Study. Why does this small word produce so much procrastination and paralysis? It is because most children and teens don’t know how to study effectively. Let’s look at common pitfalls and examine how we can tweak them to study more effectively.

STUDY PROBLEM 1: CRAMMING BEFORE EXAMS

Solution: Students should space out study periods to avoid pulling all-nighters.

STUDY PROBLEM 2: SELDOM REVIEWING NOTES

Solution: Repetition, however, is vital. For effective studying, rinse and repeat—a lot.

STUDY PROBLEM 3: REREADING, ONLY

Solution: The physical act of writing helps students absorb information on a deeper level than reading the same material twice. To take it up a notch, rewrite in a different form than the original notes (draw a diagram, create an outline, develop a Q and A — anything that changes your notes into a different format).

STUDY PROBLEM 4: USING ONLY ONE STUDY TOOL

Solution: Mixing different study tools will optimize learning by keeping the material fresh, fun, and more engaging. Some fun study ideas to try: • Write a song as a way to learn a language • Draw cartoon pictures to memorize the ancient gods • Make up a dance routine to learn the periodic table

STUDY PROBLEM 5: IGNORING TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Solution: Prior to reading a chapter, students should write out each question on a separate sheet of paper (leaving space in between), and answer the questions as they make their way through the chapter.

STUDY PROBLEM 6: SKIMMING THE SURFACE

Solution: If the material requires chronological study, try reviewing it backward.

STUDY PROBLEM 7: LETTING FRUSTRATION WIN

Solution: Students should try flipping upside down the narratives in their heads. Instead of saying, “I don’t get this,” they should ask themselves, “How can I get this?” Or swap out “I don’t know” with “What do I know?” And my favorite one? Changing “This won’t work” to “What have I done previously that has worked?”

STUDY PROBLEM 8: STUDYING ALONE

Solution: There’s no better procrastination buster than studying with others.

We hope these tips help you make the school year a successful one!