In 2019, a study involving nearly 2,000 high school students found that spending about eight minutes giving academic advice to younger students led to a small but noticeable improvement in their own grades. The students shared what they already knew instead of receiving new study tips. While students often hear suggestions for improving their grades, such as studying more effectively or managing distractions, knowing what to do is different from actually putting those strategies into practice.
The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, included participants from seven public high schools in the United States. Instead of receiving another lesson on studying techniques, these students were asked to give advice to younger peers. They provided answers on avoiding distractions, finding good study spots, and staying motivated. Additionally, they wrote motivational letters to encourage the younger students. This entire task took about eight minutes and was conducted online, without any face-to-face interaction. Students simply shared strategies based on their personal experiences.
The study indicated that those who participated in the advice-sharing exercise achieved slightly higher grades in math and in a subject they aimed to improve. The grade improvement was modest, about one percentage point higher than those who did not participate. Given the short time commitment, these results were noteworthy and appeared to be consistent across various backgrounds and previous academic performances.
Researchers suggested that giving advice might be more beneficial than receiving it. When asked for advice, individuals reflect on what methods have worked for them in the past, which may help them recall useful strategies they had forgotten. Teaching or advising requires people to clearly express what they know, which can enhance learning and build confidence. Explaining concepts to younger kids helps older students organize their knowledge and reinforces what they learn through repetition.
A 2024 study found that college students who explained a science lesson to someone else or to themselves retained more information than those who only reviewed the content. It was noted that just knowing what to do doesn’t guarantee action. Explaining concepts to others can strengthen one’s commitment and motivation.
While this study primarily focused on academic performance, its findings could also apply to everyday challenges. The researchers did not explore if this method might help adults with daily habits, but it raises interesting questions. For instance, procrastination or maintaining new habits can be difficult even if individuals know what they should do. Sometimes, it’s easier to see what someone else needs to change than to follow one’s own advice.
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Source: Upworthy, by Mark Wales