The study skills your teen develops in high school will carry into the future, helping them handle challenges in adulthood with confidence and success. Building positive habits now, whether it's improving time management, eliminating distractions, or prioritizing school projects more effectively, lays a strong foundation for whatever they do next.
But here’s the important part: To develop strong study skills, students (and parents) must understand their benefits and know which strategies work best.
We've created a complete guide to study skills for high schoolers so you can support your child in developing a sense of discipline and learning to focus deeply. You can even share this article with your teen to get them thinking about how they can study more effectively and work toward their educational goals!
The Importance of Developing Strong Study Skills in High School
Teaching teens how to study in high school has lasting benefits-that's not just a belief; it's a fact. Many studies show that, with practice and support, teens can boost their study skills and apply them to other areas of their lives.
Proven benefits include:
- Improved Self-Confidence
Did you know high school students with low self-esteem are 75% more likely to drop out? This shows a direct correlation between confidence and academic performance. Fortunately, building strong high school study skills can significantly improve a teen's belief in themselves. Positive habits like goal setting, group studying, and active recall make students feel prepared for tests and other assignments-reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of competence. - Postsecondary Preparedness
Roughly 49% of students reported feeling unprepared for the academic pressure they encountered after transitioning to college or university. This is one of the key reasons why 23% of undergraduate students abandon their studies each year. Setting a solid learning foundation in high school prevents overwhelm during this transitional period, allowing students to revisit their positive study habits and apply familiar strategies to enhance their performance significantly. - Increased Knowledge Retention
Study skills like repetition and spaced practice have been shown to increase knowledge retention by as much as 80%—an increase that can significantly impact grades, not only in high school but in college as well. And it doesn’t stop there! Knowledge retention benefits nearly every professional setting. Memorizing, understanding, and applying new information is always valuable.
5 Core Study Habits for High School Success
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of good study habits for high school students, let’s explore the most effective methods of studying.
Here are 5 powerful techniques to boost your learning:
- Set a Study Schedule: Time management is essential for balancing multiple subjects. Students can start by creating a daily schedule that breaks down tasks into manageable chunks, then prioritizing assignments and setting specific goals for each study session. Using a timer is also a great idea for better focus, with short, regular breaks in between.
- Practice Active Learning: Students retain information more easily when actively engaging in the learning process. For example, instead of simply reading or highlighting notes, they can rewrite information in their own words, discuss key concepts with a friend, or create flashcards for quick reviews.
- Use the Chunking Method: The chunking method helps students study more effectively by breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable parts. Your teen can begin by identifying key concepts or themes in the material. Then, they can group related information—like dates, terms, or ideas—and focus on mastering each chunk one at a time.
- Remember to Recharge: Physiological factors like stress, diet, and sleep play an important role in how well we remember things. “Powering through” when the body needs a break will only hinder comprehension. Students should prioritize periods of rest and relaxation, so their minds are sharp when they return to their books.
- Incorporate Visual Aids: Diagrams, charts, and flashcards can significantly enhance understanding of key concepts. They make it easier to grasp complex concepts and bring new information to life in a more engaging way.
Study Tips for Better Retention and Focus
We've shared a few general learning techniques. Now, let's focus on study strategies for high school students that significantly improve information retention.
- Use Spaced Repetition: The spaced repetition method greatly improves memorization. Students cover a new topic return to it the next day or a few days later, and continue the reviews over time. This reinforces what they’ve learned and reduces the need for last-minute cramming.
- Minimize Distractions: Learning when you’re constantly being disrupted is nearly impossible. High school students, in particular, can be easily distracted by their devices. Turning off phone notifications and using apps that block social media can help maintain focus while studying. It’s also important for teens to have a study area free from interruptions, like family chatter or TV noise.
- Use a Variety of Study Methods: Everyone learns differently. Mixing visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (movement) learning techniques to engage different parts of the brain can help new information stick. Students can bounce between auditory practices like reading notes aloud or listening to recorded lectures, kinetic exercises like walking while reviewing notes, and visual aids like mind maps.
Overcoming Procrastination and Staying Motivated
It's one thing to have a list of study skills for high school students, and it's another thing to implement those skills on a regular basis while dealing with the challenges of everyday life. Extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and conflicts with friends or family are just a few situations that can make maintaining a consistent study schedule difficult.
Here are a few helpful study tips for high school students who may be struggling with feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or fatigue:
- Break Tasks Into Smaller Goals: Large assignments can be overwhelming. Focusing on smaller tasks makes the process feel more achievable. Students feel a sense of accomplishment as they complete each portion, which boosts their morale and enthusiasm.
- Use a Reward System: High school students aren’t robots or machines. They’re human beings who thrive when they can enjoy what they’re doing. Allowing your teen to go to the movies with friends if they study for an afternoon, for example, is a great way to ensure they’re balancing their academics and personal enjoyment in a healthy way.
- Find Study Buddies: Group studying encourages collaboration and deeper understanding. Plus, it provides access to different perspectives and can help clarify difficult topics.
Creating the Right Study Environment
It would be a missed opportunity to focus on building good study habits for high school students without acknowledging the importance of their learning environment. Where they study is just as important as how they study.
Keep these study tips for high school in mind when determining where homework will be completed:
- Choose a Quiet Place: Look for a spot with minimal distractions when possible, away from loud noises like TVs or conversations. A well-lit area, like a desk or cozy corner, works best.
- Keep Supplies Handy: Items like highlighters, pencils, sticky notes, and flashcards are handy during study sessions. Choose a location where they can be easily accessed.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Clutter can distract the mind and make it harder to focus. Try maintaining order using folders or bins to separate notes, books, and supplies. Also, remember to straighten up after each study session.
Using Technology to Enhance Study Skills
Many lists of study tips for high schoolers promote a tech-free approach to learning, but we don't totally agree. Technology can benefit the learning process when used strategically and in moderation.
Take a look at these examples of how to make technology work for your teen’s studies:
- Use Study Apps: Apps like Quizlet allow students to create flashcards for important terms and concepts, making it easier to memorize information. They also have interactive features like games and quizzes that can enhance comprehension.
- Set Timers: Timer apps like Pomodoro make it easier for students to manage their time by setting specific study periods, like 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break. This can prevent burnout and lead to better learning outcomes.
- Take Advantage of Online Resources: Platforms like YouTube can be excellent resources for high schoolers who need more context about a particular subject. They better understand course materials by watching videos and exploring topics more in-depth.
Building Lasting Study Skills
A bright future begins with a solid foundation, and we’re here to support students in getting the most out of their learning journey. If you’re a high school student looking to increase the likelihood of college acceptance, we offer the courses and opportunities you need. For parents seeking guidance for their child, we provide a personalized online learning experience.
Don't hesitate to reach out today! We'll help you explore all the educational possibilities available to you and create a plan that aligns with your high schooler's goals.