Eight Effective Study Skills
These 8 study skills are sure to help any student this upcoming year:
- Designate a Study Space: Begin by establishing a quiet, well-lit, clutter-free study space that’s conducive to focused learning. Eliminate as much distraction as possible. Keep necessary study supplies on hand in this area, like pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, colorful post-its, a notebook or notepad, and books. Consider having color-coded folders for each subject and baskets labeled “To Do / Done” to promote organization.
- Prioritize Time Management: Teach your child to use a planner. Write down due dates for homework and projects, and any other important dates such as tests. Then work together to break down big projects and assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces. Break down the content to review before the test. This prevents procrastination and builds confidence as the material feels more manageable. Time management is not just a great study skill but is also very important as your student goes into higher learning or the workforce.
- Have a Schedule: Encourage your child to have a structured study schedule to practice on different subjects every day. Have them set timers for focused work intervals followed by short 15-minute breaks. Consider your child’s developmental age when setting the amount of time. A high schooler might be able to focus for over an hour, while a second grader is unlikely to focus for more than 20 minutes.
- Set Goals: Establish achievable goals for each study period. This may include completing a certain number of math calculations or reading a specific number of pages. Consider using a reward system to increase motivation.
- Practice Active Reading: Teach your child to highlight key points, write notes, and summarize paragraphs as they read. Having a hands-on experience with the material improves comprehension and retention. This study skill will be beneficial for years to come.
- Mind Mapping and Visual Aids: Introduce mind mapping and visual aids to help your child organize complex information. They can outline the material using pictures, symbols, colors, and words. These techniques stimulate creativity and enhance understanding.
- Teach Metacognition: Guide your child to evaluate their own performance on tasks. Ask questions like, “Do you like how it looks?” “What strategies worked best for you?” and “How could you approach this differently next time?” These questions cultivate problem-solving skills and self-awareness.
- Prioritize Healthy Brains: Make sleep, nutrition, and exercise a priority. A well-rested, hydrated, and nourished brain is more apt to learning.
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