Debunking Studying Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction in Study Strategies
Do you know how to study? Do you know how to help your child study? Whether or not you feel confident in this area, many of us hold onto beliefs about studying that may or may not actually be helpful. There are many helpful study strategies out there, but let’s unpack a few studying myths that you may believe:
Top Studying Myths We Hear Often:
Check out this video or keep reading to unpack some of the biggest studying myths:
Studying in the same location all the time is the most effective.
False! Actually, varying your location forms more connections with the information you’re learning, enabling easier recall. While it sounds nice to have a dedicated study space, it’s actually better to move between different areas and environments while you’re studying!
Studying 3 hours in one night is just as effective as studying for 1 hour on 3 different nights.
Definitely not. Research shows better recall when you study in shorter intervals over several days rather than cramming the same amount of time into one day. Why? Because you’re training your recall skills. If you have to remember something multiple times, you’re much more likely to be able to pull it out for a test than if you did it all the night before.
Knowing everything taught means you are prepared for the test.
This one is tough, but it’s also a myth. Being able to spout back facts is often not enough mastery of material to succeed on tests. You need to be able to apply it, manipulate it, and interpret it in different ways so you can truly master the material.
Completing all of one subject before going to another improves retention.
Also a nope! It’s actually better to switch between subjects, especially if you feel yourself fatiguing out. Work on one subject, and when you start to disengage, switch to something else. Giving yourself this freedom to hop around will actually help you get more done and keep your brain more engaged!
A quiet environment is the most effective study location.
For most people, background noise is actually an aid to help them stay more engaged and focused with the material. Whether it’s music, a coffee shop, being outdoors, or just having the TV on quietly, some sort of noise may actually help your child work more efficiently and effectively during their study sessions.
Knowing study techniques equates to effective studying.
Maybe your child or teen says “I know how to study.” The question is, are they truly using that strategy? Knowing and doing are two very different things, which is why it’s so important to expose kids to a wide variety of study techniques so they can find the ones they’ll actually use!
Building Study Strategies That Actually Work
Studying needs to be more than just reviewing material passively. Actively engaging in their subjects and materials is critical for true mastery and effective studying. These skills are not always easy to learn, which is why we have a powerful study skills program that combines brain science & practical studying techniques to give your child more confidence in and out of the classroom!
