Effective Study Skills for Students

19 Nov

Picture this: you sit down to revise, and instead of feeling lost or overwhelmed, you feel calm, focused and in control. Effective study skills can make that a reality. In this post, we’ll explore why study skills matter and share five practical tips that work for students.

Why Study Skills Matter

Good study habits are the foundation of successful learning. They help you:

Retain information more effectively
Manage time and reduce stress
Build confidence as knowledge grows
Approach exams with clarity

Whether you’re preparing for a weekly spelling test or A-Level mock exams, the right skills will make all the difference.

Tip 1: Active Revision Techniques

Use Retrieval Practice

Rather than re-reading notes, close your book and write down everything you remember. This technique strengthens memory recall and highlights gaps in understanding. Try:

Flashcards (digital or paper) for key terms
Mini quizzes you design yourself
Teaching a concept to a friend or family member

Studies by the Education Endowment Foundation show retrieval practice can boost long-term retention by up to 10%.¹

Tip 2: Create a Realistic Study Timetable

Break It Down

Large tasks can feel intimidating. Split revision into manageable chunks:

Allocate 25–30 minute “focus sessions” with 5-minute breaks (Pomodoro Technique)
Colour-code subjects by difficulty or exam date
Build in weekly reviews for long-term reinforcement

Use online templates or printables from our resources shop

Tip 3: Mix Up Your Learning Styles

Vary Your Approach

Everyone learns differently. Combine methods to keep revision fresh:

Read aloud and record yourself, then listen back
Create mind maps linking key concepts
Watch short, topic-specific videos and pause to take notes

Exploring different styles prevents boredom and deepens understanding.

Tip 4: Set SMART Goals

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

For example:

Vague: “I’ll revise maths.”
SMART: “I’ll complete my algebra workbook questions on linear equations for 30 minutes today and check answers.”

SMART targets help you track progress and celebrate small wins, boosting motivation.

Tip 5: Review and Reflect

End-of-Session Checks

At the end of each study block, ask yourself:

What have I learned today?
Which areas are still unclear?
What will I focus on next time?

Reflection cements knowledge and guides future sessions.

Ready to personalise your study plan? Book a free consultation or explore our tutoring services today!

FAQs

Q: How long should I revise in one go?

A: Aim for 25–30 minutes with short breaks. This keeps your mind fresh and reduces fatigue.

Q: What if I can’t stick to my timetable?

A: Be flexible. If you miss a session, slot it into the next available day. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Q: Do I need to study every day?

A: Short, daily review sessions are ideal, but balance them with rest and hobbies to avoid burnout.

References

¹ Education Endowment Foundation. “Retrieval Practice.” EEF, 2023. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/retrieval-practice/

ALYS SMITH