Top 10 Study Habits That Help You Achieve Better Grades (Part 2)
- Vinayak Khattar
- May 11
- 4 min read
Master the Habits That Make Smart Study Stick!
In Part 1 of this series, we explored five essential habits that help students stay organized, focused, and consistent, such as using a planner, building a routine, and creating a distraction-free study space.
Now, let’s dive into the final five study habits that turn average study sessions into high-impact learning experiences. These strategies are especially useful during exams, long projects, or when students feel stuck and need a smarter way to study.
Best Study Habits That Turn Struggles Into Strengths
1. Break Down Large Assignments into Smaller Tasks
Big projects or exam prep can feel overwhelming, unless you break them down. Instead of staring at the entire assignment, divide it into bite-sized tasks with mini deadlines.
Why it works: Smaller tasks feel manageable and reduce procrastination. They also give students a sense of progress as each piece gets completed.
Try this: Use a checklist or timeline to stay on track and build momentum one step at a time.
2. Quiz Yourself Often
Self-testing is one of the most powerful ways to lock in information. Use flashcards, practice problems, or apps to test recall, not just re-read notes.
How it supports learning: Quizzing trains the brain to retrieve information, a skill that directly translates to better performance on tests.
Want better results? Do this: Mix up question types (multiple choice, short answer, definitions) to keep things fresh and effective.
3. Teach What You’ve Learned
One of the most frequently underestimated study habits is teaching the material to someone else. When students explain a concept to a friend, sibling, or even out loud to themselves, they identify gaps in their understanding and reinforce what they know.
Why it works: Teaching forces students to think more deeply about the material, and makes it stick.
Pro Tip: After studying, have your child summarize what they learned to you in their own words. You don’t have to grasp every detail, they just need to explain it in their own words!
4. Take Smart Breaks
Studying for hours without rest leads to mental fatigue. Taking intentional breaks boosts focus and improves memory retention. It’s not only about putting in effort, but also about being strategic with your approach.
Why this strategy stands out: Short breaks allow the brain to recharge. Students return to their work more alert and productive.
Helpful Tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of study, 5 minutes of break) or get up to stretch, walk, or hydrate.
5. Build the Habit of Speaking Up
The students who grow the most aren’t always the ones who know the answers, they’re the ones who know when to ask. Encourage your child to make asking for help a regular habit.
The advantage it offers: When students feel comfortable seeking support, they stay motivated, build deeper understanding, and avoid falling behind.
Practical advice: Create an open environment at home where questions are welcomed, then connect your child with a tutor if they need extra help beyond the classroom.
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Parents Also Ask: Should My Child Be Using a Calculator, or Will It Hurt Their Learning?
While these helpful study habits create the foundation for academic success, pairing them with the right study methods makes a powerful combination. Parents often ask: “What’s the best way for my child to study?”
The answer depends on the student’s learning style, but several structured methods have proven highly effective across all grade levels. Here are a few that are especially helpful for middle school, high school, and even college students:
Best Study Methods Worth Trying
2-3-5-7 Study Method
This time-based method is built around focused study sessions followed by strategic breaks. It works like this:
Study for 2 minutes to warm up (light review)
Focus deeply for 3 minutes
Review and reflect for 5 minutes
Pause for a 7-minute break before starting the cycle again.
Short, focused intervals keep students engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The longer break resets focus and reduces burnout, ideal for students who struggle with attention span or motivation.
Parent Tip: Encourage your child to use a timer and stick to the pattern. This structure builds time-awareness and improves pacing during study sessions.
1247 Study Method
This method is designed to improve memory and retention through spaced repetition, a powerful learning strategy backed by research.
Review the material on Days 1, 2, 4, and 7 to reinforce learning through spaced repetition.
Spaced repetition strengthens long-term memory. Rather than cramming the night before, students revisit information at intervals when they’re likely to start forgetting it; this reactivates their memory and solidifies learning.
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Attention!
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best study method is the one your child can stick with consistently.
And remember, building these habits takes time and support.
Quick Recap: Effective Study Habits
Every student has the potential to do well, it’s just a matter of using the right habits and techniques to unlock that potential. The study habits you’ve explored in this two-part series aren’t just good practices, they’re proven strategies that promote focus, retention, and long-term academic growth.
Keep encouraging your child to try new strategies, reflect on what works, and stay consistent. With time, patience, and the right tools, better grades won’t just be a goal, they’ll become the result.
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