A two-week “learn how you learn” module at the start of secondary school

The problem: students are expected to study independently from their early teens, but few are taught how to study effectively, so many rely on re-reading and last-minute cramming.

The proposal: a short, practical module in the first weeks of secondary school that teaches evidence-based methods: self-testing through retrieval practice, spreading study over time, mixing topics, explaining ideas in your own words, and planning a week. Students try each method on real school material and reflect on what worked.

Who acts: schools adopt a common module; teachers of every subject use the same language; parents receive a one-page summary.

Costs and trade-offs: it takes a couple of weeks of lesson time, and effects fade unless methods are reinforced by teachers throughout the year. The research evidence on the main techniques is stronger than for many popular study fads, but results vary by student and subject.

First step: one school trials the module with one year group, and compares study habits and results with a similar group.