Regardless of type of student your child is, you may have noticed them falling into some of these habits and study mistakes. Here we look at the top seven and how students can work toward improved confidence in their studies and overall scholastic success.
King's-Edgehill School - Photograph by Scott Munn
The following approaches to learning have happened to the best of us throughout our lives and perhaps you’re noticing some of them in your student now—or maybe you’re a student struggling to balance everything and you can relate to falling into some of these patterns. Here are the seven top mistakes even good students make:
- Procrastination—Many students put off working on assignments or studying, relying on their memories or reasoning power. However, sooner or later, it catches up with them and they fall further and further behind. Result: Late work and failing marks.
- Perfectionism—Wanting to be perfect is a perfectionist’s “first cousin”! The work may be done but it cannot be handed in because it’s just not good enough? Result: Even later work and mounting stress.
- Cramming—The rationalization goes something like this:
(a) “Everyone else does it so why not me?”
(b) “It worked before and it will work again.”
However, as content learning becomes more demanding what worked before will not work. Result: Grades plummet. - Rushing—”The faster the work get done the better!” After all, working quickly is an admirable trait. Isn’t it? No, it isn’t! Quality work requires slowing down and attending to the details. Rushing to get it done is a mistake. Result: Not your best work.
- Lack of Practice—Why practice? It’s boring and tedious! Isn’t it? Most students do not appreciate the benefits of practice. Result: Poor command of the subject matter.
- Minimal Writing For Study Purposes—”Writing is such a chore! Who needs it? I can find everything I need on the internet and then print it!” This typically leads to a reluctance to show work and avoidance of writing drafts for essays. Result: Incomplete notes and either sketchy or no study notes.
- Weak Time Management Skills—”I have a paper due in two days, so I’ll sit down and get it done tonight. It just a waste of my time to develop a plan and follow a timetable. I like doing things my way!” Result: The assignments pile up. The student feels overwhelmed and often does not know where to start.
These seven “mistakes” reflect what can go wrong when the fundamentals of learning are either ignored or weakly developed.
Here’s a sure fire recipe for study success:
- Adopt the “Do It Now” philosophy.
- Raise your commitment level to always do your best.
- Study well in advance of any upcoming test.
- Take the time necessary to produce quality work.
- Make practice a habit.
- Become proficient in making and using study notes.
- Manage your time effectively.
The key is to master these fundamentals, and mastery only requires learning and practice. That’s all there is to it! It’s that simple! Best of all, once mastery is achieved, the quality of the work is enhanced, confidence grows by leaps and bounds, and grades improve significantly.
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Have you struggled with some of these learning and study mistakes? How did you, or how did you help your child, overcome these habits? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Related:
Top 10 Tips for Successful Homework
3 Effective Ways to Help Kids Improve School Grades
Eight Ways to Improve Concentration Levels in Kids
The Keys to Developing Self-Discipline in Children
About Michael Shoore
