An educator’s guide to fostering strong study habits in lower to middle high school years

Starting secondary school is a major transition for students, often filled with excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. For teachers, this transition presents a crucial opportunity to help students develop study habits that will set them up for success, not only in their school years but beyond. 

Research from LifeEd reveals that over a third of new Year 7 students feel scared and unprepared for the move to high school, which can negatively impact both social and academic outcomes. To help students manage this transition, it’s essential to instil strong study habits from day one.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• The importance of strong study habits in early secondary school
• How online learning can support the development of study habits from day one
• Key study habits to cultivate in lower to middle school years
• Supporting Year 8 students navigating the Big Dip
• Four practical tips for teachers
• Empowering students through effective study habits

The importance of strong study habits in early high school 

For many students, the shift from primary to secondary school can feel overwhelming. Not only is there more content to learn, but the expectations around independent study and personal responsibility increase significantly. 

Statistics from a recent student poll show that engagement drops significantly as students progress through school, with a decrease from 75% in Year 5 to 58% in Year 8. This can negatively impact academic outcomes, social-emotional skills, and behavioural competencies. Students who adapt well to this new environment are also at a lower risk of disengagement or dropping out.

The challenge for teachers is ensuring students are equipped with the tools to manage this increased workload while maintaining their enthusiasm for learning. The earlier these skills are developed, the more confident and capable students will become as they progress through secondary school.

Early intervention is critical. When students are equipped with study tools from the start of secondary school, they're less likely to feel overwhelmed by the shift in expectations.
‍— Sarah-Eleni Zaferis, Teacher and School Enablement Leader at Atomi

How online learning can support the development of study habits from day one

Incorporating online learning platforms, such as Atomi, into classroom practices can be transformative in helping students develop strong study habits. 

Digital platforms provide structured, interactive content that students can access at their own pace, making it easier to reinforce learning outside the classroom. Online learning also provides teachers with a flexible tool for building consistency in study practices, offering both structure and autonomy for students to engage with material when they need it most.

Research from the NSW Department of Education found that structured online learning platforms help bridge the gap for students who struggle with self-regulated learning. Additionally, HITS (High Impact Teaching Strategies) highlight how digital tools, like interactive lessons and study planners, promote autonomy and personalised learning.

Here are several ways online platforms can foster strong study habits:

• Interactive lessons: Atomi’s engaging, interactive lessons keep students focused on the subject at hand. Using short videos, quizzes, and immediate feedback, students can revisit content until they feel confident. This not only reinforces their learning but also helps them establish a habit of regular review.
• Self-paced learning: Online platforms encourage students to manage their own learning schedules. Students can revisit content as often as they need, making it easier to identify gaps in understanding before assessments.
• Skill-building resources: Atomi offers resources like note-taking templates, study planners, and time management tools that help students structure their study time effectively. Introducing these resources early on allows students to build foundational study skills that will serve them throughout secondary school and help them gradually become more independent. 

Key study habits to cultivate in the lower to middle years

As students transition from primary school into the early years of secondary education, it’s crucial to help them establish effective study habits that will serve as the foundation for their future success. Below are several key habits that students should begin to develop in the lower to middle years of their schooling.

Consistent review and note-taking

One of the most valuable habits a student can develop is consistent review. Encourage students to regularly go over their classwork rather than cramming for assessments at the last minute. Daniel Willingham’s research from Outsmart Your Brain highlights that regular review and active retrieval improve long-term retention. 

Teachers can support this habit by modelling effective note-taking during class, showing students how to break down information and highlight key concepts. Over time, students can take more responsibility for organising their notes, transitioning from guided practice to independent learning.

Sarah iterates:

Students who review their notes regularly and use strategies like summarising and teaching others are much more likely to retain information and build a deeper understanding.

Active learning techniques

To keep students engaged, it’s important to promote active learning. This involves encouraging students to engage with the content in various ways — whether through group discussions, teaching the material to a peer, or practising exam-style questions. 

Willingham's research emphasises that active engagement is far more effective than passive reviewing. Teachers can reinforce this in class by incorporating activities that encourage students to apply what they’ve learnt.

Time management and planning

Effective time management is essential for students as they progress through secondary school. Helping students create a study timetable early on ensures they develop the organisational skills needed to manage increasing academic demands. Tools like Atomi’s study planner allow students to break tasks into manageable chunks, making it easier to stay on top of their workload.

Learning from mistakes

Encouraging a growth mindset is another key aspect of building strong study habits. Students should understand that making mistakes is a part of learning, and they should feel comfortable reflecting on what went wrong and how they can improve.

Sarah adds:

Study habits are not just about content retention — they're about fostering a sense of autonomy and responsibility in students. When we empower students to take charge of their learning, we set them up for lifelong success.

Supporting Year 8 students navigating the big dip 

Year 8 can be a challenging time for many students, often referred to as the big dip — a period where engagement and motivation drop due to several factors. Gallup’s research found that student engagement dips sharply by Year 8, with only 58% remaining engaged. This makes it crucial for teachers to encourage students to tackle more complex problems and think critically about their learning.

With a solid foundation in study habits, students can begin to challenge themselves more. Having access to Atomi’s interactive lessons provide more advanced content, allowing students to explore topics in greater depth and build the skills they need for higher-level thinking.

4 tips for teachers to help students build strong study habits

To help students build strong study habits, here are some practical strategies teachers can implement in their classrooms.

Tip 1. Model and scaffold

Demonstrate effective study habits in class. For instance, show how to break down content into digestible notes, and then allow students to practise on their own with decreasing levels of support.

Tip 2. Utilise online resources

Make use of Atomi’s interactive lessons, note-taking tools, and study planners to reinforce good study habits both inside and outside the classroom.

Tip 3. Create a routine

Build consistency by incorporating time for review at the start or end of each class. This could be a brief recap or a low-stakes quiz to keep students engaged and help them retain information.

Tip 4. Encourage reflection

After assessments, have students reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and update their notes accordingly. Look for tools that can support this process with templates for organising corrections and feedback.

Empowering students through effective study habits

Strong study habits, developed early on, foster higher academic outcomes, social-emotional growth, and confidence in learning. By focusing on building these habits in the lower to middle years of high school, educators can help set students up for success, not only in their final years but throughout their academic journey. 

With the right support, students can tackle their school years with enthusiasm and resilience, better prepared for the challenges ahead. Online learning platforms like Atomi offer invaluable tools that support this process by providing interactive, engaging, and flexible learning experiences.

Discover how our Engagement Toolkit can support your students in building effective study habits from day one. Download it now.

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