7 Study Tips for Students for More Effective Studying

Short answer: The most effective study habits are simple: make a weekly study plan, review every subject regularly instead of cramming, take timed practice tests, get help from a tutor, study in a distraction-free space, match study methods to your learning style, and take regular breaks using a method like Pomodoro.

Good study habits help students at every stage, from spelling tests in elementary school to cumulative finals in college. Here are seven study tips parents can use to help their child study more effectively.

Key points

• Plan the week: Use syllabi and a master calendar to build a weekly study schedule.
• Review a little daily: Even 20 or 30 minutes per subject keeps material fresh for cumulative exams.
• Practice under time: Timed worksheets build test-taking skills in a comfortable setting.
• Get a tutor: One-on-one help builds study habits and critical thinking, not just exam prep.
• Cut distractions: A quiet space and a phone left outside the room help focus.
• Take real breaks: The Pomodoro method splits studying into 25-minute blocks.

What are the best study tips for students?

1. How do you make a study plan?

Creating a study plan is one of the best ways to develop strong study habits and improve academic performance. First, review your child’s syllabi to estimate how much time they’ll need to dedicate to each class.

You can also list the due dates for assignments and exams on a master calendar so that they can stay on top of deadlines.

Next, help your child map out a weekly study schedule. For instance, a high schooler may choose to spend five hours a week preparing for the ACT exam, four hours reviewing for biology class, and two hours completing social studies homework.

You can adjust this study plan throughout the semester to devote more time to preparing for major exams or reviewing challenging subjects. For more on planning, see why time management is important for students.

Consistent studying throughout the semester allows students to learn the material more efficiently than cramming the night before a test, and rotating between several subjects during a session can help maintain focus.

2. Why should you review subject matter regularly throughout the semester?

Many teachers structure their classes so that each unit builds on material from the last topic. Your child will also likely need to take cumulative midterm and final exams that test all the material learned throughout the semester.

Regular studying is the easiest way to retain large quantities of information.

Your child can set a daily study goal for every class. Reviewing a subject for even 20 or 30 minutes will keep the material fresh and help your child develop into a successful student who can identify connections between course readings and topics.

Tutor tip: Put a short daily review block on the schedule for each class, even on days without homework. Twenty or thirty minutes is enough to keep earlier units fresh before a cumulative final.

3. How do online practice tests help?

Online practice tests can give your child a leg up in their math and science classes. Websites like Kuta Software provide free math worksheets and study guides that you can use to help your student review critical concepts.

You can even simulate a testing situation by setting a timer as your student completes the worksheet, enabling them to practice their test-taking skills in a comfortable environment.

You can also combine math and physics problems from the textbook with online tests for additional practice. Frequently practicing problems will increase your child’s confidence in their math and science abilities.

Tutor tip: Have your student finish the whole timed worksheet before checking any answers. Then go back to each missed problem and find the exact step where it went wrong.

4. Why have study sessions with a tutor?

Your child will learn plenty of material during class sessions, but individual meetings with a tutor can provide extra support. An expert tutor doesn’t simply help students prepare for exams. They also teach invaluable study habits, promote critical thinking, and instill a lifelong love of learning.

Other tutoring benefits include fewer distractions, increased self-esteem, and the opportunity to ask questions without worrying about being judged by fellow students.

5. How do you keep your study environment distraction-free?

You can make your child’s study time more productive by creating a distraction-free space. For example, a spare bedroom or furnished basement can give your child a calm and quiet environment where they can focus on studying without getting distracted by household noises, pets, or siblings.

It’s also crucial to eliminate distractions from technology. Your child can focus better if they aren’t constantly interrupted by text messages or browsing social media.

You can insist that your child leave their phone outside their study space and use browser extensions to discourage your child from visiting fun websites on their computer.

6. How do you identify your learning style?

Each student has a learning style that determines how they best process information. Here are three common learning styles:

• Auditory Learners. Some students prefer to learn the material through sound. They gain knowledge most efficiently by listening to lectures or explaining new concepts to someone else. Effective study skills for auditory learners include discussing material with other people and listening to relevant podcasts.
• Kinesthetic Learners. These people prefer to learn through hands-on activities like acting out concepts and writing on a whiteboard. Kinesthetic learners can study by creating flashcards, creating models, and drawing.
• Visual Learners. These students process information most effectively by looking at visual materials like diagrams, illustrations, and written text. If your child is a visual learner, they can study by annotating their textbook, searching the internet for visual aids, and watching relevant videos.

Study strategies catered to a specific learning style can help your child learn more efficiently. Read more about how learning styles affect tutoring.

7. Why take breaks and get plenty of rest?

Finally, students need to take frequent breaks while studying to prevent burnout and frustration. You can use the Pomodoro method to help your child balance studying and breaks over extended periods of time.

To use this method:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes and spend the period focusing on studying.
2. Take a 5-minute break at the end of this increment.
3. Repeat the 25-minute work session and short break.
4. After every four 25-minute work sessions, take an extended 20- to 30-minute break.

The Pomodoro method increases focus and divides long projects or study sessions into small tasks, so your child doesn’t get overwhelmed.

How can these study tips help your student succeed?

Learning effective study tips for exams can help your student thrive at every stage of their education. Your child can use these seven simple strategies to ace spelling tests in elementary school, cumulative final exams in college, and everything in between.

Our tutors are rooting for your student’s success. Through online tutoring with Alexander Tutoring, our expert tutors can help your child hone their study skills, identify their learning style, and prepare for upcoming tests.

Frequently asked questions