Have your kids ever stayed up until 2 AM cramming for a big test the next day? Do they reread their textbook over and over just hoping something might stick? Maybe they spend hours on the material, only to forget everything the moment they see the test in front of them.
Whether your kids are middle schoolers transitioning into high school and preparing for their first big exams, trying to balance school with sports or clubs, or simply want to figure out which study methods actually work, we have some tips to help them out.
Studying is something every student has to do, but most students were never taught how to study effectively, and it isn’t always easy.
To help parents prepare their kids for tests and achieve academic success, we put together a guide with some simple study tips:
Create a study space
Having a study space that’s quiet, organized, and free from distractions can make a big difference in a student’s ability to learn. All they need is a desk, good lighting, comfortable seating, and basic school supplies.
This space should be different from where kids like to relax and unwind so they can mentally separate study time from recreation time. To keep the space distraction-free, they can turn their phones off or leave them in another room.
Having a deliberate study space makes it easier to concentrate and stay productive. When students consistently study in the same place, their brains start to associate that space with learning and focus, which helps build stronger study habits.
Start with the hardest subjects
Brains tend to have more focus earlier in the day rather than late at night, so starting with the hardest subjects can help students make the most of their energy and concentration. Some students may be tempted to begin with easier subjects, but starting with the areas they find most challenging often leads to better understanding and less frustration.
Once the hardest work is completed, students often feel more confident and motivated to finish the rest of their studying. This approach also prevents difficult subjects from being pushed off until late at night when focus and patience are running low.
Break big tasks into smaller pieces
A huge upcoming test can feel overwhelming for many students, but breaking the information into smaller pieces may help reduce stress and make studying feel more manageable. Instead of trying to study an entire chapter the night before the test, students can focus on one section or concept at a time.
Trying to study everything at once without any breaks can quickly lead to frustration, mental fatigue, and difficulty retaining information. Try focusing on one section for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. After that, study a different section for 25 minutes before another 5-minute break. Repeat the process as many times as necessary.
This approach makes studying feel more achievable and gives the brain more time to absorb information. A simple plan made up of smaller goals helps students build confidence as they make steady progress towards the bigger task. Learning how to create a plan, stay consistent, and take productive breaks are important skills for any student.
Write notes by hand
Typing notes may be faster, but writing notes by hand helps students remember information better. Handwriting notes forces the brain to slow down, process information, and focus on the most important ideas rather than copying everything word for word.
One of the most effective ways for students to learn information is to write out a one-page summary of the most important material before a test. They can use the sheet as a study guide, but often just the act of organizing and condensing the material is enough to help students memorize it.
Quiz yourself
Quizzing yourself before a test is one of the best ways to check understanding and improve memory. Students learn more when they’re actively thinking about and testing themselves on the material, rather than just rereading the textbook.
Students can use flashcards, complete practice problems, ask a parent or friend to quiz them, or cover the answers themselves and answer questions out loud. By quizzing themselves on the material, students are both learning the material and discovering which areas they already know well and which ones they need to review more. This makes study time more productive.
Get a good night's sleep
Some students can feel pressured to stay up late or even pull an all-nighter to cram as much as they can before a test the next day. However, lack of sleep actually makes it more difficult to concentrate, solve problems, and remember information.
During sleep, the brain processes and stores information learned throughout the day. Being well-rested also helps students feel more alert and confident the next morning, which means getting enough sleep the night before a big test can improve performance and overall stress levels.
*Need help avoiding procrastination before a big test? Check out our blog post: From Procrastination To Productivity: A Teen’s Guide To Time Management!
Building strong study habits can make a big difference in a student’s confidence and academic success! These simple strategies will help make studying more effective, and over time, these habits can improve test performance while also helping students become more prepared, independent learners. You got this!
