Wellbeing Weekly: Study Myths

Each week Gleneagles provide our Wellbeing News - your space for practical tips and conversations around health and wellbeing. Each edition explores a variety of topics designed to inspire wellbeing across our community.

As you go through assessments and exams, it's easy to fall into study habits that feel productive but don't help you learn effectively. Research from learning expert Sean Kang highlights three common study myths and what to do instead.

❌ Myth 1: Repeatedly reading your notes is the best way to study

While re-reading can help you refresh content, it's a passive strategy and may not lead to deep learning beyond the initial reading. This doesn't mean rereading needs to be avoided but it may not always be the best use of your time.

✅ Try this instead:

If you reread, space this out over several days rather than cramming into one session
Intersperse reading with active learning strategies like quizzes, flashcards, or practice questions as mentioned below

❌ Myth 2: If the content feels familiar, you're ready for the test

Just because something looks familiar doesn't mean you'll be able to recall it during an assessment. Feeling confident and actually knowing the content aren't always the same thing.

✅ Try this instead:

Complete practice questions under test-like conditions, such as not looking at your notes
Notice where you have learned well and what needs improvement, and tailor your study efforts to the areas that need attention

❌ Myth 3: Studying is all about putting information into your head

Learning isn't just about taking information in and is only half the equation. You also need to be able to retrieve it when you need it.

✅ Try this instead:

Practice recalling information from memory by completing practice quizzes, using flashcards and answering end-of-chapter questions
Pause during study sessions and recall key ideas from memory
Explain concepts to yourself as if you were teaching someone else

Key Takeaway

The most effective study strategies are active, not passive. Testing yourself, practising recall, and explaining ideas in your own words will help you learn more deeply and perform better in assessments.

Need support?

Email: wellbeing@gleneagles.vic.edu.au or speak to our Doctors in Secondary Schools Clinic every Friday 9am-1pm: Doctor on site at GSC

Resource: Three common study myths busted by a learning expert – and better strategies to use instead