Every year, I'm surprised by the ways that students have understood what studying looks like. The most common student study techniques / ideas I've encountered are this:- I looked at the notes.
- I made a Quizlet.
- I went through the slides.
- I made some flashcards.
- I studied for like 5 hours.
- I crammed all last night for this, I'm totally ready.
For me, I struggle with holding back my frustration with students. I think, "you've been in school for over ten years now....how are you thinking this is ok?"; but, then I remember some important questions that stops me: have we taught our students how to study? Have we modeled it for them and give them quality examples?
And I think the answer is no.
If school is supposed to be about learning, why haven't we done the most fundamental thing of all--teach our students how to learn?
This year--and every year I've taught--I take at least 2-3 classes throughout the year to explain, model, and practice with students what solid, evidence-based studying should look like. At the end of the process, I give students a Google Doc that hits the highlights of our discussion points (such as how to schedule studying time, minimize distractions, etc) as well as 50 non-tech based study strategies that actually create meaningful learning. There's even a wheel that can choose a strategy for students at random!
Here's that doc--please use it, and copy/steal away!
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