When it comes to my children’s study skills, my record is 1 for 4. My graduating senior consistently displays stellar study skills ever since elementary school. However, my other children lack the “consistency” my daughter has. Don’t get me wrong, they all perform very well in school, but their performances can sometimes fluctuate. Then, they start panicking. It can get very intense in my house around progress and end of grade reporting periods.
Why are Study Skills Important?
Since last week’s topic was organization, and is an element of study skills, it only makes sense to reiterate why this non-academic skill is so important for student success. Research indicates that students perform poorly on school work because they never learn how to study properly. Thus, study skills are needed to help students learn and master classroom instruction.
Key Points About Study Skills
According to Skills You Need, students will eventually develop their own personal approach to study skills and figure out what works for them. Also, study skills are not specific. They can be applied to any content, if the student uses the concepts, theories, ideas pertaining to the subject area. Study skills will need to be developed and practiced to mastery, especially if students intend on being lifelong learners. Lastly, study skills are transferable. These skills will be used by students during post-secondary and beyond. I’m glad to know that my children would eventually develop and master their individual study skills, but when? Ideally, I wish that mastery happens before their own graduation, but it may not. That is exactly why as a parent, I go over and beyond to help them. I know I have to meet them halfway. They need frequent assistance and guidance with their study skills which is not always provided in the classroom due to other responsibilities teachers may have. And I understand that.
Common Study Skills Strategies
I’m sure parents and teachers are familiar with the common study skill strategies that research and educational experts discuss at workshops, conferences, etc. In case you forgot, allow me to provide you with a quick rundown:
For Elementary Students Source: KidsHealth from Nemours
- Pay attention in class
- Take good notes
- Plan ahead for tests and projects
- Chunk assignments
- Ask for help
- Get a good night’s sleep
For Middle School Students Source: Greatschool.org
- Ask probing questions after your child finishes his/her homework
- Help manage the child’s time and attention
- Help with active learning (highlighting, post it notes, mapping, etc.)
- Use mnemonics when applicable
- Study when there is downtime (waiting room, traffic jam, etc.)
- Have a study buddy or study group
For High School Students Source: Auburn University
- Always be prepared for class, and attend classes regularly
- Complete assignments thoroughly and in a timely manner
- Review your notes daily rather than cram for tests the night before
- Set aside quiet time each day for study, even if there is no homework or a test the next day
- Concentrate on the lesson and ask questions
- Take good notes
These basic study skills strategies are of no surprise, but are in need of being mentioned. However, I am a believer that in order to foster engagement from students, it is important to think outside of the box. So with that being said, on to the main event.
19 Easy, Unique Study Skills Strategies to Use with Students
- Walk before an exam
- Speak out loud instead of reading
- Reward yourself with a treat
- Teach what you have learned
- Draw diagrams
- Times New Roman is the fastest font to read
- Use apps to block distracting sites
- Watch a documentary on the topic
- Search Google like a professional
- Create flashcards to jog the memory
- Take regular study breaks
- Listen to the right kind of music to study to
- Make the study space portable
- Practice answering past test questions to train the brain to retrieve information
- Get adequate rest leading up to test days; sleeping helps to assimilate the information learned by studying
- Use various forms of technology to study (TED Talks, apps, etc.)
- Use scents or gum to jog the memory
- Participate in study groups
- Meditate-it helps to reduce pre-testing stress
Source: GoConqr.com
Wait! There’s More!
Before I bid you all adieu, I want to elaborate further on these awesome, unique study skills strategies, so please watch the video below! By doing so, you’ll finally get to meet ME! Well, at least virtually!
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