10 Habits Harming Your Grades (and What to Do Instead)

A Study-Smart Guide to Unlocking Your Full Potential

By Prince Bram
Learning Coach

> Hi, I’m Prince, a learning coach who’s helped thousands of students study
smarter—not harder—and completely transform their academic performance. I created
this ebook to show you the 10 subtle habits that silently damage your grades—and the
science-backed strategies that will help you fix them.

This isn’t just advice—it’s a movement, and you’re invited.

For Daily Study Tips, follow me on Tiktok: Sir_Prince_sby

 Try This Now: Instant Brain Boost

Before you keep reading, try this:

Take your notebook

On a blank page, write everything you remember from your last study session
Compare it to your actual notes

This simple recall technique improves memory retention by 50%. It’s one of the
techniques we’ll unpack in this guide!

Which Habit Is Killing Your Grades?

Tick any that sound like you:

[ ] I reread notes over and over

[ ] I think I’m a “visual” or “auditory” learner

[ ] I write everything the teacher says during class

[ ] I cram the night before tests

[ ] I use 3–5 different study resources for one topic

[ ] I don’t set goals before studying

[ ] I take social media breaks while studying

[ ] I always study with music playing

[ ] I sacrifice sleep to study

[ ] I tell myself “I’m just not good at this subject”

If you ticked 3 or more, this ebook is going to change your academic life.
 CONTENT
Introduction

PART 1
Studying vs. Learning

PART 2
10 Habits That Are Hurting Your Learning Process
1. Rereading Notes

2. Studying according to your “Learning Style”

3. Writing notes during lectures

4. Cramming

5. Using Too Many Study Resources

6. Studying Without Clear Goals

7. Using Social Media During Study Breaks

8. Listening to Music While Studying

9. Neglecting Self-Care

10. Mindset

11. BONUS

Conclusion
 INTRODUCTION
> This is more than a guide—it’s your new study strategy playbook. Let’s get started.

Studying is something every student does, but not everyone does it effectively. The truth
is, many students unknowingly fall into habits that hinder their ability to learn and retain
information. This book is here to change that.

In the pages that follow, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes students
make when studying and, more importantly, how to fix them. You’ll learn strategies
backed by research, explained in simple language, to help you study smarter, not
harder. This book will guide you toward better habits that actually work.

Learning is a skill, and like any skill, it can be improved. By identifying the wrong ways
to study and adopting effective strategies, you can transform your academic
performance and gain confidence in your abilities. Let’s begin this journey to unlock
your full potential as a student.
 PART 1
Studying vs. Learning

We often use the words "studying" and "learning" like they mean the same thing. But
there's a big difference!

Studying in the classroom is the process of engaging with the material and trying to
learn it.
Learning in the classroom is the outcome of that process, where the student actually
absorbs and understands the information.

Studying includes all the external actions and behaviors we engage in to facilitate
learning, such as reading, taking notes, practicing, and seeking feedback.
Learning is an internal process that occurs in the brain.

Let's look at how studying helps Sophia to learn

Studying in the classroom, Sophia:

● Listens attentively to the teacher's explanation

● Takes notes on the key concepts and formulas
● Asks questions to clarify her understanding
● Works on the in-class assignment to practice the new skills

Sophia is studying in the classroom by engaging with the material.

Learning in the classroom:

After the math class, Sophia:

● Can solve problems on her own using the new formulas

● Understands the concept of algebra and can apply it to real-life situations
● Can explain the key concepts to her friend who missed the class
Sophia has learned in and outside the classroom, as she has absorbed and understood
the information, and can now apply it and share it with others.
 PART 2
HABITS HARMING YOUR GRADES

1.
Rereading Notes

"Meet Sarah and James. Both spend hours preparing for their exams. Sarah reads her
notes over and over again during every study session, while James tests himself using
questions from his notes during study sessions. Guess who remembers more during the
test? Hint: it’s not Sarah."

Why Rereading notes is wrong:

You last studied your notes on Friday, then took the weekend off. On Monday morning,
you decide to reread them before your quiz at 3pm. Many students believe that reading
their notes over and over will help them remember everything. While rereading might
feel productive, it’s a passive way of learning. You're passively scanning the material
without truly engaging with or processing it.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of rereading notes endlessly, thinking that more repetition
will somehow lead to better understanding. However, this only reinforces surface-level
knowledge and doesn’t allow for deeper retention. Instead, focus on testing yourself and
applying what you’ve learned in new contexts.

The Right thing to do:

Instead of rereading, practice recall. Close your notes and try to write down or explain
what you remember. Use questions to test yourself. This forces your brain to actively
retrieve information, strengthening your memory. You can get questions from your
textbook, past papers or allow your study mate to set questions for you to solve.

Research Support:
Studies, such as those by Karpicke and Roediger (2008), show that active retrieval
practice is far more effective for long-term retention than rereading. They found that
students who tested themselves performed significantly better on exams than those
who only reread material.
 2.
Studying According to One’s “Learning Style”

“Learning Styles” Is a Myth.

Imagine you’re told that you can only learn through videos because you’re a ‘visual
learner.’ But what if I told you this label is like being handed one tool when you need a
whole toolbox to succeed. Students often describe their learning preferences using
labels such as:

● Visual: They learn best by seeing things (images, videos, demonstrations).

● Auditory: They learn best by hearing things (lectures, discussions, music).
● Kinesthetic: They learn best by doing things (hands-on activities, experiments,
movement).
● Reading/Writing: They learn best by reading and writing (textbooks, notes,
essays). Social: They learn best in a group setting (collaborative projects,
discussions, peer teaching).
● Solitary: They learn best alone (quiet study time, independent work).
● Logical: They learn best by understanding systems and structures
(problem-solving, logic puzzles, patterns).

Why learning styles is a myth:

Students who believe they are “visual learners” or “auditory learners” limit themselves.
This can hold them back because they ignore other strategies that might actually work
better.

Believing in rigid learning styles limits your flexibility as a learner. It convinces you that
your brain can only absorb information in one specific way. In reality, learning is about
using all your senses, experimenting with different methods, and finding what truly helps
you engage with and process the material.

The Right thing to do:

Engaging with diverse learning approaches (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reading/writing,
etc.) can enhance understanding, improve retention, and increase motivation by
providing multiple pathways to grasp information. There is no research that proves that
learning styles actually work. They should rather be called learning preferences.

Research Support:
A 2008 review by Pashler et al. debunked the learning styles myth, concluding there is
no solid evidence that matching instruction to a preferred style improves learning
outcomes. What matters is the method of instruction and how well it promotes
understanding.
 3.
Writing linear notes during lectures

Professor Mensah’s lecture began, Michael frantically wrote every word while Ama
simply listened. Michael thinks Ama is not serious because she isn't jotting down salient
points.

Linear notes are a method of note-taking where information is recorded in a sequential,

straightforward manner, following the original structure or order of the content. Linear
notes often capture key points, main ideas, and important details.

Writing notes during lectures Is multitasking. You cannot perfectly perform two complex
tasks at once. You will be switching your attention continuously which is not good for
effective learning.

Why writing notes during lectures doesn't help you to learn:

Trying to write down everything the lecturer says while also listening leads to divided
attention. You may miss key points because your brain can't fully focus on writing and
listening at the same time..

Writing notes during lectures might seem productive, but it often divides your attention,
leaving you unable to fully absorb the information being presented. The aim for
attending the lecture is to get information into the brain rather than your book. Focusing
on active listening, engaging with the content by making relationships through diagrams,
and writing down questions that will lead to better comprehension and retention in the
long term.

What you should do during lectures:

Non-linear notes (e.g., diagrams) are often better than writing verbatim.
 A Better Way to Take notes
This type of notes reflects what's going on in the mind of the learner.

A wrong way to take notes

These notes simply replicate what the teacher says, with little personal thinking or
connection.
During lectures, listen actively, make relationships like you can see in the non linear
note and write down only questions to explore later. After class, summarize what you
learned in your own words. This helps consolidate your understanding. If you think the
information is too important so you don't want to miss any, record the lecture.

Research Support:
Research by Sana, Weston, and Cepeda (2013) shows that multitasking reduces
comprehension and retention. Actively listening and then summarizing enhances
learning and helps you process information deeply.
 4.
Cramming

Picture this: Kofi never studied throughout the semester. He studies for six hours the
night before an exam. He’s exhausted but confident. His friend Aisha studied in smaller
chunks for over two weeks. On exam day, Kofi forgets more than half the material after
writing the exam, but Aisha will remember most of it. The lecturer decides to test them
again a month later on the same knowledge. Kofi can't seem to remember anything.

Why you should study in smaller chunks over a longer period.

Students often cram the night before exams, thinking intense, last-minute studying will
help them remember everything. This method overwhelms the brain and leads to
shallow learning, making it hard to retain information long-term.

Cramming might feel like the quick fix, but it’s a fleeting solution that leaves you with
little retention and much stress. Spacing out your study sessions over time helps you
retain information long-term, leaving you more confident and less anxious when exam
day arrives. The goal of learning is long-term retention and mastery—so you can apply
the knowledge in real-life situations.

What to do instead of Cramming:

Use spaced repetition. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing
material at increasing intervals to strengthen long-term memory. For example, you could
take notes on a new topic, then review those notes later that day, then again the next
day, then two days later, then a week later, and so on. By reviewing the material at
increasing intervals, you're reinforcing your memory and making it less likely that you'll
forget [Link] strengthens your memory and ensures you understand the material
deeply.

Research Support:
Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve shows that we forget information quickly if we don’t review
it over time. Spaced repetition combats this by reinforcing learning at intervals, leading
to better retention.
 5.
Should you use only one study resource or more?

Trying to learn from five different resources at once is like learning to swim by jumping
between five pools—you won’t gain depth or mastery. So why do students believe they’ll
learn better by jumping between endless textbooks, websites, and videos?" Being busy
doesn’t mean you’re productive.

Why you should use a few study resources:

Some students overwhelm themselves by using too many textbooks, videos, or
websites at once. This creates confusion and prevents them from mastering any single
resource.

Using too many resources at once can create confusion and overwhelm. Instead of
jumping between multiple materials, focus on one trusted resource at a time. Build your
understanding step-by-step and avoid getting sidetracked by distractions.

Sticking to few study resources:

Choose one or two high-quality resources and stick to them. For example a textbook
recommended by a lecturer and a simple video illustration. Focus on understanding the
material thoroughly before exploring additional resources. Quality trumps quantity.

Research Support:
Cognitive load theory (Sweller, 1988) explains that too much information at once can
overload your working memory, making it harder to learn. Simplify your resources to
enhance focus and understanding.
 6.
Studying Without Clear Goals

Imagine you’re trying to bake a cake without a recipe or even knowing what kind of cake
you want to make. That’s what studying without goals looks like—messy and
unfocused. You don't study your notes just for studying sake. You should have a goal
during every study period even when you don't have a test at stake.

Why you won't make much progress without study goals:

Some students sit down to study without a plan, hoping to absorb as much as possible.
This lack of direction often leads to wasted time and superficial learning. You’re like a
traveler without a map—easily distracted and unsure of where you’re going.

Studying without clear goals is like setting off on a journey without knowing your
destination. Define what you want to achieve in each study session and break down
your tasks into manageable goals to ensure you stay on track. You will have a lot
reasons to ignore distractions that come your way while studying.

How to set study goals

Set clear, specific goals before each study session. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll
study biology,” say, “I’ll understand the steps of cellular respiration and complete 10
practice questions from 9pm to 10:30pm.” This keeps you focused and makes your
study sessions more productive.

Research Support:
Locke and Latham’s goal-setting theory (1990) shows that setting specific and
challenging goals improves performance. Clear goals provide direction, increase
motivation, and boost self-discipline.
 7.
Using Social Media During Study Breaks

Daniel takes a 5-minute study break and opens Instagram. Thirty minutes later, he’s
scrolling reels and laughing at memes. His study session? Completely derailed. Sound
familiar?”

Meena was feeling stressed about an upcoming presentation. She opened Facebook,
hoping to relax and clear her mind. However, she quickly encountered a series of
negative posts, including arguments, depressing news stories, and complaints from
friends. The constant stream of negativity left her feeling down and discouraged, ruining
her initial plan to use social media as a brief escape.

What social media will do to you during study breaks

Scrolling through social media during breaks feels relaxing, but it’s a trap. It
over-stimulates your brain, makes it harder to refocus, and wastes more time than
intended.

Distracting yourself with social media during study breaks may feel like a way to unwind,
but it ultimately disrupts your focus and makes it harder to dive back into your work.
Instead, try taking active breaks that recharge your mind without sabotaging your
productivity.

What you should do during study breaks

Take restorative breaks instead. Go for a short walk, do some stretches, or drink water.
Activities like these calm your mind and help you return to studying with renewed focus.
Other healthy activities for study breaks include:

● Movement: Walk, stretch, exercise.

● Nature: Fresh air, observe surroundings, Listen to nature sounds.
● Senses: Tea/coffee, healthy snack, music.
● Mindfulness: Deep breathing, meditation, coloring.
● Chores: Tidy workspace, water plants, laundry.
Research Support:
A study by Mark et al. (2015) found that switching between tasks, such as checking
social media while working, disrupts concentration and increases the time needed to
refocus. Offline, calming breaks are better for mental clarity.
 8.
Listening to Music While Studying

Think of your brain as a computer. Studying is like running a complex program. Now
imagine playing loud music—it’s like running extra programs that slow your computer
down.

What happens to the brain while listening and studying?

Many students listen to music while studying, thinking it helps them focus. However,
lyrics and fast beats can distract your brain, especially when studying material that
requires deep thinking.

Listening to music while studying might seem like it boosts concentration, but it often
divides your attention. Silence or instrumental music may help, but only if it doesn’t
interfere with your ability to focus on the task at hand.

If you want to listen to music,...

If you must listen to music, choose instrumental tracks or ambient sounds with no lyrics.
Better yet, study in a quiet environment to maximize focus and comprehension.

Research Support:
Research by Perham and Vizard (2011) suggests that silence or low-level background
noise improves memory recall more than music with lyrics. The brain processes lyrics
as additional information, which competes with studying.
 9.
Neglecting Self-Care

Kwame stayed up all night to study, fueled by energy drinks and chips. During the
exam, his mind went blank. His classmate Amina, who got eight hours of sleep and had
a balanced breakfast, breezed through. Why did her approach work better?

Sacrificing Sleep Harms Studies

Students often sacrifice sleep, skip meals, or avoid exercise to make time for studying.
This weakens their focus, memory, and overall mental health.

Skipping sleep, eating poorly, and neglecting exercise might seem like sacrifices for
your grades, but these habits drain your energy and hurt your memory. Prioritize your
physical and mental well-being to support your academic success.

Why Self-Care Is Essential for Learning

Prioritize self-care. Get 7–9 hours of sleep each night, eat balanced meals, and
exercise regularly. A healthy body supports a sharp and focused mind.

Research Support:
Sleep studies by Walker (2017) show that deep sleep enhances memory consolidation.
Regular exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function. Nutrition
also plays a vital role, with foods rich in omega-3s, protein, and vitamins promoting
brain health.
 10.
Having a Fixed Mindset

"In math class, Kojo often said, 'I’m just not good at this.' Meanwhile, Naana told herself,
'I can figure this out if I try a little harder.' By the end of the term, Naana’s grades soared
while Kojo stayed stuck. The difference? Their mindsets.”

You are what you think you are

Some students believe intelligence is fixed and that they’re either “good” or “bad” at a
subject. This mindset limits growth and prevents them from putting in the effort to
improve.

A fixed mindset keeps you from growing. A fixed mindset is the belief that abilities are
innate and unchangeable. If you believe that intelligence is set in stone, you’ll shy away
from challenges. Embrace a growth mindset, and view every struggle as an opportunity
to learn and improve.

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through
dedication, hard work, and perseverance. When faced with a complex equation, a
student with a growth mindset might say, "I'm not good at this yet, but I'll learn it." They
would take the challenge as an opportunity to grow, ask for help, and persist in solving
the problem.

How to react to challenges

Adopt a growth mindset. Understand that skills and intelligence can be developed with
effort and persistence. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Research Support:
Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset shows that students who believe they can
improve through effort perform better academically. They are more resilient, motivated,
and likely to achieve their goals.
 BONUS HABIT #11

Passive Review vs. Active Recall

Many students think reviewing means opening your notes and reading them again(Habit
1). This approach can lead to a false sense of familiarity, making one believe they
understand the material better than they actually do.

One of the primary issues with rereading notes is that it's a passive activity. When
students simply reread their notes, they're not actively engaging with the material. This
lack of engagement can result in limited retention and understanding, as the brain isn't
forced to process the information deeply.

But there's a smarter, faster, and more effective way to lock information into your brain.

Passive Review Is a Trap

Rereading feels productive, but it doesn’t test your brain. It gives you the illusion of
knowing—until you sit in an exam hall and draw a blank.

What to Do Instead: Use Active Recall

When using active recall, learners actively engage with the material by testing
themselves, summarizing key points in their own words, or applying the
information to real-world scenarios. This process enhances understanding and
retention by promoting deeper processing and stronger encoding of the information.

Try this after every study session or class:

> Close your notebook
On a blank page, write everything you remember from your last study session or
lecture. (Do this regularly)
Then open your notes and compare

That’s it. No special tools. No extra time. Just brutal honesty between your brain and
your notebook.
 Why This Works
This habit taps into retrieval practice—one of the most research-backed methods for
improving long-term memory. When you force your brain to pull information out, you
make it stick.

Research Support
According to Karpicke & Roediger (2008), students who practice active retrieval rather
than rereading score up to 50% higher in long-term retention tests.
 CONCLUSION
Success in academics isn’t about studying harder—it’s about studying the right way.
Throughout this book, we’ve examined the mistakes students often make and replaced
them with proven strategies that enhance understanding, retention, and performance.

Remember, effective studying starts with awareness. Now that you know what doesn’t
work and what does, you have the tools to make your study sessions more productive
and less stressful. The journey to becoming a better learner requires practice,
persistence, and a willingness to adapt.

Most importantly, don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Mistakes are a natural part of

learning, and every effort you make to improve your study habits brings you closer to
your goals. With the right mindset and techniques, there’s no limit to what you can
achieve.
You have the power to take control of your learning experience. Start small, stay
consistent, and watch as your results reflect the effort you’ve put in. Here’s to your
success!
 Call to Action
Your academic journey is in your hands, and you now have the tools to transform the
way you learn. But knowing the right strategies isn’t enough—you need to take action.

Start small. Choose one strategy from this book and apply it to your next study session.
Commit to it, observe the results, and build momentum from there. Every great change
begins with a single step.

Remember, success is not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. Even when
it feels challenging, remind yourself why you started and how much better your future
can be when you invest in the right habits today.

You have the power to rewrite your academic story, overcome obstacles, and achieve
greatness. The question isn’t whether you can do it—it’s whether you will. Take that first
step now, and watch as your hard work creates a ripple effect of success in every area
of your life.

Your future self will thank you. Start now, and never look back!

> Remember, you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start. Pick ONE habit to fix
this week. Watch what happens.
 Want Personalized Help to Study Smarter?

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students like you who want to stop cramming, boost
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Be among the first 30 students to fill the quick

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Get answers to your toughest study struggles
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Questions or feedback? DM me @ [Link] on various social

media platforms
 FURTHER READING
1. Rereading Notes:

Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). The Critical Importance of Retrieval for
Learning.

2. Learning Styles Is a Myth:

Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning Styles: Concepts
and Evidence.

3. Writing Notes During Lectures Is Multitasking:

Sana, F., Weston, T., & Cepeda, N. J. (2013). Laptop multitasking hinders classroom
learning for both users and nearby peers.

4. Cramming:

Ebbinghaus, H.(1885). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology. New York:

Dover.

5. Using Too Many Study Resources at the Same Time:

Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning.

6. Studying Without Clear Goals:

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A Theory of Goal Setting & Task Performance.

7. Using Social Media During Study Breaks:

Mark, G., Gudith, D., & Klocke, U. (2008). The cost of interrupted work: More speed and
stress.

8. Listening to Music While Studying:

Perham, N., & Vizard, J. (2011). Can preference for background music mediate the
irrelevant sound effect?

9. Lack of Self-Care (Sleep, Food, and Exercise):

Walker, M. P. (2017). The role of sleep in cognition and emotion.

10. Having a Fixed Mindset:

Dweck, C. S. (2002). Messages that Motivate: How Praise Molds Students' Beliefs,
Motivation, and Performance.