Boost Study Skills: Practical, Research-Backed Techniques for Success
In today’s educational landscape, helping students develop effective study habits is key to success. As educational support professionals, we often hear stories from students who say they’ve studied for hours but still struggle to retain the information. One recent example comes to mind with a new client who spent an entire hour preparing for a test only to receive a disappointing score. Curious about his study methods, I asked him how he had spent that hour. He said he read his notes repeatedly, hoping the information would eventually stick.
This led to an important discussion. While it might feel like productive study time, I explained that the brain doesn’t work optimally with this kind of passive review. Our brains are wired to learn through active engagement, not passive repetition. I shared with him that just rereading notes doesn’t challenge the brain to recall or apply the information, which is crucial for deep learning and long-term retention. I helped him understand that he was likely to forget most of what he had reviewed without actively testing himself or interacting with the material in varied ways.
At InclusiveEDU, we focus on equipping students with research-proven techniques that promote active learning and long-term retention. Here’s how you can incorporate these strategies into your student’s study routine to make their efforts truly count.
Simple Strategies That Make a Big Difference
Active Recall: A Hands-On Approach to Learning
Instead of reviewing notes, encourage your students to actively test themselves on what they’ve learned.
Use flashcards: Have students create flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other. They can quiz themselves or work with a partner.
Summarize from memory: After reading a section, ask students to close the book and write or summarize what they remember.
Question sheets: Create or find practice questions related to the material and have students answer them without looking at their notes.
Spaced Repetition: The End of Last-Minute Cramming
Help students plan their study sessions over several days or weeks, revisiting material periodically.
Create a study calendar: Work with students to set specific times to review material over days or weeks, gradually increasing the intervals between reviews.
Daily review habit: Encourage students to spend just 10-15 minutes each day reviewing past material.
Use spaced repetition apps: Introduce students to apps like Anki or Quizlet, designed to optimize spaced repetition.
Interleaved Practice: Mix It Up for Better Retention
Encourage students to mix different types of problems or subjects during study sessions.
Mix problem types: If they’re doing math homework, have them switch between different types of problems (e.g., algebra, geometry, word problems) rather than doing all of one kind at once.
Alternate subjects: During study sessions, have students switch between subjects, such as spending 20 minutes on math and then 20 minutes on history.
Create mixed review sheets: Prepare review sheets that include questions from different topics, forcing students to switch gears mentally.
Elaborative Interrogation: Ask “Why” to Deepen Understanding
Get students to ask themselves why specific facts are true or how new information connects to what they already know.
Ask “Why?” after each fact: After learning a new fact or concept, have students ask, “Why is this true?” and try to answer it.
Relate new info to prior knowledge: Encourage students to explain how new information connects to something they already know.
Discussion time: Create opportunities for students to discuss material in small groups, asking and answering “why” questions together.
Self-Explanation: Teach It to Learn It
Have students explain the material in their own words, either verbally or in writing.
Teach back: Ask students to teach the material to a peer or even to you as if you’re unfamiliar with it.
Write summaries: Have students write out explanations of what they’ve just learned as if they’re explaining it to someone younger.
Verbal walkthroughs: Encourage students to talk through their reasoning and problem-solving steps out loud while studying.
Dual Coding: Pair Words with Visuals
Encourage students to use visuals like diagrams, charts, or mind maps alongside their notes.
Mind maps: Suggest that students create mind maps that connect concepts with lines and images.
Draw diagrams: For complex topics, have students draw diagrams or charts visually representing the information.
Visual notes: Encourage students to pair their written notes with small sketches or symbols that help illustrate the concepts.
Using Technology to Support Learning
Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI): Making Learning Interactive
Consider incorporating educational apps or online platforms that offer interactive exercises and quizzes.
Educational apps: Recommend specific apps that align with your student’s subjects, like Khan Academy for math or Duolingo for languages.
Interactive websites: Use websites that offer practice exercises and instant feedback, like IXL or Prodigy.
Set goals: Have students set daily or weekly goals for using these platforms to reinforce learning.
Simulation-Based Learning: Bringing Subjects to Life
For subjects that benefit from hands-on experience, like science or history, look for simulations or virtual labs that allow students to explore concepts in an interactive way.
Virtual labs: Introduce students to virtual lab platforms, like PhET Interactive Simulations, to explore science concepts.
History simulations: Use online history simulations or games, like the Oregon Trail, to bring historical events to life.
Practical application: Have students use these simulations to deepen their understanding in their regular study routine.
Helping Students Succeed
By integrating these strategies into your student’s study routine, you can help them develop effective learning habits that lead to better academic outcomes. At InclusiveEDU, we specialize in guiding students through personalized sessions and group workshops, ensuring these techniques become a natural part of their learning process.
-Kristina Schuman, Board Certified Educational Therapist
