Your child spends two hours studying for a test, highlights half a textbook, and rereads every page of their notes. Yet when the test comes back, the grade doesn't reflect the effort.
Sound familiar?
Many students assume that spending more time studying automatically leads to better results. But effective studying isn't just about how long a student sits at a desk. It's about what they do with that time.
October is an excellent opportunity to help your child evaluate their study habits before midterms and end-of-semester exams arrive.
Why Familiarity Can Be Misleading
When students reread their notes, the material starts to look familiar. That familiarity can create the feeling that they understand it—even when they struggle to recall or apply the information without their notes.
The solution is to shift from simply reviewing information to actively retrieving and using it.
Two research-supported strategies are particularly useful: retrieval practice and spaced practice.
Retrieval practice means trying to remember information without looking at the answer first.
Spaced practice means spreading study sessions over several days instead of cramming everything into one night.
Both strategies encourage students to engage with information more actively than repeated rereading alone.
Five Study Habits Worth Building This Month
1. Close the notes and explain the concept.
After reading a section, have your child close the book and explain the main ideas aloud. If they can't explain a concept clearly, they know what to review next.
2. Practice before looking at the answers.
For math and science, solving problems independently is more valuable than simply watching someone else solve them. Encourage your child to attempt each problem before checking the solution.
3. Use short, spaced study sessions.
Rather than studying for three hours the night before a test, try 25–30-minute sessions across several days, with breaks as needed. The ideal session length varies by student, so adjust the plan to their age, attention, and workload.
4. Mix different types of practice.
Once your child understands the basics, mixing related problem types can help them learn when and how to apply different methods. This is especially useful in subjects like math, where recognizing the correct approach is part of the challenge.
5. Keep an error log.
After a quiz or practice session, have your child record mistakes and why they happened. Were they confused about a concept, careless with calculations, or unsure how to interpret the question?
Reviewing these patterns helps students target their efforts instead of repeating what they already know.
A Simple Weekly Study Plan
Here's one way to prepare for a Friday test:
Monday: Review the main concepts and identify confusing material.
Tuesday: Practice recalling key information without notes.
Wednesday: Complete practice problems or answer sample questions.
Thursday: Review mistakes and revisit the weakest areas.
Friday: Briefly recall the most important concepts before the test, allowing time for rest.
This schedule can be adjusted for the subject, test difficulty, and your child's other commitments. The key is to begin early enough to identify gaps while there's still time to address them.
Don't Confuse More Studying With Better Studying
If your child consistently spends hours on homework and studying but sees little improvement, it may be time to examine their approach.
They may need help identifying which strategies work for different subjects, prioritizing the most important material, or recognizing gaps in their understanding.
A tutor can provide targeted practice and immediate feedback, while academic coaching can help students develop a realistic study schedule and take greater ownership of their learning.
Help Your Child Study Smarter, Not Longer
The goal isn't simply to get through tonight's homework. It's to help your child become a more independent learner who knows how to prepare, recognize mistakes, and improve.
If your child is putting in the time but not seeing the results they want, schedule a free consultation with Rise Above LA. We'll discuss their current study habits, identify potential obstacles, and explore how personalized academic support can help them make their effort count.
