7 Learning Strategies For Students: How To Study Smarter, Not Harder

As you prepare for high school graduation or adjust to university life as a newcomer to Canada, developing learning study strategies is essential to academic success.

A learning strategy is an individual’s way of organizing and using a particular set of skills to learn content or accomplish other tasks more effectively and efficiently in school as well as in non-academic settings (Schumaker & Deshler, 1992).

Whether you’re balancing schoolwork, improving your study skills, adjusting to a new academic environment, managing procrastination, or getting homework help, these strategies will help you study smarter, not harder.

What Are The 7 Learning Strategies For Students?

The 7 learning strategies are designed to help students study more efficiently and achieve better academic results.

These strategies focus on essential skills such as time management, task prioritization, and the ability to break down complex assignments into manageable parts.

By incorporating technology, enhancing note-taking skills, and building awareness of individual strengths, students can develop personalized approaches to learning.

These methods are not only useful in high school and university but are also crucial for those adapting to a new academic environment, such as newcomers to Canada.

1. Time Management

One of the most effective strategies for academic success is mastering time management.

By prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals, you can avoid the stress that comes with last-minute cramming.

Effective time management also promotes a healthy balance between academics and personal life, which is crucial for high schoolers and university students alike.

Finding this balance can also have a positive impact on your overall mental well-being. Managing your time the right way lowers the stress and anxiety that come with multiple deadlines, projects, and exams.

Imagine having everything done, before the deadline, and with time to spare! Think of how much less stressed you would feel, knowing that all of your work is done, and you can actually get a good night’s sleep before the big exam.

Key Tips For Time Management:

• Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most urgent or important assignments first.
• Use a planner or app: Schedule your day, track deadlines, and set reminders.
• Create study blocks: Use the Pomodoro technique—study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

2. Overcome ADHD Paralysis And Stay Focused

For students who struggle with focus, especially those with ADHD, it can be challenging to stay focused and maintain momentum.

This is where working with an executive function coach can make a difference.

Overcoming ADHD paralysis involves breaking down tasks, managing distractions, and finding the right kind of support.

Key Tips For Overcoming ADHD Paralysis

• Clear distractions: Set your phone to Do Not Disturb, study at the library where you won’t run into people, and try not to study at home as the temptation of television and roommates can be very distracting.
• Set short, achievable goals: Breaking tasks into 10-15 minute intervals can help you stay on track.
• Use sensory cues: Listening to instrumental music or using noise-cancelling headphones can create a distraction-free environment.
• Seek executive function coaching to develop tailored, personalized strategies to help you succeed where you struggle the most.

3. Stay Organized

Staying organized can significantly boost your academic performance.

From managing assignments to keeping track of class notes, having good organizational skills can save you time and reduce feeling overwhelmed.

Key Tips For Staying Organized

• Create daily to-do lists to stay on track.
• Have a separate binder or folder for each class.
• Organize your class notes by subject and date.
• Use folders and digital tools to categorize important documents.

4. Leverage Technology and Tools

Using academic tools such as assistive technology and tutors can improve your learning experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

Academic Coaching is an excellent way to get ahead and excel in University, especially when you are feeling stuck.

Many high schoolers and university students also benefit from apps designed to enhance focus or improve writing.

Key Tips For Leveraging Help

• Use study apps: Apps like Evernote or MyStudyLife can help you keep organized.
• Access homework help online: If you’re struggling, there are numerous online tutoring platforms and academic coaching services that provide homework support.
• Get an online tutor: Have weekly Zoom meetings to answer your questions, get organized, and stay motivated — all without having to leave your dorm!

5. Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks

Breaking down big tasks into smaller, achievable chunks not only helps prevent you from feeling overwhelmed but also helps stop procrastination in its tracks. This is especially important when tackling big projects like exam prep or a research paper.

One way to do this is by setting S.M.A.R.T. goals.

For university students and newcomers to Canada facing language barriers or new academic expectations, chunking assignments also makes them more manageable and less daunting.

Key Tips For Breaking Large Tasks Down

• Start with small tasks: Completing smaller sections of work builds momentum.
• Set mini-deadlines: Divide projects by days or weeks to make progress easier to track.
• Prioritize the assignment: Don’t procrastinate by completing other work first — get this task done first, then move on to other homework.

6. Master Exam Prep with Confidence

Preparing for exams doesn’t have to be stressful.

Students can build confidence by practicing effective study skills and developing exam-specific strategies.

Cramming for an exam the night before only means staying up all night, and then going into the exam with a tired brain — believe me, we have all been there. And it never ends well.

Key Tips For Exam Prep

• Avoid cramming: Studying under time pressure will only make you stressed, leading to decreased focus and inability to remember that you are studying. Leave yourself plenty of time and don’t start the night before!
• Use past exams: Review past tests to get familiar with the structure and question types.
• Practice with study groups: Collaborating with peers allows you to share ideas, clarify doubts, and reinforce concepts.
• Break it down: Focus on one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Don’t memorize: Focus on actually understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing facts.

7. Utilize The Clifton Strengths Assessment Tool for Self-Awareness

Clifton Strengths is a valuable tool for teens and university students looking to leverage their natural talents in academics.

By understanding your strengths, you can develop study strategies that align with your unique abilities.

Whether you need guidance for exam prep or career planning, understanding your unique strengths can help you study more effectively and achieve better results.

Key Tips For Clifton Strengths

• Identify your top strengths: Are you a strong communicator or strategic thinker? Use these strengths to excel in group work or exams.
• Apply strengths in study sessions: If your strength is focus, block out dedicated time for studying without interruptions.
• Take a Clifton Strengths Test: Check out our academic coaching packages to see which is right for you.

Conclusion

Learning strategies are not about working harder but working smarter.

From mastering study skills to seeking support from an academic coach or developing organizational skills, these seven strategies will equip teens, university students, and newcomers with the tools needed to excel academically.

Whether you need help with time management, executive function coaching, or homework help, developing a strategy tailored to your needs is key to success.

Click below to schedule a chat with a coach and make a plan together to help you or your student not only succeed, but excel!

FAQ