ineffective study habits essay

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Study Habits: The Key to Effective Learning and Academic Success

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Published: Feb 7, 2024

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Study habits for effective learning, study habits for memory retention, study habits for exam preparation, study habits for online learning.

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Poor study habits and how to break them

Study tips Published 31 May, 2023  ·  7-minute read

Breaking your poor study habits and replacing them with good study habits could make a world of difference to your grades. It could even help you feel happier and more satisfied with school.

But when you’re right in the middle of things, it can be hard to spot the behaviours that are weighing you down. Look through the bad study habit examples below to identify what your obstacles might be and learn how to overcome them.

Cramming for exams and doing assignments the night before

Yeah, let’s get this obvious one out of the way. You might pass the occasional exam by cramming or get away with a last-minute essay every now and then, but this approach to studying isn’t sustainable.

When you cram, you’re effectively committing facts and concepts to your short-term memory. You’re unlikely to recall the information later, and you’re also not really engaging with the content and thinking about it on a deeper level.

How to stop cramming

You can break this poor study habit with a study schedule. Map out all the times you have available to study – after school, in the evenings, on weekends, even in the mornings – and plan which subjects you’ll study and revise in those time blocks.

• If you’re a bit forgetful or easily lose track of time, consider making your study schedule on your phone or laptop . This way you can set up alerts to notify you when it’s study time.
• If you’d prefer having a constant reminder of your plans and goals, instead create a physical schedule and place it prominently on your desk instead. Decorate it as you wish.

Not sure which kind of study schedule will work for you? Try both at first to see which one keeps you on track.

By using a schedule, you’ll be able to revise content from your subjects gradually over time, which will make it much easier to access the info you need when exams come up. Plus, if anything doesn’t quite make sense when you revise it, you’ll have time to check in with your teacher and get answers.

Procrastinating

It’s human nature to put off things that feel difficult and do easy things instead. It’s why you might spend hours playing games even though you know an important assignment is due soon.

A little bit of procrastination is normal and shouldn’t hurt your grades too much, so don’t be too quick to beat yourself up. But if you start to miss due dates or hand in unfinished assignments, there’s a good chance procrastination has become a serious problem.

So, how do you beat the big bad study habit that is procrastination?

One trick to reduce the impact of procrastination involves the study schedule we mentioned earlier. When you have an essay or project to complete, try putting a due date in your schedule a few days before the actual deadline. Artificially making the work seem more urgent may give you the push you need to get cracking on it sooner.

Another good way to stop procrastinating is to break up any big assignments you have into smaller, more manageable jobs. This can apply to almost any kind of task, including essays (break into research, planning, writing, proofreading) and exam prep (break into taking notes, paraphrasing your notes, comparing notes with a friend or your study group, reviewing your notes).

You can extend this approach to your general study sessions too. Break each hour into smaller chunks of time, such as 40 minutes of making notes, 10 minutes of taking a walk and grabbing a snack (breaks are important!), and 10 minutes of reading back your notes.

Getting distracted

You’re finally in the zone on your English essay when a notification on your phone grabs your attention and you lose your train of thought. Or you’re on a roll with a series of practice equations when your brother starts blasting music in the next room and now you can barely think.

You can’t always control the world around you and stop distractions from happening. But you can usually choose where to study and influence your surroundings.

How to stop getting distracted while studying

Firstly, you need to select a dedicated study zone – a sanctuary where you can focus on your schoolwork. Your bedroom or your home’s study might seem like the obvious choices, but you could also try a local library or park if your household has too many distractions.

Once you’ve chosen your study zone:

• Make sure the lighting, temperature and seating are comfortable.
• Turn off your phone or use an app to keep it from distracting you.
• Close any browser tabs that aren’t related to your study session.
• Place any items you might fidget with out of reach and out of sight.
• Ask anyone in the house not to disturb you while you’re studying.

Leaving your notes unorganised

We know taking notes in class can feel a bit rushed. You don’t always have time to neatly organise and colour-code each sentence as your teacher speaks.

That’s alright. Your notes don’t have to be meticulous or beautiful all the time.

But it’s important to organise your schoolwork and materials at least a bit. Even a simple to-do list, combined with your study schedule and a tidy study space, can help you stay productive and feel less stressed. This also ensures you won’t miss any due dates or forget any assignments.

Many students find it helpful to take those quick notes from class and recreate them in a neater format in the evening or the next day. This is a great way to review the content you’ve recently learnt, and it also means your notes are easy to find and revise when you get to exam time.

How to organise your school notes

Here are some quick tips to help you organise your schoolwork:

• Find a note-taking structure that suits your study style. Experiment with bullet points, mind maps, highlighting, colour-coding and other approaches to see what speaks to you.
• Give each of your subjects a designated notebook, folder and/or binder .
• Make sure all your notes have a title and date so they’re easy to organise and find.
• Try a digital to-do list to keep track of your tasks without cluttering up your desk.
• Review your notes each week or so . This will allow you to you spot any gaps in your notes, keep track of the key concepts throughout the term, and group together any content that is related.

Sticking to standard studying techniques

One bad study habit that flies under the radar is repeating the same approach to studying or revision, even if it’s not working that well.

Sure, some people really do learn best by writing notes and reading them back. But many people absorb information better in other ways and will struggle to retain content they’ve only seen on paper.

Even if straightforward writing/reading is your preferred study style, mixing things up every now and then can keep your study sessions fresh and your mind engaged.

How to keep your study interesting

Try some of these ideas to see what approaches to studying work well for your learning style:

• Take your written notes and summarise/paraphrase them in your own words.
• Turn paragraphs or bullet points of notes into mind maps or diagrams to make them visual.
• Record yourself speaking through your notes and play them back.
• Join or start a study group for collaborative learning and discussions.
• Try teaching the content to somebody else (take turns as the “teacher” with a study buddy, persuade a sibling to volunteer, or even gather some plushies to become an imaginary audience)
• Use flash cards to quiz yourself.

Studying too much

Yes, you read that correctly. There is such a thing as studying too much.

Committing to regular study and keeping to your study schedule is an excellent step in breaking poor study habits. But investing too much energy into your studies can become negative too – if it comes at the expense of your self-care, health and relationships.

If your study time is cutting into your exercise, meals, sleep and social activity, this can start to hurt your grades instead of helping them. This is because your brain can’t perform at its best if you’re fatigued, malnourished or burnt out.

How to avoid over-studying

To make sure your study doesn’t become unhealthy:

• Factor time for meals, snacks and exercise/sports into your study schedule.
• Stick to a consistent bedtime, even if it means sometimes interrupting your study halfway through a topic.
• Make regular time to catch up with your friends. If your friends are also your study group, make sure you do things together beyond studying.
• Be mindful of your mental health and seek help if you’re struggling.

Final thoughts

It’s important not to waste time and energy feeling guilty about any of these poor study habits. Nobody can say they’ve never procrastinated, gotten distracted or left their work in a messy pile on their desk.

What matters is that you’ve now got a good idea of the obstacles that might be holding you back in your schoolwork. And you’ve got a plan for getting over them.

Once you’ve weeded out the bad study habits that were holding you back, take things to the next level by developing these good study habits.

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Ineffective study habits are more common among students than you might think, and they can sneakily sabotage your academic performance if you’re not careful. Ineffective study habits are like bad habits – they’re easy to pick up and hard to drop. Let me share a couple of my own blunders to highlight this.

In my first year in Uni, I thought I had my study habits in check. But I didn’t. I remember multitasking through almost every study session. I was convinced that multitasking was the way to go.

I thought I was being super productive, hitting multiple birds with one stone. But the reality? The distractions were overwhelming, and my attention was scattered across so many things that I couldn’t focus on any single one of them effectively. It was only when I had to pull an all-nighter to catch up that I realized multitasking was more about dividing my attention than maximizing my productivity.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Effective Study Habits

Before we dive into the 10 ineffective study habits to avoid, let’s talk about why effective study habits are so crucial. Effective study habits not only help boost your grades but also help lower your stress levels and give you more free time to enjoy college life. Sounds like a win-win, right?

According to the American Psychological Association , students who develop effective study habits tend to have better academic performance and lower stress levels. On the flip side, those clinging to poor habits often find themselves in a vicious cycle of cramming, anxiety, and mediocre grades.

So, if you’re aiming for an A (or just want to avoid a C-), it’s time to reassess and reboot your study habits.

Recognizing your ineffective habits is the first step toward improvement. And the good news is, for every bad habit, there’s a good one waiting to replace it. By the end of this blog post, you’ll not only identify the habits that are dragging you down but also have actionable tips to turn things around.

And remember, this isn’t about making you feel bad. It’s about helping you become the best student you can be.

10 Ineffective Study Habits and How to Crush Them

Habit 1: Procrastination

We’ve all fallen victim to the seductive grip of procrastination at one point or another, promising ourselves we’ll start studying “soon”; but alas, time slips away, and before you know it, you’re already falling weeks behind your coursework.

Understanding Procrastination

Procrastination is essentially the act of delaying or postponing tasks, especially ones that require immediate attention. It often stems from a combination of factors, including fear of failure, lack of motivation, and poor time management skills.

When faced with an intimidating task, our brains instinctively seek out immediate avoidance – hence the sudden urge to binge-watch Netflix, run to social media or maybe just clean our room instead of hitting the books or doing what needs to be done.

The Consequences of Procrastination

But here’s the thing; while procrastination might offer temporary relief from stress or anxiety, it inevitably leads to even greater distress down the line.

Think about it – when you put off studying until the last minute, you’re depriving yourself of valuable time to review and internalize the material. This sets off a chain reaction of panic, rushed studying when assessments pile, and mediocre performance on exams.

Plus, the added stress of looming deadlines can wreak havoc on your mental and emotional well-being, leaving you feeling drained and overwhelmed.

Overcoming Procrastination

So, how do you break free from the clutches of procrastination and reclaim your productivity? It all starts with a shift in mindset and the implementation of effective strategies to manage your time wisely.

• Break It Down : Instead of viewing tasks as huge obstacles, break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Create a to-do list with specific, actionable steps, and tackle each chunk one at a time.
• Set Realistic Goals : Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish in a given timeframe. Set realistic goals and deadlines, and hold yourself accountable for meeting them.
• Use Time Blocking : Craft an effective study time table and allocate dedicated blocks of time for studying, free from distractions and interruptions. Treat these blocks as sacred appointments with yourself, and honor them accordingly.
• Find Your Motivation : Identify what drives you to succeed and use it as fuel to propel yourself forward. Whether it’s a desire to achieve your academic goals, impress your professors, or pursue your passions, tap into that intrinsic motivation to keep you focused while studying and on track.
• Practice Self-Compassion : Cut yourself some slack. You’re only human, and occasional instances of procrastination are inevitable. Instead of beating yourself up over past mistakes, learn from them and strive to do better in the future.

It takes time, effort, and patience to cultivate healthy habits and break free from old patterns. But trust me when I say that the rewards – increased productivity, reduced stress, and a greater sense of accomplishment – are well worth the effort.

Check out this blog post for more on how to Beat Procrastination as a student.

Habit 2: Multitasking

Multitasking – the myth of productivity. We’ve been led to believe that juggling multiple tasks simultaneously is the key to getting more done in less time. After all, why focus on just one thing when you can tackle several at once, right? Wrong.

The Illusion of Multitasking

Contrary to popular belief, multitasking is not the productivity powerhouse it’s cracked up to be. In fact, research has shown that our brains are simply not wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Instead of performing multiple tasks at once, what we’re actually doing is rapidly switching our attention back and forth between them – a phenomenon known as task-switching.

Task-switching comes with its fair share of downsides, including reduced efficiency, increased errors, and diminished overall performance. When you constantly shift your focus from one task to another, you expend a lot of mental energy and cognitive resources, leaving you feeling more drained and frazzled.

Plus, the constant interruptions can disrupt your flow and prevent you from reaching a state of deep concentration and productivity.

The Myth of Productivity

But perhaps the most insidious aspect of multitasking is the illusion of productivity it creates. Sure, it might feel like we’re accomplishing more in less time, but the reality is quite the opposite. Studies have shown that multitasking actually slows us down, resulting in longer completion times and lower-quality work.

So, what’s the alternative?

Single-tasking – Instead of spreading yourself thin across multiple tasks, single-tasking involves devoting your full attention and focus to one task at a time. By immersing yourself completely in the task at hand, you can achieve greater levels of efficiency, accuracy, and satisfaction.

Tips for Single-Tasking Success

• Prioritize Your Tasks : Identify the most important tasks on your to-do list and tackle them one at a time, starting with the highest priority.
• Minimize Distractions : Create a conducive study environment free from distractions like social media, email notifications, and noisy surroundings.
• Set Boundaries : Establish clear boundaries between tasks and resist the urge to switch gears midway through. Focus on completing one task before moving on to the next.
• Practice Mindfulness : Cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness by focusing on the task at hand and bringing your attention back whenever it wanders.

By switching to single-tasking as a substitute for multitasking, you’ll become more productive and efficient in your studies. So, the next time you catch yourself trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, remember:

Less is more, and single-tasking reigns supreme. Achiever Tandoh

Habit 3: Cramming

I have seen students staying up all night trying to stuff an entire semester’s worth of information into their brains the night before an exam. If you can relate to this, then you know exactly what this feels like. Cramming might seem like a quick fix, but it’s actually one of the least effective study habits.

Cramming is essentially a desperate attempt to learn a large amount of material within a very short time, typically just before a test or exam. While it might give you a temporary sense of preparedness, the truth is that cramming is more about short-term memory than genuine understanding or long-term retention.

What are the Consequences of Cramming?

The problem with cramming is that it doesn’t allow your brain the time it needs to properly process and consolidate information. Here’s what typically happens when you cram:

• Cognitive Overload : Your brain gets overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, leading to confusion and mental fatigue.
• Poor Retention : Since cramming relies heavily on short-term memory, much of the information you “learn” is quickly forgotten after the exam.
• Increased Stress : The pressure to learn everything at once creates high levels of stress and anxiety, which can impair cognitive function and performance.
• Lack of Deep Understanding : Cramming focuses on memorization rather than comprehension, meaning you might be able to recall facts but lack a deeper understanding of the concepts.

Overcoming the Habit of Cramming

Here are some tips to help you ditch the cramming habit:

• Create a Study Schedule : Plan your study sessions well in advance before your exams. Break down the material into manageable chunks and spread your study sessions over several weeks. This not only reduces stress but also allows for better retention of information.
• Use Active Learning Techniques : Engage with the material in meaningful ways. Instead of passively reading your textbook, try summarizing information in your own words, teaching the material to someone else, or creating flashcards for self-testing.
• Regular Review Sessions : Make it a habit to review your notes regularly, even when exams aren’t approaching. This helps reinforce your memory and ensures that you’re continuously building on your knowledge.
• Prioritize Sleep : Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. Ensure you get enough rest, especially in the days leading up to an exam. Pulling all-nighters might seem productive, but it actually hinders your ability to retain and recall information.

By adopting these strategies, you’ll find that your study sessions become more productive and less stressful, leading to better academic performance and a deeper understanding of the material.

Habit 4: Passive Learning

Now, let’s delve into another ineffective study habit: passive learning. Have you ever caught yourself mindlessly highlighting text or re-reading the same paragraphs over and over without really absorbing the content? That’s passive learning in a nutshell.

Understanding Passive Learning

Passive learning involves absorbing information without actively engaging with the material. Common forms of passive learning include reading textbooks, highlighting passages, and listening to lectures without taking notes or asking questions. While these activities can be part of your study routine, relying on them exclusively is not the best approach.

The Consequences of Passive Learning

Passive learning may give you a false sense of security, making you feel like you’re studying effectively. However, this method has several drawbacks:

• Superficial Understanding : Passive learning often leads to a surface-level understanding of the material, making it difficult to apply concepts to different contexts or problem-solving scenarios.
• Poor Retention : Without active engagement, information is less likely to be transferred from short-term to long-term memory, leading to quick forgetting.
• Lack of Critical Thinking : Passive learning does not promote critical thinking or analytical skills, which are essential for deeper comprehension and academic success.
• Lower Engagement : When you’re not actively engaging with the material, it’s easy to become bored and disengaged, which can further hinder your learning process.

Switching to Active Learning

Active learning, on the other hand, involves engaging with the material in a dynamic and meaningful way. Here’s how you can incorporate active learning strategies into your study routine:

• Summarize in Your Own Words : After reading a section of your textbook, close the book and try to summarize the main points in your own words. This forces you to process and understand the information.
• Teach Others : Explaining concepts to someone else is a powerful way to reinforce your own understanding. Find a study buddy or even pretend you’re teaching an imaginary class. This technique is known as the Feynman Technique and it is a very effective study technique.
• Create Concept Maps : Use mind maps or concept maps to visualize the relationships between different pieces of information. This helps in organizing your thoughts and seeing the bigger picture.
• Self-Testing : Regularly quiz yourself on the material. Use flashcards, practice questions, or online quizzes and past papers to test your knowledge and identify areas where you need more review.
• Ask Questions : Don’t be afraid to ask questions during lectures or study sessions. This not only clarifies your doubts but also deepens your understanding of the subject.
• Engage in Discussions : Participate in study groups or class discussions. Talking about the material with peers can provide new insights and reinforce your learning.

The Benefits of Active Learning

Switching from passive to active learning can transform your study sessions. Active learning:

• Enhances comprehension and retention
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Keeps you engaged and motivated
• Leads to higher academic performance and deeper understanding

By embracing active learning strategies, you’ll find that your study sessions become more effective and enjoyable. You’ll not only remember the material better but also develop the skills needed to excel in your academic pursuits.

Habit 5: Studying in Distracting Environments

The environment in which you study plays a crucial role in your ability to concentrate and retain information. Unfortunately, many students underestimate the impact of their surroundings, choosing to study in environments full of distractions.

The Problem with Distracting Environments

Studying in noisy, cluttered, or otherwise distracting environments can severely hinder your ability to focus. Here’s why:

• Noise Distractions : Background noise, such as conversations, music, or traffic, can disrupt your concentration and make it harder to process information.

Note : There’re times when listening to some specific types of music can be beneficial when studying. But that is not the focus FOR NOW, I will cover it in another blog post.

• Visual Clutter : A cluttered desk or room can overstimulate your senses, making it difficult to focus on your study material.
• Digital Interruptions : Notifications from phones, computers, and other devices can pull your attention away from your studies, breaking your focus.
• Comfort Issues : Uncomfortable seating, poor lighting, and inadequate study space can make it physically challenging to concentrate for long periods.

Creating an Optimal Study Environment

To maximize your study efficiency, it’s essential to create a distraction-free environment. Here are some tips to help you set up the perfect study space:

• Choose a Quiet Location : Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Libraries, study rooms, or a designated spot at home can be ideal.
• Declutter Your Space : Keep your study area tidy and organized. A clean space reduces visual distractions and helps you focus better.
• Use Noise-Canceling Tools : If you can’t find a quiet place, consider using noise-canceling headphones or playing white noise to block out background sounds.
• Manage Digital Distractions : Turn off notifications on your phone and computer. Use apps like Focus@Will or website blockers to limit access to distracting sites.
• Ensure Comfort : Choose a comfortable chair and desk, and ensure your study area is well-lit. Proper ergonomics can prevent physical discomfort and enhance your concentration.

Habit 6: Not Asking for Help

Familiar with the classic “I’ll figure it out on my own” mindset? While independence and self-reliance are admirable traits, they can sometimes become counterproductive, especially when it comes to studying.

Not asking for help when you need it is a common habit that can significantly hinder your academic progress.

Importance of Asking for Help

Learning is inherently a collaborative process. Even the most brilliant minds benefit from the insights and guidance of others. Yet, many students hesitate to seek help, whether due to pride, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing where to turn.

Some Consequences of Not Asking for Help

Here’s what can happen when you avoid seeking assistance:

• Misunderstanding Key Concepts : If you don’t fully grasp a topic, continuing to study it without clarification can lead to deeper misunderstandings and confusion.
• Falling Behind : Struggling with material without seeking help can cause you to fall behind in your studies, making it harder to catch up later.
• Increased Stress and Anxiety : Trying to tackle difficult subjects alone can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, negatively impacting your mental health.
• Lower Academic Performance : Without the necessary support, your grades and overall academic performance may suffer.

Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help

It’s essential to recognize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a smart strategy for success because it shows that you are committed to finding solutions and performing your best.

Here’s how you can overcome the barriers to asking for help:

• Acknowledge Your Limits : Understand and acknowledge that no one has all the answers. It’s perfectly normal to need assistance with challenging stuff.
• Identify Resources : Know where to find help. This could include professors, teaching assistants, tutors, classmates, or online resources.
• Be Proactive : Don’t wait until you’re completely lost. Ask for help as soon as you encounter difficulties to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

But how soon is not too soon? Of course, you want to challenge yourself as well and try to solve your own problems. But if after trying at least three times you still feel just as lost as you were at the start, then it’s not too soon to seek help.

Habit 7: Inconsistent Study Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to effective studying. An inconsistent study routine, characterized by irregular and sporadic study sessions, can significantly hinder your learning progress and academic performance.

Developing a consistent study routine helps create a structured learning experience. Consistency fosters discipline and creates positive study habits that can last a lifetime.

Consequences of an Inconsistent Study Routine

Here’s what can happen when your study routine is all over the place:

• Poor Time Management : Without a regular study schedule , it’s easy to lose track of time and fall behind on assignments and exam preparation.
• Increased Stress : Irregular study habits can lead to last-minute cramming, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety.
• Lower Retention : Inconsistent studying doesn’t give your brain the regular reinforcement it needs to retain information effectively.
• Decreased Motivation : A lack of routine can make it harder to stay motivated and disciplined, leading to procrastination and lower productivity.

Building a Consistent Study Routine

To build a consistent and effective study routine , follow these steps:

• Set Specific Goals : Start by setting clear, achievable goals for each study session. This gives you a sense of purpose and direction.
• Create a Schedule : Develop a weekly study schedule that includes specific times for studying each subject. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible.
• Prioritize Tasks : Identify the most important and challenging tasks, and tackle them first. This ensures that you’re focusing on what matters most.
• Be Realistic : Set realistic study sessions that are long enough to cover material but short enough to maintain focus. Break up study sessions with short breaks to avoid burnout.
• Use a Planner : Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and exams in a planner or digital calendar. This helps you stay organized and on top of your responsibilities.
• Stay Flexible : While consistency is important, it’s also essential to be flexible. Life can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your schedule when necessary.

Habit 8: Studying Without Clear Goals

Imagine embarking on a road trip without a map or destination in mind. You’d likely end up driving in circles, wasting time and fuel. Similarly, studying without clear goals is like navigating without a compass – it will most likely lead to inefficiency and frustration.

Setting clear, specific goals gives direction and purpose to your study sessions. Goals help you focus on what needs to be accomplished, making your study time more productive and effective.

The Consequences of Studying Without Clear Goals

Here are some of the negative outcomes of studying without well-defined goals:

• Lack of Focus : Without clear objectives, it’s easy to become distracted and lose focus . You might end up jumping from one topic to another without mastering any.
• Inefficiency : Studying without goals can lead to wasted time and effort. You might spend hours studying but achieve little because your efforts aren’t directed towards specific outcomes.
• Increased Procrastination : Clear goals help you stay motivated and on track. Without them, procrastination becomes more likely, as you lack a clear plan to follow.
• Difficulty Measuring Progress : Without goals, it’s hard to gauge your progress. You might feel like you’re not getting anywhere, which can be demotivating.

How to Set Clear Study Goals

• Be Specific : Vague goals like “study math” are not helpful. Instead, set specific goals such as “complete and review Chapter 3 problems.”
• Make Them Measurable : Ensure your goals are quantifiable. For example, “learn 20 new vocabulary words” or “write a 500-word essay.”
• Set Achievable Goals : Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given time frame. Setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and burnout.
• Be Relevant : Your goals should align with your overall academic objectives. Focus on what is most important for your courses and exams.
• Set Time-Bound Goals : Give yourself deadlines. This creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent procrastination. For instance, “finish reading Chapter 4 by 5 PM.”

Recommended: Guide to Effective Goal Setting for Students: 5 Simple Steps

Creating a Goal-Oriented Study Plan

• Break Down Larger Goals : Divide larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the goals less daunting and easier to achieve.
• Prioritize Your Goals : Identify which goals are most important and tackle those first. This ensures that you’re focusing on the most critical tasks.
• Use a Planner : Write down your goals and deadlines in a planner or digital calendar. This helps you stay organized and accountable.
• Review and Adjust : Regularly review your goals and adjust them as necessary. This keeps your study plan flexible and responsive to changing needs.

The Benefits of Studying with Clear Goals

• Enhanced Focus : Clear goals help you stay focused on specific tasks, reducing distractions and improving concentration.
• Increased Efficiency : When you know exactly what you need to accomplish, you can use your study time more efficiently.
• Greater Motivation : Achieving small goals provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting your motivation to continue studying.
• Better Progress Tracking : Clear goals make it easier to track your progress and measure your success.

Habit 9: Not Reviewing Feedback

Feedback is a crucial part of the learning process, yet many students overlook or ignore it. Not reviewing feedback is a significant missed opportunity for growth and improvement. Whether it’s feedback on assignments, exams, or class participation, this information can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for development.

Importance of Feedback

Feedback serves multiple purposes:

• Identifying Mistakes : It highlights where you went wrong, helping you avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.
• Recognizing Strengths : Positive feedback acknowledges what you’re doing well, encouraging you to continue those practices.
• Guiding Improvement : Constructive criticism offers specific suggestions for how you can improve your work and understanding of the material.

How to Effectively Review Feedback

• Approach with an Open Mind : View feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. Be open to constructive suggestions.
• Analyze Specific Comments : Pay attention to detailed comments on your work. These often contain valuable insights and practical advice.
• Ask for Clarification : If any feedback is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification. Understanding the feedback fully is crucial for applying it effectively.
• Create an Action Plan : Based on the feedback, create a plan to address the identified issues. This could involve additional practice, revisiting certain topics, or adopting new study strategies.
• Reflect on Your Progress : Regularly reflect on the feedback you’ve received and how you’ve implemented it. This helps you track your improvement and stay motivated.

Where to Find Feedback

• Assignment Comments : Carefully read any comments or notes provided by your instructor on assignments and essays.
• Exam Reviews : Go through your corrected exams to understand where you lost points and why.
• Class Participation : Pay attention to verbal feedback during class discussions and presentations.
• Peer Reviews : If your course includes peer reviews, take these seriously as they can offer different perspectives on your work.
• Office Hours : Use office hours to seek additional feedback and discuss your performance with your instructor.

The Benefits of Reviewing Feedback

• Continuous Improvement : Regularly reviewing and applying feedback helps you make steady progress and avoid stagnation.
• Better Understanding : Feedback often provides explanations and insights that can enhance your understanding of the material.
• Higher Grades : By addressing the issues highlighted in feedback, you can improve your performance on future assignments and exams.
• Increased Confidence : Successfully implementing feedback and seeing improvement boosts your confidence in your abilities.

Habit 10: Poor Note-Taking Practices

Effective note-taking is a fundamental skill for students. However, many students struggle with poor note-taking practices, which can lead to disorganized notes, missed details, and inefficient study sessions.

Importance of Effective Note-Taking

Good notes serve as a valuable resource for review and exam preparation. They help you:

• Organize Information : Notes structure the material in a coherent way, making it easier to study later.
• Aid Retention : The act of writing down information helps reinforce learning and memory.
• Highlight Key Points : Effective notes emphasize the most important concepts and details, aiding focus during review.
• Serve as a Study Tool : Well-organized notes can be quickly reviewed before exams, saving time and effort.

The Consequences of Poor Note-Taking

Here’s what can happen when your note-taking practices are inadequate:

• Missed Information : Important details and key concepts can be overlooked or forgotten.
• Disorganization : Poorly organized notes make it difficult to find and review information efficiently.
• Reduced Comprehension : Without clear notes, understanding and retaining the material becomes more challenging.
• Increased Study Time : Disorganized notes can lead to longer and less productive study sessions as you struggle to piece together the information.

Effective Note-Taking Strategies

• Use a Structured Format : Adopt a structured format like the Cornell Method , which divides the page into sections for notes, cues, and summaries.
• Be Selective : Focus on capturing key concepts, definitions, and important details. Avoid writing down everything verbatim.
• Use Abbreviations and Symbols : Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols to quickly jot down information without losing meaning.
• Review and Revise : Regularly review and revise your notes to ensure they are complete and clear. This reinforces learning and corrects any errors or omissions.
• Highlight and Color-Code : Use highlighting and color-coding to emphasize important points and differentiate between topics.
• Include Visuals : Incorporate diagrams, charts, and other visuals to illustrate complex concepts and relationships.

Digital vs. Handwritten Notes

Both digital and handwritten notes have their advantages. Here’s how to choose the best method for you:

• Advantages : Writing by hand can improve retention and understanding. It’s easier to draw diagrams and highlight important information.
• Disadvantages : It can be slower and more difficult to organize and edit.
• Advantages : Faster to type, easier to organize, edit, and search. Digital tools can include multimedia elements like images and links.
• Disadvantages : Potential for distractions from other digital activities.

Tools for Effective Note-Taking

• Notebooks and Binders : Classic tools for handwritten notes. Use dividers to organize by subject or topic.
• Note-Taking Apps : Apps like Evernote , OneNote , and Notion offer advanced features for organizing and searching notes. Here are some other great Note taking Apps .
• Voice Recorders : For recording lectures, ensuring you don’t miss any important information.
• Mind Mapping Software : Tools like MindMeister and XMind help visualize complex concepts and relationships.
• Note Taking Tablets : A note taking tablet can help streamline and enhance your digital note taking experience.
• Note Taking Methods : Utilize efficient note taking methods to maximize the outcome. Methods like the Cornell method and the Outline method are recommended amongst others. Check out this 7 Effective Note taking methods.

Improving your study habits is not just about avoiding the ineffective ones but actively adopting practices that drive success. Each habit I’ve discussed—whether it’s failing to set clear goals, over-relying on technology, neglecting feedback, or practicing poor note-taking—can significantly impact your academic performance.

By recognizing these pitfalls and making conscious changes, you can enhance your learning efficiency, boost your confidence, and achieve your academic goals.

Now that you’ve identified these common ineffective study habits, it’s time to take action!

Take a moment to reflect on your current study habits. Which of these ineffective practices resonate with you? How have they impacted your academic performance? And how are you going to turn the tables?

At Boosted Achiever, I’m dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential. Join my community by following the blog, and gain access to actionable strategies and study tips designed to enhance your academic performance.

Subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates, and connect with me on Pinterest to stay motivated and inspired.

Start today! Embrace effective study habits, and watch your academic performance soar. Together, we can achieve great things!

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My personal study habits.

Introduction This paper will be an examination of my personal study habits as a college freshman, and an effort to discover techniques to improve my ability to learn and remember the information I need to successfully graduate from college. I have learned most of my study habits by watching my very successful daughter, a high school junior with a rigorous course load making high honors, and attempting to mimic her. She has a very strong work ethic; generally, once she arrives home she takes a short break to change clothes and pet a cat, and then dives in to her homework. She knows when to give herself a breather to check her social media accounts, and she is very clear that since she always studies hard and does her best, she never fails, even if she gets a D or F on a test or quiz. I quite admire that. And her. We have homework time together most nights. Current Status I am in my second semester of college now, and thus far I have been able to attend to my homework and studying to the degree that I have received near–perfect marks on everything I have turned in. I am quite proud of this, and at the same time concerned that as the course–work becomes more difficult I will both be unable to keep up with the amount of effort required and also be unable to synthesize the information well enough to continue to receive those high grades. To give myself the best possible chance at success, I have a study space adjacent to my child at the kitchen table, with adequate lighting and

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Study habits can improve your grades essay.

Why improving your study habits can improve your grades Having bad study habits can really show up in your grades, but if you change your study habits your grades will improve. Many important things factor in understanding about studying. The most important fact about studying: no two people think alike; therefore, no two people study the same. What works for you may not work for your friend, and vice versa. I know I have no class that I enjoy so much that I cannot wait to get home so that I can study it, on that note we can only wish. As people we are all different for some students studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally but for me not so much. Success in high school and college really depend on good study habits... more content... That could benefit or hurt your study habits and note taking. Also bad study habits could result in not knowing how to study. Studying is not just reading out loud it's about comprehending what you read. Ask yourself questions, write about what you read, or tell someone what you read. Doing so can improve your memory of what you read up to 85% instead of just 15%. You can also survey what you are about to read. Surveying is essentially understands what you are reading. Basically you can study something you don't understand. Question what you have just read, ask yourself questions about what you are reading or studying. Always pay attention to things in bold or italicized print. Recite what you have just read, this makes it stick better. Try to remember the headings and important ideas, try to say what you have just read in your own words this way you understand it better, therefore you remember it without actually trying. When you study, reading out loud does not help you study, and if you move your lips while reading you are not reading efficiently. Not knowing when to study affects you just as much as not knowing how to study. You don't necessarily have to study the day you get your notes but that does not mean to wait till the day of the test to study either. Reading over your notes daily really helps your memory. A very important note about studying is to only study when you are well rested, and have already planned for it. This is where a

Chapter I THE PROBLEM Introduction Learning is a very important personal matter and there isn't one study habit that works for every situation. One here to take more responsibility to acquire the desired knowledge to develop positive values, critical thinking, attitudes and skills. Effective study skills and strategies opportunities to approach learning tasks systematically and independently. Practicing good study habits is the key to becoming smarter and achieving success in school. Paivio (2000) noted that habits of study, which are formed in school have greater significance and students must realize the need to acquire these effective study habits. Effective studying will help students to prepare schoolwork in less.. more content... They were forty four (44) boys and fifty six (56) girls. Chapter II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter presents a review of significant related literature and studies, which have bearings to the present study. Study Habits, its Definition and Significance Study skills are discrete techniques that can be learned, and applied to all specific or particular fields of study like music technology and many others fields of study. Jackson (2009) stated that studying is a skill which is develops in the early part of their schooling, study skills must be learned because it takes effort to develop their habit of studying, thus it requires effective planning and putting them into practice. There is a need to understand what students are studying, thus it requires effective planning and putting them into practice. There is a need to understand what students are studying to develop the ability to memorize information. If these things can be done in routine, mastery of skills will become successful one. Kizlik , (1997) stated that no two individuals study in the same way, and there is a little doubt, that what works for one person may not work for another. However there are some general techniques that seem to produce sound result. No one

and educators and even the students' parents and the school itself. The deliverance of this study will supply the beneficiaries with compact information pertaining to the relation of students' study habits and their academic performance. Students will be guided with facts gathered through this research and hopefully will be encouraged to enhance and

uses of these materials help students in their studies. The students should be encouraged to spend more time for their assignments and class projects and not to

Study Habits Of Mind

My works meets curiosity of "Habits of Mind" from the CWPA "Framework" document". In both of my works, I demonstrated curiosity by conducting research and discovering more about my surrounding and myself. In "Discourse Community", I conducted a research on programming group and discovered that my computer design group is not simply a group but a community that work toward common goals with many aspects of a discourse community described by Swales. In "Analysis of Study Habits", I researched my study habit and its correlation with grade and I discovered different study habits and how they affect grade. This information allows me to change my study habit and get a better grade in my class. This meets the curiosity requirement because

Personal Reflection Paper On Habits Essay

Personal Reflection Essay 1 Corderius (Cp) Swift APSU Personal Reflection Essay 1 Habits are Powerful. I have many different habits. Some good although some are not so good. A few habits are my schoolwork habits, relating to friends, deciding on what to wear, what to eat, what music I listen to, and a few that's personal. All of these, good and bad. These habits of mine all impact my life one way or another. My habits are powerful, and have helped shaped my life into the way that it is today. Some habits are very powerful to where they can take over your life completely. Fortunately for me, that's not my case. First off my schoolwork habits. My schoolwork habits are kind of good. So far they've been pretty good, and working very well for me, because I'm a freshman in college. However as of now they have to change. The things I've done in my previous years for my schoolwork just won't get me by anymore. College is a whole new ball game. I have never had or developed a study habit or good study habit like other kids. I always felt I was too good to study or I never tried to fit studying into my time of day. I was never that kid to go home and study for 2 hours straight. I couldn't understand how people read over school notes for 2 hours straight at home. I've felt school work should be done at school. I only studied if I was forced by my mom, when I was younger of course. Otherwise if I knew I had a test or quiz coming up the day before I would study some. I would

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15 Effective Study Habits And Ineffective Study Habits

Education is a journey, and mastering the art of learning is a skill that can greatly impact one’s academic success. While knowledge is necessary, the methods used to absorb, process, and retain information are equally crucial.

In this blog, we’ll explore the world of effective study habits and ineffective study habits that can hinder the learning process. From time management techniques to note-taking strategies, we’ll take a look into practical things to help you maximize your learning potential. Join us as we guide the path to academic excellence and successful studying.

15 Effective Study Habits

• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a consistent routine to allocate dedicated time for studying each subject.
• Set Realistic Goals: Define achievable objectives for each study session to maintain focus and motivation.
• Prioritize Tasks: Identify high-priority tasks and tackle them first, ensuring important topics receive ample attention.
• Active Note-Taking: Engage with the material by summarizing key points, asking questions, and creating mnemonic devices.
• Participate in Discussions: Actively contribute to class discussions or form study groups to reinforce understanding.
• Teach Concepts to Others: Reinforce your own understanding by explaining concepts to classmates or friends.
• Utilize Varied Learning Methods: Incorporate visual aids, auditory learning, and hands-on activities to cater to diverse learning styles.
• Practice Spaced Repetition: Review and revisit information over spaced intervals to enhance long-term retention.
• Maintain a Conducive Environment: Create a dedicated and study with no distraction space to maximize concentration. 
• Take Breaks: Break study sessions into manageable chunks, incorporating short breaks to avoid burnout.
• Stay Hydrated: Ensure proper hydration to support cognitive function and overall well-being.
• Balanced Nutrition: Fuel your body and mind with a nutritious diet, promoting sustained energy and focus.
• Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep for optimal memory consolidation and cognitive performance.
• Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to boost overall mental and physical health.
• Reflect on Progress: Periodically assess your study strategies, adjusting and evolving based on what works for you.

15 Ineffective Study Habits

• Procrastination: Delaying tasks leads to last-minute cramming and hampers overall understanding.
• Cramming: Attempting to learn large amounts of information in a short time results in superficial understanding and poor retention.
• Distractions: Allowing constant interruptions, like social media or notifications, disrupts focus and hinders effective learning.
• Over Reliance on Highlighting: Excessive highlighting without active engagement can lead to passive learning and limited retention.
• Lack of Planning: Approaching study sessions without a clear plan can result in inefficient use of time and missed priorities.
• Multitasking: Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously diminishes the quality of learning and understanding.
• Neglecting Self-Care: Poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of exercise negatively impact cognitive function and focus.
• Isolation: Studying in complete isolation without seeking help or collaboration limits exposure to diverse perspectives and resources.
• Rote Memorization: Memorizing information without understanding the underlying concepts leads to surface-level learning.
• Ignoring Feedback: Failing to incorporate feedback from teachers or peers prevents growth and improvement in study strategies.
• Skipping Review Sessions: Neglecting review sessions and practice exams diminishes the opportunity to reinforce learned material.
• Ignoring Weaknesses: Focusing only on strong subjects without addressing weaknesses can lead to unbalanced knowledge and poor performance.
• Inconsistent Study Habits: Irregular study patterns hinder the development of a routine and impact overall effectiveness.
• Lack of Goal Setting: Absence of clear, achievable goals results in a lack of direction and motivation.
• Studying While Exhausted: Studying when fatigued diminishes the quality of learning, as the brain struggles to absorb and retain information effectively.

Case Studies: Effective Study Habits And Ineffective Study Habits

To illustrate the transformative power of effective study habits, let’s delve into real-life examples. 

Meet Sarah, who struggled with procrastination but, through diligent time management and breaking tasks into smaller steps, turned her academic performance around. 

On the flip side, we’ll explore the story of Alex, who relied on cramming and faced challenges in retaining information for the long term.

Tips for Developing Effective Study Habits

• Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals to guide your study sessions.
• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a consistent routine by allocating dedicated time for each subject or task.
• Maintain a Conducive Environment: Create a dedicated and study with no distraction space to maximize concentration.
• Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to boost overall mental and physical health .

In conclusion of effective study habits and ineffective study habits, the journey of mastering the art of learning involves not only acquiring knowledge but also honing the skills and habits that facilitate effective learning. 

By embracing time management, active engagement, varied learning methods, and a healthy lifestyle, individuals can optimize their study habits. Simultaneously, recognizing and addressing ineffective habits like procrastination, cramming, distractions, and neglecting self-care is essential for unlocking one’s full academic potential. 

Education is a lifelong process, and the habits cultivated during this journey contribute not only to academic success but also to personal and professional growth. As we navigate the complexities of learning, let’s strive to adopt and promote effective study habits that empower us to thrive in the pursuit of knowledge.

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Great Solutions for 5 Bad Study Habits

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Have you ever wondered how you can bomb a test after studying for hours? A poor test result after many hours of faithful studying is a real confidence buster.

If this happens to you, it’s possible that your current study habits are failing you, but you can turn them.

The process of learning is still a little mysterious, but studies do show that the most effective process for studying involves highly active behavior over a period of time. In other words, to study effectively, you must read, draw, compare, memorize, and test yourself over time.

The following study habits are least helpful when used alone.

Taking Linear Notes

Linear notes are lecture notes that students take when they attempt to write down every word of a lecture. Linear notes occur when a student tries to write every word a lecturer says in sequence, like writing a rambling essay with no paragraphs.

You may be wondering: How can it be bad to capture every word of a lecture?

It’s not bad to capture every word of a lecture, but it is bad to think you’re studying effectively if you don’t follow up with your linear notes in some way. You must revisit your linear notes and make relationships from one section to another. You should draw arrows from one related word or concept to another, and make a lot of notes and examples in the margins.

Solution: To reinforce information and to make it sink in, you must also recreate all your class notes in another form. You have to revisit the information and put it all into a chart or shrinking outline .

Right before every new lecture, you should review your notes from days past and predict the next day’s material. You should reflect and make relationships between key concepts before you sit down for a new lecture.

You should prepare for your exams by creating a fill-in-the-blank test from your notes. 

Highlighting the Book

Are you guilty of highlighter abuse? Reckless highlighting is the root cause for many bad test grades !

Bright colors on a page make a big visual impact, so highlighting can be deceiving. If you highlight a lot as you read, it may seem like a lot of good studying is going on when that is not the case.

Highlighting does make important information stand out on a page, but that doesn’t do ​you much good if you don’t follow up with some meaningful active learning with that information. Reading highlighted words again and again is not active enough.

Solution: Use the information you highlight to create a practice exam. Put highlighted words onto flashcards and practice until you know every term and concept. Identify key concepts and use them to create practice essay questions.

You should also develop a color-coded highlighting strategy. Highlight new words in one color and new concepts in another, for example. You could also highlight separate topics according to a color code for more impact.

Rewriting Notes

Students rewrite notes under the assumption that repetition is good for memorization. Repetition is valuable as a first step, but it’s not that effective all alone.

You should rewrite your notes in the shrinking outline method, but follow up with self-testing methods.

Solution: Switch class notes with a classmate and create a practice exam from his/her notes. Exchange practice exams to test each other. Repeat this process a few times until you are comfortable with the material.

Rereading the Chapter

Students are often encouraged to re-read a chapter on the night before an exam to reinforce what they’ve learned. Rereading is a good tactic as a last step .

Just like the other study habits mentioned above, rereading is only one part of a puzzle.

Solution: Make sure to use active steps like charts, shrinking outlines, and practice tests and follow up with rereading your chapter.

Memorizing Definitions

Students spend a lot of time using flashcards to memorize definitions. This is a good study method, as long as it’s a first step in the process of learning. As students progress through the grade levels, they are expected to progress in cognitive skills.

Once you've exited middle school, you can't expect to do well on an exam by memorizing the definitions to terms. You must learn to memorize a definition and then define the significance of the new vocabulary terms you encounter. If you're in high school or college, you should be prepared to explain how terms are relevant in the subject, compare them to similar concepts, and explain why they matter at all.

Here's a real life example:

• In middle school , you might learn to memorize the definition of propaganda.
• In high school, you might encounter this as a term, but you'll need to memorize the definition and learn to recognize propaganda materials from World War II and other times.
• In college, you should be able to define propaganda, come up with examples from the past and from today, and explain how propaganda has affected different societies at different times.

Solution: Once you have memorized the definitions of your terms, give yourself a short essay practice test. Make sure you are able to define a term and explain why it is significant. Be able to compare and contrast your term to something or someone of similar significance.

The act of testing and retesting yourself somehow makes the information stick.

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Ineffective Study Habits You Need to Give Up NOW!

Challenges in College , Getting Into College , Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Ineffective Study Habits You Need to Give Up NOW!

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: March 21, 2017

In this article

Effective studying is a skill. As such, it’s possible to break down your habits into ineffective study habits versus effective study habits. In an effort to optimize your academic performance, we’ve created a list of bad study habits of college students so that you can avoid them.

Bad Study Habits: Drop Them Now!

Studying is integral to academic life. And doing it effectively is essential for one’s success because often, just earning a degree isn’t enough. Over time, you’ll start to recognize what works for you and what doesn’t.

This list is compiled of ineffective study habits examples so you can assess whether or not you take part in them. If you do, it’s time to drop them so that you can earn better results from your studying efforts!

1. Cramming

Cramming goes hand-in-hand with procrastination. If you want until the last minute to study for a test, then you’ll likely find yourself memorizing facts and information or understanding it. While this could work in the short term, you have to keep in mind that most subject matter is cumulative and builds upon what you’ve previously learned. So, in the long run, you’re doing yourself a disservice by memorizing information at the last minute because what goes in quickly is also likely to be forgotten quickly. Instead, start by studying a bit every night after class. This way, you can absorb information over time and actually remember what you learn better.

2. Multitasking

While multitasking might seem like a good idea because you feel like you can get several things done in less time, the truth is that you aren’t actually focused. People who focus on one thing at a time absorb more information and are more productive. When your brain is constantly switching between tasks, you are less likely to recall information. You can also wear yourself out more quickly.

To avoid multitasking, make a plan and prioritize what you will do, and study first. Only once you’ve finished the first thing on your list should you move on to the next.

3. Missing Class

Attending lectures, whether it is in-person or online, will end up boosting what you learn. Since you study the material that is first introduced to you during class, you will already have the foundational knowledge you need to understand the material deeply. When you miss class, you’ll also have to spend a lot of time making up what you missed by copying notes or asking your peers about what you missed. The time you spend doing that could be better spent studying and reviewing what you already learned. The only way to avoid missing class is to go to class! Make note of your schedule in advance so that you can fit in everything around your class schedule. And, if you choose to learn at an online institution, then the great news is you can be more flexible with your schedule. This is especially true if you enroll at an institution where classes are recorded, so you can choose when and where you want to study and learn.

4. Allowing Distractions

Eliminate distractions! Much like multitasking, distractions take you away from what you want to accomplish. This means that you’ll want to set up a dedicated study space that is free of distractions. Turn off your TV, put your phone on do not disturb mode, and get down to business.

5. Inefficient Note Taking

If you’re attending class (as you should be), you will want to take notes. This way, you have reference material to come back to so you can study what you learned in class. If your notes are nonexistent, then start taking them! If you are taking them and they are disorganized or hard to find, then it’s as if you aren’t taking them. Try different note-taking methods to find out what’s best for you.

6. Poor Time Management

Studying takes time, so you have to make time to do it. As such, you’ll want to understand time management to allocate the right amount of time to study each subject. Some time management tips include: prioritizing tasks, setting a schedule, breaking up big tasks, creating rewards, and waking up earlier to give yourself more time in a day.

7. Eating Unhealthily

While it may not seem directly related to studying, what you put in your body will affect how you study. If you’re eating poorly by consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods, you are bound to slow your brain and body down. Wilder Research published “Nutrition and Students’ Academic Performance,” which found that eating trans and saturated fats can negatively affect one’s ability to learn and remember information. Consider packing healthy and easy on-the-go snacks like apples, almonds, greek yogurt, raw veggies, and hummus, or roasted chickpeas instead of high-fat and sugary foods.

8. Pulling All-Nighters

If you’re a crammer, then chances are high that you’ve pulled an all-nighter. As the term implies, it means you stay up all night to study. This is a lose-lose because not only are you stuck memorizing over understanding, but you are also lacking sleep. And, sleep is crucial for the brain’s functioning and ability to recall information.

9. Skipping Breaks

No matter how focused you are when you are studying, don’t forget to take breaks. Breaks allow your brain to digest the information and store it. You also get to use a break to reset your brain instead of burning out from exhaustion. Check out this list of study break ideas that are beneficial to the body and mind.

Study Well to Do Well

How you choose to study will undoubtedly impact your performance. When it comes to test-taking, you may feel anxiety on test day. One of the best ways to alleviate that type of anxiety is to study and prepare as best as you can in advance. When you do so, you can enter an exam with confidence.

In order to feel this way, you should try your best to eliminate any ineffective study habits that you may be practicing. If you find yourself part-taking in many of the listed items above, then pick a few to eliminate to start off on a better path forward. Over time, you’ll be able to build effective study habits to perform at your best!

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