It’s test time! Do you know how to study effectively?
The reality is that when it comes time to study, what most students think of as proper study skills are actually inefficent methods. Common study habits like rereading notes, highlighting pages of textbooks, or cramming the night before an exam may feel effective, but don’t actually help students retain knowledge or perform well on tests.
But there is good news! Effective and efficient study skills exist, and when students use these techniques they retain information longer and feel prepared and confident on test day!
Keep reading to debunk the most common study myths and learn which study techniques actually work.
Study Myth #1: Rereading Notes is Effective
Reviewing class notes is an effective way to solidify the day’s learning and it helps to boost recall. However, when it comes to studying, rereading notes is not enough. That’s because simply rereading notes is passive; to make rereading effective, students need to make thier review active.
Instead try: Active Recall
Active recall is recognized by experts as a top learning strategy. Rather than simply reading over notes, students quiz themselves on key concepts, explain ideas in their own words, and practice answering questions about the material without looking at the textbook. By pulling information out of memory, the brain strengthens its ability to retrieve it later.
Study Myth #2: Highlighting and Underlining is Enough
Highlighters are a classroom staple, but research shows that highlighting on its own does little to improve comprehension. In fact, students often end up highlighting too much, which makes it hard to distinguish what’s actually important.
Instead Try: Summarize and Teach
Instead of a page filled with colours and underlines, a more effective approach for students is reading the material, then summarizing it out loud, using their own words. To boost understanding and memory even more, students should teach the material to another person, even if the person is imaginary. This forces the brain to organize and clarify information, which leads to deeper understanding. This is the Feynman technique in action.
Study Myth #3: Long Study Sessions Equal More Material Covered
Staying up too late and reviewing all the material may feel productive, but studies show that cramming is an ineffective approach, usually leading to fatigue, reduced focus, and poor memory retention.
Instead try: Spaced Practice & The Pomodoro Technique
Breaking study time into shorter, focused sessions is far more effective. A popular method is the Pomodoro technique, where students study for 25–30 minutes, then take a short break. Pairing this with spaced practice, reviewing material over several days instead of all at once, creates stronger, longer-lasting memories.
Study Myth 4: Multitasking
Texting friends, watching YouTube, or listening to music while studying might seem harmless, but multitasking divides attention and makes it harder for the brain to process information fully. Studies show it reduces productivity by as much as 40%!
Try Instead: A Focused Environment
Attention wanders. To help stay on task, try decluttering, removing distractions, and shutting devices off. To make a study session even more effective, set a timer and aim to remained focsued for a set amount of time. This practice can lead to more effective and productive study time.
Study Myth #5: Intelligence Matters Most
There is a pervasive belief that only smart students get good grades. Not only is this myth false, it can discourage students from trying. The reality is that when it comes to academic success, effort is just as important as natural intellegence.
Try Instead: Growth Mindset & Consistent Practice
Research proves that intelligence is not fixed. With consistent effort, the right strategies, and a positive mindset, students can make incredible progress. Emphasizing study techniques, rather than innate intelligence, helps unlock potential in every learner. A growth mindset—the belief that even when things are challenging, with the right effort, achievement ispossible—is a valuable tool in every student’s toolkit.
Other Reasons to Build Better Study Skills
Developing more effective study skills isn’t just getting better grades: when students learn proper study skills, they:
- reduce test stress
- build confidence in their school skills
- create better habits in and out of school
- manage their time better
Build Better Study Skills Here
How students approach studying can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling prepared. If the current approach isn’t delivering results, it may be time to question old habits and replace them with strategies that truly work.
By practicing active recall, focusing on shorter sessions, and adopting a growth mindset, students can transform their study routine and their academic outcomes.
Success in school isn’t about how long student study; it’s about how effectively they study.
We can help students perfect their study habits. Ask us how!
