Students often put enormous effort into their schoolwork, yet much of that energy is drained by habits that feel productive but do very little to create lasting learning. These misconceptions are surprisingly common across all ages, from primary students wrestling with times tables to senior students preparing for the HSC. Understanding and correcting them can make studying feel lighter, clearer and far more effective.

One of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that re-reading notes is real studying. It feels comforting to skim pages of content because it creates a sense of familiarity. The problem is that familiarity is not the same as understanding. Students often realise this during an exam when the content looks recognisable but the question demands deeper thinking. Active learning, like self-testing or teaching the idea to someone else, strengthens memory in a way passive reading simply cannot.

Another widespread myth is that longer study sessions are always better. Many students assume a three hour study block shows discipline when it usually leads to mental fatigue and reduced focus. Short, consistent study sessions encourage better recall and prevent burnout. Even twenty focused minutes can be more powerful than a long, unfocused attempt.

Many students also fall into the trap of thinking they must feel confident before moving on. Real learning often feels slightly uncomfortable because the brain is forming new connections. Waiting for everything to feel easy can stall progress. Instead, steady exposure to challenging tasks builds genuine understanding and confidence over time.

There is also the idea that studying must happen in absolute silence. While some students thrive that way, others focus better with quiet background noise or movement breaks. Productivity looks different for everyone and discovering what works is part of becoming an independent learner.

By challenging these misconceptions, students can transform their study habits into something far more efficient and sustainable. When they stop doing what merely feels productive and start doing what actually works, results improve and stress naturally decreases.

Freddie Le Vay