Effective studying is a skill. There are several methods and programs available to help students develop good study habits and many factors that influence effective study.  Important skills include good listening skills, proper note-taking, test-taking techniques, reading improvement, and working in a good study environment.

The Role of Parents
Educators agree that parents should provide support, emphasize the value of homework, show that learning is important, and set a good example by their actions. Parents can serve as a resource person when questions or problems arise. They can offer guidance and make sure that the student understands the assignment. The younger the student, the more help the student will need from the parent. However, experts note that homework should be the job of the student. Parents need to be available when a student really needs help or to check work for completeness, but the work should be the student's own. Parents need to remember that homework is a tool that the teacher uses to evaluate how well the child is understanding the subject. It is the responsibility of the parents to provide the physical and emotional environment for effective study. Parents are also encouraged to keep open lines of communication with the school.

Importance of a Schedule
Having a schedule for study is an important study technique. Experts agree that the student, if old enough, should plan the study schedule. By planning the schedule, the student learns important lessons on time management. Studies have shown that study schedules soon after school are very effective. The student is still in the school-work mode and assignments are fresh in the mind. Authorities also note that it is more effective to spread learning over a period of time instead of cramming all at once before a test or end of semester. This requires constant review that must be incorporated into the planned study schedule. The length of the planned schedule varies with the age of the the child and the homework requirements of the school.
Authorities suggest that ten times the grade level, measured in minutes, is a reasonable homework schedule. For example, a student in the sixth grade would have sixty minutes of homework each night. Ideally, the planned schedule would be at the same time, and the same length each day. Of course, since parents and students have varying activities, that is not always possible. Experts suggest that there be a minimum time for planned study schedule regardless of assigned homework. When a student accepts that homework will be required to be conducted for a certain period of time, the student will be less apt to hurry through the assignment. Excuses such as "I left my book in school" or "I did it in school" become meaningless. If a student has little or no assigned homework, the time can be used for such activities as letter writing, copying over notes, reviewing material, and reading.

Get Ready!
Authorities agree that the student should take time getting ready to study. This includes having, in reach, writing utensils, papers, notebooks, the necessary texts, reference books, assignment book, and any other materials needed for work.

Get Set!
Experts agree that the proper setting is important in effective learning. It is recommended that the student have a special place, removed from distractions, where homework is always done. This area, a desk or a table, should be uncluttered and not used for any other purpose. The chair should be firm and with a straight back for support. The temperature should be comfortable and good lighting is important to minimize fatigue and eye strain. The work area should be illuminated with a good desk lamp and the room should have good overall diffuse lighting.

Go!
Authorities agree that the most difficult part of homework is getting started. A consistent place and time of study help the student begin the task. A conistent place and time of study help the student begin the task. Eventually, the physical setting will signal the student that this is a work station and the student will be able to settle into work more reasily. As an additional aid to a quick start, the student should begin (as soon as seated) with a simple, routine activity such as copying notes.
Most experts suggest that once the scheduled homework session begins, there should be no distractions, such as snacks, telephone calls, computer games and similar activities that tend to break concentration. Concentration is an important study habit. A distraction-free environment and established scheduled study period will help to develop good concentration. The student should also develop good listening skills in the classroom. It is important that the student understand what is actually expected in an assignment. Studies reveal that the vast majority (over eighty percent) of studying requires some form of reading. Therefore, skillful reading techniques are a great aid to effective study. There are many methods for improving and increasing reading speed and comprehension. These are part of daily class work and the teacher can make suggestions that can be applied to homework.

Student should initially scan the reading assignment. For example, the student should read topic sentences, bold-print words, maps, diagrams, review questions, and the summary. Then, the assignment is read and the student can test the newly-acquired knowledge by trying to answer review questions. The student can develop techniques for reviewing and remembering what has jsut been read. One proven effective method is outlining and summarizing what has been read.

All students can benefit from good study habits. However, authorities note that learning styles vary with individuals. There is no right way to learn, but the techniques mentioned in this article should frame a plan to do do well in school.