them to concentrate without discomfort. If they share their living space with siblings or other family members, it’s helpful to inform everyone of assigned study time to minimize interruptions.
6. Seeking Help and Feedback
Encouraging your children to seek assistance is a valuable strategy for parents to foster study success in their kids. When children find themselves unsure about a particular concept or topic, reinforcing the concept of reaching out to you, peers or teachers for guidance is a valuable move. This proactive approach can save children from investing countless hours trying to grasp the material independently. Recognizing when to seek help can significantly enhance the productivity of your child’s study sessions.
If your child continues to have trouble, you may also want to consider the option of working with a tutor, which can be especially beneficial in ensuring their comprehension of the material and maximizing their learning opportunities. Collaborating with a tutor provides access to valuable guidance and expertise, facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Furthermore, actively seeking and receiving constructive feedback contributes to their academic growth and reinforces their grasp of the material.
Unlocking Academic Excellence with School is Easy
When it comes to studying, it’s vital to be organized, use time wisely, avoid procrastinating, engage in active learning, avoid distractions, and know when to ask for help. These successful student habits can greatly improve their academic journey.
At School Is Easy, we believe that learning happens when students are engaged and prepared. We have a variety of options to help build successful student habits so they can do their best in the classroom, on homework and projects, and when preparing for tests. Find out how School Is Easy can help you.
