Study Tips
NEW: THIS ISSUE
Master your reading with the SQ3R technique
How much homework should you be doing at high school?
Mid-year study strategies to stay on track
You can find previous study tips information in these issues:
Issue 7
Homework help for parents
Issue 5
Balancing academic and extracurricular activities: A guide for high school students
7 smart study tips for high school students
6 alternative study tips
Issue 1
How to boost your study motivation (even when you really don't feel like it).
Master your reading with the SQ3R technique
Reading through endless textbook chapters can feel like trying to drink from a fire hose - overwhelming and ineffective. If you've ever found yourself reaching the end of a chapter with no memory of what you've just read, you're not alone. The SQ3R study technique gives you a roadmap for your reading, transforming passive page-turning into active, purposeful learning that actually sticks.
This proven method has been helping students tackle complex texts for decades, turning overwhelming reading assignments into manageable, productive study sessions. In this blog, we'll explain how it works and how to use it.
What is the SQ3R technique?
SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review - five steps that you take when approaching any reading tasks. Think of it as a conversation with your textbook rather than a one-way lecture. Instead of simply absorbing information, you're actively engaging with the material, asking questions, and making connections.
When should you use SQ3R?
The SQ3R method shines when you're dealing with large reading assignments that require a deep level of understanding and long-term retention. It's also perfect for preparing for exams, writing research papers, or learning new course material.
It's particularly helpful when tackling new or challenging subjects where you need to quickly build a solid foundation of knowledge. If you're just doing some light reading or looking for specific information, then the skim and scan method might be more appropriate.
Breaking down the five steps
So what are each of the five steps in the SQ3R method? Let's take a look.
Survey: Getting the lay of the land
Like planning a trip, you want to know where you're heading and what landmarks to expect along the way. Begin by taking 5-10 minutes to survey the material instead of immediately diving into the details.
Look at headings, subheadings, charts, graphs, and any highlighted or bold text. Read the introduction and conclusion if they're available. For example, if you're studying a chapter on the nervous system in biology, you might notice sections on neurons, the brain, and reflexes, giving you an idea of what's to come.
Question: Turn headings into questions
Take each heading and subheading and form them into questions. This can help to prime your brain to look for specific answers as you read.
For example, if a heading says Causes of World War I, turn it into What were the main causes of World War I? This simple shift from passive to active reading can dramatically improve your comprehension and retention.
These questions also become goals for your reading session - instead of wandering through text hoping something important will jump out, you can start hunting for specific answers.
Read: Search purposefully for answers
Now start reading the material in earnest, keeping your questions handy. Take your time and focus on understanding rather than speed - you may need to adjust your reading pace based on the complexity of the material. Once you find an answer to your questions, note it down.
If you're reading about photosynthesis, for example, and your question was How does photosynthesis work?, you'd pay particular attention to the step-by-step process, the role of chlorophyll, and the inputs and outputs of the reaction.
Recite: Test your understanding
After reading each section, close your book and try to answer your questions from memory. This is where the real learning happens - if you can explain the concept in your own words without looking at the text, then you've truly understood it.
For example, after reading about the water cycle, you should be able to explain evaporation, condensation, and precipitation without peeking at your notes. If you struggle to recall key points, that's valuable feedback telling you which areas need more attention.
Review: Reinforce and connect
Within the next 24 hours, make some time to review your questions and answers. This step is important for cementing the information in your long-term memory and helps you to see connections between different concepts.
And remember, regular review sessions spaced over time are usually far more effective than cramming before an exam.
During the review phase, you might start making broader connections too. You might notice how the water cycle connects to weather patterns, climate change, or ecosystem health.
Making SQ3R work for you
Remember that SQ3R is a technique, not a rigid rule. You might find that some sections require more questioning, while others need deeper reading. The aim is staying engaged with the material and actively seeking understanding rather than just scanning text that's meaningless once you've shut the book.
You might find it helpful to keep a notebook specifically for their SQ3R questions and answers, creating a personalised study guide that grows with each reading session. Or, if you prefer, find digital tools for your notes or use voice recordings for the recite step.
One of the biggest benefits of the SQ3R method is its flexibility - you can adapt it to different subjects and learning styles while maintaining the core principle of active, purposeful reading.
How much homework should you be doing at high school?
Are you spending hours hunched over textbooks wondering if you're doing too much or too little homework? You're not alone. The homework debate has been raging for decades, with students, parents, and teachers all having different opinions on how much study time is actually beneficial.
The truth is, there's no magic number that works for everyone. But there are some research-backed guidelines that can help you find the sweet spot between academic success and maintaining your sanity.
How much home work should you be doing?
We’re going to get to that in just a minute, but there are a few things to cover off first…
- Excessive studying is unlikely to dramatically increase your academic outcomes - and it can be extremely bad for your physical and mental health too.
- Academic results are just one factor in your success, and too much study can reduce the time and energy you have for other resume-boosting activities.
Let's explore what the experts say about homework and how you can strike the right balance for your learning and wellbeing.
Why too much homework can backfire
Before we dive into the numbers, it's crucial to understand that more isn't always better when it comes to homework. In fact, excessive studying can actually work against you in several ways.
It can impact your health
Overdoing homework can seriously impact your physical and mental health.
If you're experiencing regular headaches, stomach problems, frequent illnesses, sleep issues, or feelings of anxiety about school, these could be warning signs that your workload is too heavy. Multiple studies have linked excessive homework to these health problems, and your physical and mental wellbeing should always come first.
It actually decreases your motivation
Doing over the recommended limits of homework could also be reducing your motivation and focus, which won’t help you kick your academic goals. Think of homework like exercise – a moderate amount strengthens your academic muscles, but overdoing it leads to burnout and injury.
You’ll also have less time to rest, exercise, work, spend time with family and friends, and just enjoy yourself, all important factors in your development and wellbeing.
What the research says
This information doesn't just come from disgruntled students - a heap of academic research has been done into homework, and some of the findings might surprise you.
Less homework doesn't mean less results
Here's something you might not expect: countries that assign the least homework often perform best academically.
Korea, Japan, and Finland, for example, give students minimal homework, yet consistently rank among the top countries for reading, maths, and writing in international assessments.
It's about quality over quantity
Educational researcher John Hattie ranks homework at 279 from a list of 438 student achievement influences. Interestingly, he found the benefits of homework start at nearly none in primary school, but increase further into high school.
Quality homework and feedback is far more important than spending mindless hours covering the same work again and again.
“Homework that is meaningful and driven by student input is linked to improving attitudes, knowledge and student retention…”
- Corno, 2000
You can have too much of a good thing
Research shows that once homework exceeds certain time limits, academic performance actually starts to decline.
A 2015 study also found that middle school students assigned more than 90 to 100 minutes of daily homework began to see a fall in their maths and science test scores.
"Moderate amounts of time spent on homework are linked to better results, but a great deal … of time spent on homework is actually less productive. This means when middle school students spend more than an hour and a half a night there is a correlation with lower scores."
- Cooper, et al., 2006
The homework sweet spot by year level
Based on multiple studies and expert recommendations, here are the optimal homework amounts for different school levels:
Middle school
Aim for up to one hour of homework per weekday. This gives you enough practice to consolidate classroom learning without overwhelming your developing brain.
Lower senior school
At this stage you should be able to handle between one and two hours daily. You're building stronger study habits and can manage slightly more complex work.
Upper senior school
By now your target should be around two hours per day. This prepares you for the increased academic demands you'll face if you continue to university.
Remember, these are guidelines, not rigid rules. For example, if you’re taking more subjects than other students in your cohort, or if you’re taking part in extra programs, then the amount of study you may have to do could increase.
Around assessment and exam time then you might find you’re reaching the upper limits of the recommended homework times too, and that’s normal, but it shouldn’t be the norm for your entire school year.
Making homework work for you
The key isn't just about time - it's about making that time count. You don't need to do all your studying in marathon sessions. Break it up throughout your day and week.
Read your notes on the bus, watch educational documentaries that relate to your subjects, or discuss what you're learning with friends. Even casual conversations about your coursework can reinforce your understanding.
Consider your natural rhythms too. Are you a morning person who thinks clearly at dawn, or a night owl who hits their stride after dinner? Schedule your most challenging homework during your peak energy times.
Setting yourself up for success
To make the most of your homework time, create a study environment that works for you. Find a space where you can focus without distractions, whether that's your bedroom, the kitchen table, or your local library.
Write a study plan and stick to it. Include regular breaks because your brain needs time to process and consolidate information. Research shows that after about 15 minutes of focused learning, your brain needs a few minutes to restore the neurotransmitters that help you concentrate.
Think of breaks as brain maintenance – they're not time wasted, they're essential for keeping your mind sharp.
“After about 15 minutes of learning and practising something – such as the Pythagorean theorem in maths – the regions of the brain activated in spatial-numerical learning get fatigued and need to rebuild the neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, that get depleted. The restoration only takes a few minutes if the break is timely, but if they are pushed to stay with that same process for too long, stress builds, neurotransmitters drop way down and it will take twice as long to restore full efficiency to that area of the brain.”
- Judy Willis
When to seek help
If homework is taking over your life, it's time to reassess. You should still have time for exercise, hobbies, work, family and friends. These activities aren't luxuries – they're essential for your development and mental health.
If you're consistently struggling to complete homework, speak with your teachers. They can help you develop better study strategies or adjust expectations if needed.
One more thing to bear in mind
If you're contemplating university after high school, the expectation is that you’ll be studying for around 40 hours per week, and that includes all of your lectures, seminars, and tutorials (it’s the also the equivalent of a full-time working role).
If you're already doing 30 hours of school and 20+ hours of homework weekly, you're already exceeding university level workloads, and that's a red flag. Remember that work-life balance is important at all ages and is a great skill to master early in life.
Mid-year study strategies to stay on track
Feeling a bit lost halfway through the school year? You're not alone. The mid-year slump is real, and it happens to the best of us. The excitement of starting fresh has worn off, holidays have disrupted your routine, and the end of the year still feels ages away. Now is the perfect time to reset and make sure you're heading in the right direction. With a few adjustments and some solid mid-year study strategies, you can stay on track and finish the year strong.
Check your progress
Before you can move forward, you need to know exactly where you are right now - you can't plan your route until you know your starting point.
Check your grades and progress
Log into your student portal and take an honest look at your current grades. Don't just glance at them and move on: really examine the patterns. Are there subjects where you're consistently struggling? Are there areas where you started strong but have been slipping? Make a list of your current standing in each subject and note any trends you spot.
Review your goals
Remember those goals you set at the beginning of the year? Dig them out and see how you're tracking. Are you on track to achieve what you hoped for? Do your original goals still make sense, or do they need adjusting based on what you've learned about yourself this year?
And even if you didn't set any formal goals, now's still a brilliant time to do so.
Identify what's working and what isn't
Be honest about your study habits, organisation systems, and routines. What strategies have been helping you succeed? What's been holding you back? This isn't about beating yourself up – it's about learning from experience and making smarter choices going forward.
Create a mid-year action plan
Now that you know where you stand, it's time to map out your path to success for the rest of the year.
Set realistic targets
Based on your current position, set achievable goals for the remainder of the year. If you're behind in maths, for example, your goal might be to improve your grade by one level rather than jumping straight to the top.
Remember, sustainable progress beats dramatic changes that you can't maintain.
Prioritise your subjects
Not all subjects need the same amount of attention. If you're already doing well in English but struggling with chemistry, you know where to focus your extra energy. Create a priority list based on which subjects need the most work and which matter most for your future plans.
Break down big tasks
Those major assignments and exams coming up can feel overwhelming when you look at them as massive chunks. Break them down into smaller, manageable pieces with specific deadlines.
For example, instead of "study for chemistry final," try "review chapters 1-3 by Friday, complete practice problems over the weekend, and review chapter 4 by Tuesday."
Rebuild your study routine
Mid-year is the perfect time to refresh your study habits and fix any systems that aren't working.
Audit your study space
Take a fresh look at where and how you study. Is your study space still working for you, or has it become cluttered and distracting? Sometimes a simple reorganisation or change of scenery can make a huge difference to your focus and productivity.
Experiment with new techniques
If your current study methods aren't delivering results, now's the time to try something different. Maybe you've been relying heavily on reading and highlighting – consider adding active recall, practice testing, or teaching concepts to someone else. Mix things up and see what clicks.
Schedule regular review sessions
One of the biggest mistakes students make is only studying right before tests. Build regular review sessions into your routine so you're constantly reinforcing what you've learned. Even 15 minutes of review every few days can make a massive difference at exam time.
Stay motivated through the home stretch
Motivation naturally dips during the middle of the year, but there are ways to reignite your enthusiasm.
Connect your work to your future
Remind yourself why you're doing this. Whether it's getting into your dream university, pursuing a particular career, or simply proving to yourself that you can achieve your goals, keep that bigger picture in mind when the daily grind gets tough.
Celebrate small wins
Don't wait until the end of the year to acknowledge your progress. Celebrate when you improve a grade, master a difficult concept, or stick to your study schedule for a full week. These small victories add up and help maintain momentum.
Find your study tribe
Surround yourself with people who support your academic goals. This might mean forming a study group with classmates, finding a study buddy who keeps you accountable, or simply spending more time with friends who take their studies seriously.
Get help when you need it
There's absolutely no shame in asking for support – in fact, it's one of the smartest things you can do.
Talk to your teachers
Your teachers want you to succeed, and mid-year is an excellent time to check in with them. Ask for specific feedback on how you can improve, clarification on concepts you're struggling with, or advice on how to approach upcoming assignments.
Use available resources
Make sure you're taking advantage of all the support your school offers. This might include tutoring services, study groups, online resources, or academic counselling.
Consider outside support
Sometimes you need help beyond what's available at school. This could mean hiring a tutor, joining an online study community, or working with a mentor. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so find what works for your situation and budget.
Look after yourself
Academic success isn't just about studying harder – it's about studying smarter and maintaining your wellbeing along the way.
Maintain healthy habits
Your brain needs proper fuel and rest to function at its best. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and taking breaks from studying.
Manage stress effectively
Mid-year pressure is real, but chronic stress will hurt your performance more than help it. Find healthy ways to manage stress, whether that's through exercise, meditation, talking to friends, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy.
Keep perspective
While your studies are important, they're not everything. One bad test or assignment won't ruin your entire future, we promise. Keep things in perspective and remember that setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow, not reasons to give up.
Moving forward with confidence
The mid-year point isn't a time for panic - you still have plenty of time to make meaningful improvements.
Remember, everyone's academic journey looks different. Some people start strong and maintain that pace throughout the year. Others need time to find their rhythm and peak later. Some have ups and downs that match the natural flow of the school calendar. All of these patterns are normal, and none of them determine your ultimate success.
The most important thing is that you're being proactive about your education. By taking the time to assess where you are and make a plan for moving forward, you're already ahead of students who just hope things will somehow work out on their own.