The Importance of Learning Good Study Techniques
My approach to studying for finals was somewhat ritualistic during my college years. I would gather all my class notes and isolate myself on the third floor of the library, where I would spend four to five hours cramming before each exam. This method often led to successful exam results, but I retained little of the material. I focused solely on performing well on tests, not on acquiring lasting knowledge.
Secondary educators must instill effective study techniques in their students early on. Proficient study habits are essential for excelling on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT and for succeeding in college exams.
Students with well-developed study skills are better prepared for AP exams during high school, which offers an opportunity to get a head start on higher education. Had I been taught proper study methods, my college experience would have been less stressful, and I would have been better equipped for lifelong learning rather than merely cramming.
Focusing excessively on achieving high grades can undermine the value of true understanding. Instead, educators should emphasize Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory. This approach encourages students to embrace challenges and learn from their failures rather than just their successes. The growth mindset fosters a more profound engagement with learning by demonstrating that difficulties are a natural part of the educational process.
Moreover, the growth mindset empowers students to take control of their learning journey, transforming them from passive recipients of knowledge into active participants. We must move beyond traditional teaching methods—where lectures, note-taking, and summative tests dominate—and seek more engaging ways to involve students. A significant part of this involves developing effective study strategies that facilitate a deeper comprehension of the material. Let’s explore some practical examples of these strategies.
Research-Backed Study Techniques
Pre-Test
It may seem counterintuitive, but having students answer questions about content they have not yet studied can enhance their performance on subsequent tests. This approach is akin to teaching students to preview questions before reading the material.
By engaging with questions about a concept before the lesson, students become more focused on identifying key information during instruction. This method not only sparks curiosity but also shifts the emphasis from merely preparing for a final test to actively engaging with the content throughout the learning process.
Distributed Practice
Previously, I relied on extensive cramming sessions before exams. In contrast, distributed practice advocates for studying in shorter, more focused intervals over an extended period. This method helps prevent the cognitive overload that often occurs when trying to memorize a large volume of information just before a test.
For instance, if a student needs to master problem-solving techniques in math, they should dedicate brief periods over several days to practice a smaller set of problems, rather than spending a single, long session on a larger set of questions right before the exam.
Through this approach, students can identify which problem-solving methods require more attention and improve their retention of the material. Additionally, distributed practice supports better time management, as students learn to schedule and allocate their study time effectively. This technique not only enhances their grasp of the content but also helps them develop valuable time management skills.
Interleaving Practice
Students often dedicate study sessions to repeatedly practicing a single skill, such as identifying the main idea of several passages in succession. Interleaving practice, however, encourages students to alternate between different skills during their study sessions.
For instance, after identifying the main idea of a passage, students might then shift to questions about conflict and resolution. The following question could involve analyzing the tone or focusing on character development.
This approach requires students to adjust their cognitive strategies with each question, fostering a more comprehensive and adaptable understanding of the material. By integrating diverse types of practice, interleaving helps students develop a more nuanced and flexible approach to learning.
Self-Quizzing
To foster greater ownership of their learning, encourage students to create their questions as they engage with new content. Over time, students will become familiar with the types of questions typically posed on post-tests across different subjects.
By thinking critically about how questions are formulated, students gain a deeper understanding of how answers are constructed. Teaching them to craft thoughtful, open-ended questions not only enhances their ability to respond with greater depth but also moves them beyond mere memorization of facts and figures. This approach cultivates a more meaningful and engaged learning experience, preparing students to tackle complex questions with confidence.
Become a Teacher
An effective way to enhance students’ study habits is to encourage them to take on the role of a teacher as they acquire new knowledge. Guide students to consider how they would explain the material they’re learning to a peer. This approach is valuable because it requires students to reflect on and internalize the information. If they can articulate the content clearly and accurately, it demonstrates a deeper understanding and improves retention.
However, this technique is sometimes misunderstood in educational settings. In some classrooms, when a student excels on a pre-test or finish their work early, they may be asked to assist classmates who are struggling. While well-intentioned, this can inadvertently penalize high-achieving students by burdening them with additional responsibilities for finishing quickly.
Instead, use the “become a teacher” strategy as an opportunity to deepen these students’ engagement with the content. Encourage them to study the material further and present their insights to the class, rather than assigning them more work on concepts they have already mastered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective study techniques according to research?
Research highlights several effective study techniques, including distributed practice, interleaving practice, self-quizzing, and elaborative interrogation. These methods enhance retention, deepen understanding, and improve test performance.
How does distributed practice differ from cramming?
Distributed practice involves studying in shorter, spaced-out sessions over time, as opposed to cramming, which is characterized by intense, last-minute study sessions. Distributed practice helps prevent cognitive overload and promotes better long-term retention.
What is interleaving practice, and why is it effective?
Interleaving practice involves alternating between different types of problems or topics within a single study session. This approach requires students to constantly adapt their thinking, leading to improved problem-solving skills and a more flexible understanding of the material.
Why is self-quizzing an important study strategy?
Self-quizzing encourages students to actively recall information, which strengthens memory and comprehension. By formulating their questions, students engage in deeper cognitive processing, enhancing their ability to understand and retain the material.
How can students use the “become a teacher” technique to improve their studying?
The “become a teacher” technique involves students explaining the material they are learning as if they were teaching it to someone else. This method forces them to process and organize the information more thoroughly, leading to better retention and a deeper understanding of the content.
What is the growth mindset, and how does it relate to effective studying?
The growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. Embracing this mindset helps students view challenges as opportunities to grow, which enhances their resilience and effectiveness in studying.
Conclusion
Incorporating research-backed study techniques into students’ learning routines can significantly enhance their understanding, retention, and academic performance. Methods such as distributed practice, interleaving, self-quizzing, and adopting a growth mindset not only promote deeper engagement with the material but also equip students with the tools to become more effective, independent learners.
