Midterms are just around the corner! Many students (especially first-years) just cram or reread notes to prepare for tests and other high-stakes assessments. Research by Stephen Chew shows that explicitly teaching effective study strategies can significantly boost student learning and confidence. Demonstrating how to effectively study in your discipline is part of our teaching.
Chew also created an overview video explaining the “choke points” (limits of the cognitive system, such as selective attention) and “pitfalls” (common traps, such as believing multitasking is effective) that undermine studying. Helping students recognize these challenges can shift them toward more effective approaches.
Here are five practical tips for working with your students:
- Teach study strategies directly. Don’t assume students know how to study: model approaches like self-testing, spaced practice, and elaboration. Consider inviting students to discuss their own study methods with classmates.
- Timing is critical. Consider introducing study strategies just before or after the first major assessment, when students are most receptive.
- Share modular resources. Provide short videos, guides, or handouts students can revisit.
- Use decision-making activities. For example, have students compare different study schedules and weigh the pros and cons.
- Scaffold and reinforce. Demonstrate study strategies in class and give students opportunities to practice them.
By intentionally carving out time to talk about how to study, not just what to study, you can help students approach midterms (or other assessments) with more confidence and with tools to carry into the future.
These tips relied on information from The Teacher Professor. If you like these tips and would like to receive additional teaching tips each week, sign up for their newsletter below. UNCG faculty also have free access to The Teaching Professor (see instructions below). The UTLC is also always here to be a thought partner. You can reach out to us here to request a consultation or workshop.
Chew, S. L. (2024, January 16). Teaching Students How to Study. The Teaching Professor. Retrieved from https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/student-learning/study-strategies/teaching-students-how-to-study/