Master study skills with science-backed routines

Parents of middle and high school students often notice problems such as disorganization, forgotten assignments, or difficulty managing time, even when motivation isn’t an issue. Facing these challenges, many families ask: Should we focus on building executive functioning, or does my child simply need better study skills?

Understanding the distinction between these concepts can help you make informed choices about supporting your child’s learning. Executive functioning encompasses mental processes that aid planning, organization, and self-control. Study skills encompass strategies and habits that enable students to learn and retain information more effectively. When a student’s struggles stem from not knowing effective study techniques, everyday strategies can make a significant difference. If executive functioning is the underlying hurdle, however, typical study tips might not be enough.

Recognizing the difference will help you pinpoint what support your child truly needs to succeed in school, on standardized exams like the SAT and ACT, and in life. Let’s explore both concepts, where they overlap, and what research and experience suggest works best for most students.

Start with study skills

Both research and everyday experience suggest that ineffective study habits are the most common source of academic trouble, rather than inherent executive functioning issues such as working memory or attention. This difference is significant because it determines where the support process should begin.

Executive functions are crucial for staying on track and focusing. Yet, many struggling students have simply never been taught how to review notes, practice recalling information, or structure their study sessions effectively. The National Survey of Student Engagement, for instance, finds that direct teaching of study methods is less common than content instruction. Although passive strategies such as rereading and highlighting are widely used, studies show that they fall short compared to dynamic, active methods.

Effective study strategies include:

• Spaced retrieval practice: Reviewing over time and recalling information multiple times.
• Interleaving: Mixing various types of problems or topics within one study period.
• Self-explanation: Putting concepts in your own words to reinforce understanding.

Introducing these strategies and giving students regular opportunities to use them often leads to clear improvements in comprehension and retention. A large portion of academic struggles can be addressed by teaching, modeling, and supporting structured routines, such as planning regular reviews, focusing on practice rather than passive reading, summarizing key ideas, and organizing study across several days.

It’s useful to distinguish between students who haven’t learned effective study techniques and those who still face challenges after direct instruction. Most students show progress with focused study skills training and do not require extra interventions targeting executive function. For this reason, educators and families should examine current study habits before adopting more advanced strategies.

A solid plan begins by teaching study skills clearly and systematically. If students continue to struggle after this foundation is in place, then support for executive function may be needed. By progressing step by step, students receive the right help at the right time, avoiding unnecessary interventions or labels.

Build setup routines and support working memory

Working memory is limited; most people can hold only about four items in mind at once, especially during complex tasks. This makes it easy to forget details or make mistakes when there’s too much going on.

To help with this, simple daily setup routines can make a big difference. A student might start the morning by checking their schedule, gathering what they need for the day, and listing out top priorities. This preparation keeps them organized and reduces forgotten assignments.

Taking information out of your head and putting it onto paper or a screen also lightens the mental load. Checklists, task maps, and annotated calendars provide a clear picture of what needs to be done. Visual tools like Kanban boards or concept maps let students track tasks and organize their work more efficiently, leading to better focus and fewer mistakes.

The most effective routines are tailored to meet a student’s individual needs. Overly complex systems can lead to frustration or waste time. Look for setup routines that keep students organized and support learning, without overshadowing the real goal of completing assignments.

When students recognize their working memory limits and use tools or routines that reduce mental strain, they can direct more energy toward understanding new material and tackling challenging problems.

Use active learning and effective note-taking

Active learning involves fully engaging with the material, not just passively reading or listening. Strategies like active recall, self-testing, and developing notes over time prove especially effective in boosting learning.

Active recall

This technique asks students to recall information without glancing at their notes. Flashcards, practice questions, and creating summaries are practical examples. Research consistently finds that active recall leads to better retention than simple rereading.

Effective note-taking

Taking notes effectively means more than writing down everything you hear or read. Building your notes up over time (by revisiting, updating, or reorganizing) helps deepen understanding and show how topics connect. Techniques like the Cornell Method and the use of digital platforms that encourage regular review support this process.

Tools like Anki and Notion help with scheduling spaced reviews and organizing information. Even creating concept maps by hand can drive better engagement and memory. The essential habit is to challenge yourself to recall information from memory as much as possible, rather than just skimming through existing notes.

How students study is just as critical as the time they spend. By focusing on active methods rather than passive reviewing, students can raise both immediate performance and long-term understanding.

Build lasting habits through gradual change

Learning habits that stick develop slowly; genuine change happens through steady practice over weeks or months rather than overnight. Research indicates that consistent repetition solidifies habits, while quick fixes tend to fade away.

Support from teachers and parents is especially helpful at the start. Step-by-step instructions or simple checklists can help students build new routines. Over time, this guidance should be slowly removed, a process called "fading," as students become more confident and independent. Gradually handing over responsibility prevents dependence and fosters true self-management.

Take note-taking as an example: teachers might begin by demonstrating a technique, then guide students through the next steps, and finally expect them to take ownership. Ongoing feedback and occasional refresher sessions further cement these skills.

Programs that focus on slow, steady habit-building, along with a careful reduction in outside support, are most successful at creating independent learners. Parents and educators can make the biggest difference by being patient, encouraging regular practice, and smoothly shifting responsibility as students grow.

Deep, lasting habits are formed by repeating good practices and stepping back gradually to encourage independence. This approach helps students become resilient and self-sufficient learners in the long term.

Integrate executive skills with academic work

Students learn executive skills like time management, organization, and progress monitoring best when these abilities are tied directly to real coursework, not as isolated lessons. Building these skills while working on actual assignments makes it much easier to see their value and encourages students to put them into practice right away.

For instance, instead of practicing time management as a separate activity, students should break down real projects into manageable steps using timelines or checklists within their classrooms. Digital tools for planning can also help, but should always be connected to the actual tasks students are working on.

This way, students apply strategies exactly where they are needed, improving their results on meaningful assignments. Teachers and tutors play a key role by identifying challenging projects or readings and helping students practice study and organization techniques within these contexts.

Regular check-ins and discussions about progress help students connect these skills to their outcomes. Reflection builds confidence and helps students adjust strategies to keep improving.

Teaching executive and academic skills together in real-world settings gives students practical experience, greater flexibility, and stronger problem-solving skills in school and beyond.

Prioritize study skills for effective academic support

Most students who face academic setbacks see the greatest benefit from focused training in study skills. Rather than jumping straight to executive function programs, it’s most effective to start with clear, practical habits. This can include routines such as planning daily homework, actively revising notes, and incorporating regular recall practice.

Provide steady, step-by-step support and check in regularly, while gradually letting students manage more on their own. This approach improves grades and fosters independence. Prioritizing these foundational skills, rather than relying on labels or complex interventions, gives students the tools they need for ongoing improvement and confident, resourceful learning.