Middle school is a unique transitional period for students, with growing responsibilities and new academic challenges compounding during the two to three year period. During this time, it’s particularly important for students to refine their study skills to prepare for high school and a postsecondary education. Unfortunately, many middle school students are already behind when it comes to developing their study skills.
Let’s break down the most essential study skills every middle school student should learn, why they matter, and what can be done during this critical educational period.
How Study Skills Change in Middle School
Middle school is full of changes. Students will see their academic workload increase—but they will also see it begin to look different. A typical middle school curriculum introduces students to more academic independence, since they become more responsible for organization, self-management, and prioritization, all of which are essential study skills.
In elementary school, students are more closely supervised by teachers who often provide supportive study tools. Middle school students must navigate learning how to study on their own. When students receive poor test and quiz grades, they are often told to study more, which is difficult if they really don’t know how to study at all. Students can take advantage of being familiar with different study skills by beginning to learn what does and does not work for them and identifying areas of weakness.