Today’s students are spending more time on homework than they did 30 years ago, according to available surveys. But are they reaping the benefits?
American students still lag behind their international peers, ranking
- 17th in reading,
- 23rd in science, and
- 31st in math
according to the most recent results of the Program for International Student Assessment.
Rather than “just getting it done” students need to implement study skills that
- maximize their time and
- help them retain the information for which they are responsible.
Students need to learn to “Study Smarter, Not Harder”.
Scientists have discovered how the human brain learns and how students understand, absorb, retain, and apply knowledge. Why not use these specific, research-proven strategies for after-school assignments?
Be more productive and efficient at homework.
Follow these tips to tackle homework efficiently and productively. Bonus tip: They really do work.
Tip 1: Take 10!
Spend 10 minutes every night reviewing past notes to improve memory and retention.
Why does this work? Instead of cramming — studying everything in one sitting, students should review the same material in briefer sessions spread over a longer period of time.
Students who take this approach are re-exposed to information, which improves their retention of the material. Using this strategy not only ensures better recall, but also greatly reduces test anxiety.
Students no longer have to cram in one session of intense studying the night before a test (not an effective method for remembering information) because they will already know the material.
Tip 2: Self-Quiz
Students who quiz themselves — for a few minutes on each subject – vastly improve their recall skills.
Experiments have shown that students who apply self-quizzing techniques, such as flashcards, recalled 80 percent of the material, versus 30 percent recall for those who didn’t.
This learning technique, also known as “retrieval practice,” increases retention of concepts and facts, because every time we pull up a memory, we make it stronger and more lasting. Simply reading over material to be learned, as most homework assignments require, does not increase memory.
Students who made their brains work to recall information (output process), are more successful than when they just reread text or notes (input process).
The more students apply these simple study strategies to new concepts, the less they will have to study right before tests and the more they will have truly internalized and learned.
Want your student to learn how to “Study Smarter, Not Harder”? Register for RITES upcoming class filled with practical strategies students can implement right away to reduce homework stress and test anxiety.
Register for Study Smarter, Not Harder