The Study Skills Guide For Students and Educators
What are study skills?
Study skills are strategies and techniques that help students learn more effectively, retain information longer, and perform better on assignments and tests. These skills include things like time management, note-taking, test preparation, goal setting, and reading comprehension.
When students build strong study habits, they are better equipped to tackle academic challenges with confidence and independence. Students who use active learning strategies—like summarizing information in their own words, teaching the material to someone else, or using visual aids—tend to retain more and feel less overwhelmed.
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Developing study skills is a lifelong asset. Whether a student is in middle school, high school, college, or the workforce, knowing how to manage time, break down complex tasks, and stay focused on goals is key to success. With the right support and practice, any student can improve their study skills and become a more self-directed learner.
My Top 5 lessons learned about study skills as an Executive Function coach
1. Studying is a skill, not a talent
Most students aren’t born knowing how to study effectively—they need to be taught. I've seen students transform their performance once they learn how to break tasks into steps, use active recall, and study consistently instead of cramming.
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2. Time management is half the battle
Many students struggle not because they don’t understand the content, but because they run out of time or wait until the last minute. Teaching students how to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and set realistic daily goals has been a game changer.
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3. Not all study methods work for every student
What works for one student might frustrate another. Some students benefit from visual study tools like diagrams or mind maps, while others retain more from teaching the material out loud. Helping students discover their preferred learning style is key.
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4. Environment matters more than people think
Where and how a student studies can impact their focus and motivation. I've learned to coach students on creating distraction-free study spaces and building routines that help signal it's time to focus—even if it’s just a favorite playlist and a clear desk.
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5. Students need wins to stay motivated
Study skills can feel overwhelming at first, especially for students who’ve experienced academic failure. Focusing on small wins—like completing a study guide early or mastering one concept—builds momentum and confidence over time.
More on study skills
Study skills are tools for building confidence, reducing stress, and promoting long-term independence.
When students feel equipped to tackle their workload, they’re more likely to stay motivated and engaged in learning.
As an executive function coach, I’ve seen firsthand how study skills can empower students to take ownership of their education and shift from a reactive to a proactive mindset.
The articles below dive deeper into study skills and best practices.
Looking for more articles on study skills? I have a full list at the bottom of this page.
Simple guide to study skills for students
1. Try time-blocking
Break your day into chunks and plan when you’ll study, relax, and take breaks. It helps you stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.
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2. Quiz yourself instead of rereading
Use flashcards or practice questions to test what you know. This helps you remember the material better than just rereading your notes.
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3. Break big assignments into small steps
Large projects feel easier when you split them into smaller tasks. Make a checklist and tackle one thing at a time.
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4. Set up a distraction free study zone
Find a spot where you can focus—no phone, no TV, and everything you need within reach. A good space makes a big difference.
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5. Take short movement breaks
Every 30–45 minutes, take a quick walk or stretch. Moving around helps you reset your focus and feel more alert.
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6. Review your notes every day
Spend 10–15 minutes each day reviewing notes or organizing your planner. This keeps things fresh and helps you remember more later.
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7. Use visuals to organize information
Try making diagrams, color-coded notes, or mind maps. If you’re a visual learner, these tools make studying easier and more fun.
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8. Join or start a study group
Studying with friends can help—just make sure you stay focused. Try quizzing each other or explaining tough concepts out loud.
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9. Think about what's working
After a test or big assignment, ask yourself: What helped me? What could I do better next time? Learning how you learn is powerful.
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10. Celebrate small wins
Finished your homework early? Focused for 30 minutes straight? That’s progress! Give yourself credit for showing up and trying.
Best books and resources on study skills
"Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning" by Peter C. Brown
Backed by cognitive science, this book explains why common study strategies fail—and what to do instead.
"The Study Skills Handbook" by Stella Cottrell
A comprehensive and student-friendly guide that covers everything from time management to critical thinking and exam strategies.
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"How to Become a Straight-A Student" by Cal Newport
Written for college students, this book shares time-management and study techniques that actually work—with less stress.
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"A Mind for Numbers" by Barbara Oakley
Ideal for students in math and science, this book teaches how to study and understand complex material more effectively.
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"Atomic Habits" by James Clear
Not a traditional study book, but incredibly useful for building consistent study routines and breaking procrastination cycles.