Whether you are an educator, a parent, or a student, it's the perfect time to set the stage for a strong start. As the school year progresses, we want to share three proven, science-backed strategies that can help students of all ages boost their grades and set themselves up for success. These techniques not only make study time more effective but also help develop essential time management skills that will serve them well in life.
1. Effective Time Management: The Foundation of Academic Success
We know that effective time management is a cornerstone of success in school and beyond. The ability to manage your time well helps students stay organized, reduces stress, and provides the focus needed to tackle challenging (or boring) subjects. Here are three time management techniques that have been scientifically proven to boost grades and make study time more effective:
a. Time Blocking: Organize Your Day for Better Focus and Productivity
Teaching both parents and kids time blocking as one of the most straightforward and effective ways to take control of your schedule and boost your grades. Time blocking involves dividing your day into specific "blocks" of time, each dedicated to a particular task or activity. This technique is about creating a balanced and structured day where distractions are minimized, and students can focus more deeply.
How to Use Time Blocking Effectively:
Start by listing all the tasks you need to accomplish for the day or week.
Group similar tasks together and assign them to specific blocks of time.
Include short breaks between blocks to recharge and keep your focus sharp.
Time blocking is all about focus. More recently, Cal Newport has coined the practice of focusing deeply on a task or activity "deep work," in his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Newport explains how to schedule periods of intense concentration that lead to significant progress. Having a structured schedule reduces decision fatigue and keeps you on track. Learn more about time blocking and enhancing deep focus with Cal Newport HERE.
b. Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize Tasks to Maximize Your Impact
Named after U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Eisenhower Matrix is a fantastic tool for helping students and professionals prioritize their tasks by identifying them by urgency and importance. Eisenhower was known for his ability to make critical decisions and manage his time effectively under pressure. The matrix organizes tasks into four categories:
Urgent and Important – Tasks that should be done immediately.
Important but Not Urgent – Tasks to schedule and plan for later.
Urgent but Not Important – Tasks that can be delegated to someone else.
Neither Urgent nor Important – Tasks to consider eliminating altogether.
How to Implement the Eisenhower Matrix:
Begin by listing all the tasks you have for the day or week.
Sort each task into one of the four quadrants.
Focus on completing "Urgent and Important" tasks first, while planning, delegating, or eliminating the rest.
The Eisenhower Matrix has been validated by numerous studies as an effective way to boost productivity, reduce stress, and help students stay focused on what truly matters. Check out our Facebook post with FREE a free student handout here.
c. Pomodoro Technique: Maintain Your Energy with Focused Work Sessions
Another favorite strategy we recommend is the Pomodoro Technique, which is a simple yet highly effective way to manage study time and maintain concentration. This technique involves working in short, focused intervals (typically 25 minutes, but students can really choose whatever burst of time works best for them), followed by a brief break. Created by Francesco Cirillo, the technique gets its name from the tomato-shaped timer ("pomodoro" is Italian for "tomato") Cirillo used during his study sessions.
How to Practice the Pomodoro Technique:
Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task with full concentration.
After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break to relax.
Repeat this cycle four times, then take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
Studies show that the Pomodoro Technique helps prevent burnout and keeps the mind fresh, leading to more effective and productive study sessions. Learn more about this technique in The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo. Find the book here.
2. Make Study Time More Effective with Research-Based Learning Techniques
If you want to see significant improvement in grades this school year, we have good news. Increasingly, learning scientists have more to say about what science says about which study strategies work best. We study up on what scientists say, and we've found the following methods can help enhance learning and retention, making study sessions more efficient and effective:
a. Spaced Repetition: Strengthen Memory with Timed Intervals
Spaced repetition is an evidence-based learning technique that involves reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals over time. This method leverages the "spacing effect," a phenomenon first described by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, which shows that information is better retained when it is reviewed periodically over time.
How to Use Spaced Repetition:
Break down study material into smaller, manageable chunks.
Review each chunk at spaced intervals (e.g., after one day, then three days, then one week).
Utilize tools like flashcards or spaced repetition apps to help organize and track your reviews.
Research by Cepeda et al. (2006) demonstrates that spaced repetition significantly enhances long-term retention compared to cramming all at once. Find the study here.
b. Active Recall: Engage Your Brain for Better Learning
Active recall, or self-quizzing, is another science-backed strategy we encourage students to try. This technique involves actively retrieving information from memory instead of passively reading or highlighting notes. Research consistently shows that students who use active recall perform better on exams and retain information longer.
How to Implement Active Recall:
Create flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other.
Regularly test yourself, trying to answer questions without peeking.
Utilize practice tests or quizzes to simulate real exam conditions.
The benefits of self-testing are highlighted in research by Roediger and Butler (2011) in Psychological Science in the Public Interest, proving that active recall can significantly boost retention and understanding. Find the study here.
c. Feynman Technique: Simplify Complex Concepts by Teaching Them
Inspired by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, the Feynman Technique encourages students to learn by teaching. When you explain a complex topic in simple terms as if teaching someone new to the subject, you reinforce your understanding and identify areas where your knowledge may be lacking.
How to Use the Feynman Technique:
Pick a topic you want to learn and write it down.
Explain the concept using simple language as if you’re teaching it to someone unfamiliar.
Review the material and fill in any gaps in your understanding.
This technique leverages the "Protege Effect," where teaching others enhances your own learning. Discover more about this approach in Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. Find the book here.
Start Using These Proven Strategies Today
At Nelson Notes LLC, we believe that every student can boost their grades and enjoy a more successful school year by using these proven, science-backed study strategies. By incorporating techniques like time blocking, the Eisenhower Matrix, the Pomodoro Technique, spaced repetition, active recall, and the Feynman Technique, you can transform your study habits and unlock your potential. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch as your productivity, focus, and understanding soar!
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