5 Research Backed Studying Techniques

Online students are taking charge of their education, and that means taking charge of their study habits.  A good study routine can begin in middle or high school and can serve students well in their futures, whether they are learning new skills at work or studying in college to earn a certificate or degree.


Take Notes

Many studies report that taking notes puts students at an advantage, and the best type of notes are the ones students actually write on paper. The act of putting words on paper helps people retain the information better than simply copying and pasting important information into a document to review later. 


Actively Engage

Just like writing words on paper helps them stick in students’ minds, sketching diagrams, working problems, creating flashcards, and even reading material outloud can help with retention.  When students actively engage with the material, they are more likely to remember it.


Keep a Study Schedule

Making time for studying is different from making time for regular classwork. Shorter, regular study sessions can be very effective in helping with memorization. Students can set aside 15 minutes per day and can rotate the subject each day. These 15 minutes can be used for review, rewriting notes, looking over flashcards, or doing practice problems.  Research shows that studying too long is not as helpful and can even be harmful to a student’s memory process.  A quick but regular session can do the trick, and is relatively painless. 


Join a Study Group or Find a Study Buddy

Students are more likely to stick to a routine if they are held accountable, so having a study group or a study buddy can help keep students from skipping study sessions. Plus, talking things over with peers helps students to process and summarize material. Online schools often offer live study sessions with an online teacher and can help connect students in the class. Dedicated Life Coaches also help keep students accountable with their studying and provide individual support to all GlobalED Solutions students.


Find Ways to Incorporate Studying into Daily Tasks

Using commute time for studying is a classic example of how students can incorporate studying into their daily routine. Reviewing flashcards while babysitting, mentally reviewing memorized lists while exercising, and listening to recorded lessons while doing house chores are just some of the creative ways students can incorporate studying into daily tasks. These short sessions can be great ways to sneak in a few extra minutes of review and can really make a difference when it comes time to take a test. 


The most important thing about studying is to actually take the time to do it. Online students need to find a method that works for them and stick to it. They will see the results in their better understanding, increased confidence, and higher grades. 

If you or your child are interested in incorporating these study techniques in an online setting, GlobalED Soluitions offers both public and private online schooling options. Enroll today or call us to find out which option may be best for you!