We want our students to do well in college. Most students want to do well in college. Colleges want students to do well in college. So if everyone has the same academic goal for students, why do so many students struggle?
Of course, there is no easy answer to this question. Most students try hard. Most parents support their students. And most colleges have continued to increase what they do to help students find support and improve their study skills.
There are books written about study skills. There are study skills websites and study skill coaches and tutors. Colleges offer workshops and classes where students learn about study skills.
So back to the original question. Why do so many students struggle academically?
There are many factors, but one possibility is that with all of the focus on good study skills, students are learning only half of what they need to know. Yes, students need good study skills – but they also need good study habits to be able to put those skills into practice.
Is there a difference between study skills and study habits?
The answer is yes, but one problem is that we often use the two terms interchangeably. Study skills and study habits complement each other and work together, but they are not the same thing. Knowing how to do something is no guarantee of success unless you consistently apply that skill. Habits allow students to put their skills into practice so they become automatic.
Knowing the difference is important, and you may need to help your student understand that difference and why they need both skills and habits.
What are study skills?
Study skills are the techniques, strategies, methods and tasks that students need to be able to learn effectively. They are the things that students know and can do. Having good skills means being good at something.
Study skills include things like reading material actively and critically, taking good notes on reading material and in class, memorizing and synthesizing material, organizing, prioritizing, summarizing material and integrating concepts. These are the tasks that students need to be able to complete.
Having good study skills can increase your student’s competence and confidence and reduce their anxiety. Students need good study skills.
What are study habits?
Study habits are the consistent and appropriate patterns, routines, and behaviors that a student practices in order to put their study skills to work. Habits are the way a student studies and uses the skills they have.
Study habits include things such as creating a dedicated study time, minimizing distractions, finding an appropriate place to study, taking breaks, spending a sufficient amount of time studying, planning goals for study sessions, asking for help, engaging in self-care – sleep, healthy eating and exercise, learning how to avoid procrastinating and multitasking, and simply studying regularly.
Studying becomes easier with regular practice. It is difficult to be good at or improve any skills without consistent practice. (Think musical practice, athletic practice, or any other activity that requires skills.) Having good study habits helps students reduce the mental effort needed to start and stay with their studying when their motivation fades.
How do students develop good habits?
One of the most well-known experts on developing habits is James Clear, author of the book Atomic Habits. Clear’s advice can help any of us, including students, who want to develop habits. Clear emphasizes that small, consistent actions can compound over time. Real change comes from countless small decisions that allow us to get 1% better each day. It takes time, but even small habits can make a difference. Clear also explains that goals are those results we want to achieve, while systems are the processes that lead to those results. Habits are those processes.
According to Clear, “The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision.” One small decision, one day, does not develop a habit, but repeated over and over again, it can make difference.
Another excellent source of advice about studying and habits is Daniel Willingham, author of the book Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning Is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy. (Great gift book for any student!) Willingham describes habits as those unthinking, routine ways of doing things and as things we don’t need to think about starting. With consistent repetition, a sequence of things can become a habit – and we need to make sure our habits are productive. Willingham also reminds us that habits take time to develop and we need patience and persistence.
Good study skills are not just important, they are essential, and most schools are increasingly working to help students develop appropriate study skills. That is progress. But not as many schools have consciously worked to help students understand the equally essential ways to develop good study habits. Talk to your student about their skills and habits and help them understand how best to use their habits to put their skills into practice.
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