As teachers, we’ve all had those students who seem to be constantly falling behind, no matter how much they try.
It’s not because they’re lazy or incapable — it’s often because they haven’t yet found study habits that work for them.
Watching them struggle can be heartbreaking.
We want to help, but the challenge lies in showing them how to build habits that not only improve their learning but also last well beyond our classroom.
I’ve learned that building effective study habits isn’t about quick fixes or pushing students to “try harder.”
It’s about helping them identify their challenges, guiding them with the right tools, and supporting them as they develop strategies that stick.
Here’s how I approach helping my struggling students turn things around.
1) Start by understanding their struggles
It’s easy to assume students know what’s holding them back, but in many cases, they don’t.
Some are overwhelmed by their workload, others don’t know where to begin, and many are simply afraid of failure. I’ve found that having a one-on-one conversation is the best way to start.
I ask open-ended questions:
- “What’s been hardest for you about studying?”
- “Do you feel like you’re learning effectively in class?”
- “What does a typical study session look like for you?”
These conversations often reveal barriers I might not have noticed, like difficulties managing time, distractions at home, or even struggles with specific content.
Once I understand what’s really going on, I can focus on strategies that address their specific needs.
2) Teach them to start small
For many struggling students, the idea of studying feels overwhelming.
Piles of notes, looming deadlines, and incomplete assignments create a sense of paralysis. I’ve seen how powerful it can be to break their work into smaller, actionable steps.
Instead of saying, “Study for your science test,” I’ll guide them to something like, “Tonight, review Chapter 2 and write down five key points.”
These small tasks feel achievable and give students a sense of accomplishment, which builds momentum.
Over time, they learn how to break tasks down on their own.
3) Help them create a routine
One thing I’ve noticed is that many struggling students lack structure.
They don’t have a set time or place to study, which makes it easy for distractions to creep in. I work with them to build routines that create consistency.
Together, we might set up a schedule, like studying right after school in a quiet space. I explain that it’s not about how long they study — it’s about making it a daily habit.
Even 20 focused minutes at the same time each day can make a huge difference. Over time, the routine becomes automatic, and they begin to rely on it.
4) Encourage active learning
Many students rely on passive methods like rereading notes or highlighting.
I’ve found that introducing active learning strategies makes a significant difference.
I teach them techniques that engage their brains, like:
- Quizzing themselves with flashcards.
- Explaining concepts aloud as if teaching someone else.
- Creating diagrams or mind maps to visualize ideas.
Active learning doesn’t just improve understanding — it also keeps them engaged. Once students see how much better they retain information using these methods, they’re more motivated to stick with them.
5) Guide them to minimize distractions
Distractions are a huge issue for today’s students, especially with phones and social media constantly vying for their attention.
I talk openly with my students about this and help them create study environments that support focus.
I suggest simple changes, like silencing their phones, studying in a quiet area, or using apps that block distracting websites.
Moreover, I’ve introduced some of my students to the Pomodoro Technique, where they work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat.
This method helps them focus in short bursts while giving them permission to rest.
6) Remind them to take care of themselves
It’s easy to overlook how much things like sleep, nutrition, and stress management affect a student’s ability to study.
I gently remind my students that they’ll be more productive if they take care of their physical and mental health.
I encourage them to prioritize:
- Getting enough sleep (at least 7-8 hours).
- Eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated.
- Taking short walks or exercising to reduce stress.
When students are well-rested and feel good physically, their focus and motivation improve naturally.
7) Reflect on what’s working
I’ve found that reflection is key to helping habits stick.
Every few weeks, I’ll ask students to think about what’s working for them and what isn’t.
This helps them adjust their strategies and builds their self-awareness.
Questions like, “What study method feels most helpful to you?” or “What part of your routine is hardest to stick to?” encourage them to take ownership of their progress.
Reflection empowers students to see themselves as active participants in their own success.
8) Celebrate their progress
Building new habits takes time, and it’s easy for students to get discouraged. I make a point to celebrate their wins, no matter how small.
Whether it’s finishing a challenging assignment, improving on a quiz, or sticking to their routine for a week, I acknowledge their effort.
This positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and shows them that their hard work is paying off. As time goes by, these moments of success build a foundation of self-belief that carries them forward.
10) Introduce helpful tools
Sometimes, a little extra help goes a long way.
I realized this after I introduced students to tools like Quizlet for flashcards, Notion for organizing notes, or even simple planners to track their tasks.
The right tools can make studying feel less chaotic and more manageable.
It’s important to find what works for each student.
Some love using digital apps, while others prefer paper and pen. The goal is to give them resources that make studying easier and more effective.
11) Foster a growth mindset
I always remind my students that struggling doesn’t mean failure — it means growth is happening.
That’s why I encourage them to see challenges as opportunities to learn and to focus on progress rather than perfection.
This shift in perspective helps them approach studying with curiosity instead of dread. They start to believe that improvement is possible, and that belief becomes a powerful motivator to keep going.
Final thoughts
Helping struggling students build lasting study habits takes patience and empathy, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
By understanding their challenges, guiding them with effective strategies, and celebrating their progress, we can empower our students to take control of their learning.
Lasting habits aren’t built overnight, but with consistent support and encouragement, they can transform into confident, independent learners.
And when that happens, the impact goes far beyond the classroom — it’s a foundation for lifelong success.