Small Changes for Significant Results Over Time

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear invites readers to imagine an ice cube sitting on a table in a room where the temperature is zero degrees. As the temperature increases by one degree every hour, the ice cube remains solid, unaffected. However, when the temperature reaches 32 degrees, the ice cube begins to melt.

To an observer, it may seem like the change occurred suddenly, but in reality, it was the result of gradual warming over time. We can apply this metaphor to learning. Small, consistent adjustments to study habits – like the gradual warming of the room – lead to significant progress over time.

Many students put in intense effort toward one assignment or exam and, when the results don’t meet expectations, they may feel discouraged and give up. It’s important for students to understand that learning is a process. Progress isn’t always immediate. Instead, success is often the product of daily habits – small, incremental improvements – that compound over time. As Clear asserts, ‘Success is the product of daily habits, not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.’

The Importance of Consistent Revision

How does your daughter approach her learning? How does she pace herself during the term to ensure that she stays on top of all her subjects? Does she make an effort to improve steadily, or does she try to overhaul everything all at once in a rush?

As students progress through school, with an increase in formal assessments, many tend to focus on the assignment that is due next, often leaving the others less attended to. I frequently hear students say, ‘I just need to get English out of the way.’ While this approach may help in the short term, it often means that other subjects are left with minimal attention. What can we do to help our daughters better manage their workload, reduce anxiety, and prepare effectively? We need to support them in making small, intentional changes to their study habits.

The Power of Small, Consistent Habits

In a study of high-performing students in the NSW HSC, researchers discovered that one of the most impactful strategies was a 10-minute nightly routine of summarising and reflecting on each subject’s content. This simple practice of quick review helps consolidate learning, improves retention, and enhances critical thinking. Regular retrieval and self-reflection on what’s learned can deepen understanding and strengthen long-term memory.

We can also encourage students to adopt these daily habits that lead to better revision outcomes:

  • Daily Review: Encourage students to review notes each day. A 10-minute summary of the day’s lessons keeps the content fresh and reinforces key concepts.
  • Active Recall and Spaced Repetition: Instead of passively reading notes, students can quiz themselves on key topics, use flashcards, or revisit challenging areas regularly in spaced intervals.
  • Set Small, Manageable Goals: Breaking revision into small chunks makes it less overwhelming. Setting daily goals like ‘Revise two pages of notes’ ensures consistent progress without the feeling of burnout.
  • Consistency, Not Cramming: Establishing a habit of consistent study helps to avoid the last-minute cramming sessions, which can increase anxiety and lead to poor retention. Studying regularly – whether it’s 20 minutes every evening or an hour every other day – can significantly improve performance.

Creating a Productive Environment

Creating the right environment for study is also crucial. The Study Hub+ program for students in Year 7 to Year 12, previously known as ‘After Hours Study Program’, provides an excellent example of a space where students can focus and develop study habits in a distraction-free environment. This program supports students in learning not only how to study effectively but also how to stay organised, manage their time, and make progress in a steady, manageable way.

Ultimately, the aim is to foster a consistent rhythm of revision that will support students through the pressures of Senior School and beyond. Small changes, when applied consistently, lead to lasting growth and success.

– Melissa McMahon
黑料app Head of Learning and Teaching