STUDY SKILLS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Feel like you’re spending hours studying but not getting anywhere? You’re not alone. Lots of students struggle to find study techniques that work for them. The good news is that there are some proven ways to study that can help you learn better and remember more. Let’s look at some different study techniques for high school students, and see if there are any you might want to try.

Space it out

Ever tried cramming the night before an exam? While it might help you pass, you probably won’t remember much afterwards. Instead, try spreading out your study over a longer period. This technique is called spaced repetition, and it’s one of the most effective ways to learn.

For example, if you have a test in two weeks, you could:
Do practice questions regularly instead of all at once
Study for 30 minutes each day instead of 5 hours the night before
Review your notes from each class at the end of the week

Test yourself

Instead of just reading over your notes again and again, take it up a step and test yourself on what you’ve learned. This is called active recall, and it’s much more effective than passive reading. You could:

Try explaining the topic to someone else
Make flashcards and quiz yourself
Cover up your notes and try to write down what you remember
Do practice questions without looking at your notes

Mix it up

Rather than studying one topic for hours, try mixing different subjects or topics together. This is called interleaving, and it helps your brain make connections between different ideas.

For example, if you’re studying maths, instead of doing all the algebra questions followed by all the geometry questions, mix them up. This might feel harder at first, but it helps you learn better in the long run.

Make it visual

Some people learn better when they can see information presented in different ways. Try:

Making your own charts or graphs
Drawing diagrams or mind maps
Using different colours for different topics
Creating timelines for historical events

Share your knowledge

If you can find someone willing to listen and learn, teaching them what you know can be an effective way to give your studies a boost. By explaining concepts to others, you’ll be able to identify areas where you need to focus your attention and reinforce your own understanding of the material. You could:

Tell your family about what you learned at dinner
Study with a friend and take turns explaining topics
Make a video explaining a concept
Write a blog post about what you’re learning

Look after yourself

OK, while this isn’t technically a study technique, it’s still very important! Getting enough sleep and exercise can have a big impact on your ability to learn and retain information. Make sure to take breaks when you need them, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with a particular subject.

Find what works for you

There are heaps of different study techniques out there that can help you improve your academic performance. So try a few and find what works best for you, and make the most of your study time and achieve your academic goals.