Practical Strategies to Develop Study Habits

Many students struggle with how to establish healthy study habits. Some have become accustomed to scanning their notes at the last minute before exams or presentations, which typically leads to poor academic performance. The challenge of making studying a part of their daily routine has become even more overwhelming with the prevalence of new technology, gadgets, and social media platforms. Many, if not all, have been hooked into playing online/video games and surfing the internet instead of doing classwork.

According to a 2024 report from the Pew Research Center, 85% of U.S. teens play video games and four out of 10 do such daily. Similarly, Nick Baker, senior editor of Uswitch, found that more than four-fifths (83%) of gamers aged 16–24 play online in the U.K. In a study conducted by Charlaine Perez and a research team, they found that there were 29.9 million gamers in the Philippines in 2020, of which 42% were males between the ages of 10 and 35. 

A survey posted on the Fox59 website revealed that American teens spend, on average, 8.5 hours on screens per day, while 8–12 year olds average 5.5 hours. Meanwhile, an article from CrunchGrade indicated that the average high school student studies 6.8 hours per week—or 1 hour and 21.6 minutes per day. This statistic implies that screen time vastly outweighs study time.

Despite these challenges, it’s never too late to develop effective study habits. As educators, we can help guide students through this process. Here are some practical ways for students to start fresh and make studying a priority:

1. Set goals. Students can create a list of clear goals that include studying or learning something new as part of their daily objectives. In doing so, they can plan what they want to learn and achieve.
2. Create a schedule. Students need to organize their time and plan which part of the day will be their dedicated study time. They can decide whether the morning, afternoon, or evening works best for their schedule, then allocate a block of that time for studying.
3. Choose a conducive environment. A learning environment can affect a student’s mood and eagerness to study. They should choose a place at home that is quiet and distraction-free, like their own room. A clean, organized setting is essential to focus and prepare the mind to grasp new ideas.
4. Switch phones to “do not disturb” or “airplane mode.” Social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Messenger, WeChat, Youtube, etc. can be tempting and distracting. By turning off notifications, students will be able to focus on what they are studying.
5. Pray and read the Bible. Students should seek God for guidance, wisdom, and strength as they develop their study habits. Taking a moment to meditate on His Word as a source of inspiration will remind them that learning is a journey enriched by spiritual growth.
6. Determine the best learning style. Students should identify whether they are a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner. Adjusting to their learning preferences can make studying a positive experience.

By incorporating these simple practices, students can turn a tedious task into an enjoyable habit. As educators, we can remind them that consistency, self-discipline, a positive mindset, and prayer will put academic success within their reach.

Author

Miracel Orboc

English teacher for almost 10 years now. Currently employed at Panabo City National High School, a public school in the Philippines, teaching Grade 9 students.