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Whether you're naturally gifted or not, staying ahead in school can be a challenge – it requires a significant amount of effort! To become a successful student – one who understands how to study effectively and achieve success – you need to start right from the beginning. By employing the right study techniques and some clever strategies, you can become that successful student.
Key Actions
Preparing Yourself for Achievement
Get all your school supplies organized. Whether it's at the beginning of the school year or nearing the end, sorting out your materials is crucial. This includes your folders, binders, papers, and everything else needed for each class. Being organized significantly simplifies the actual workload. Here are some suggestions:
- Purchase separate binders for each class. Keep the syllabus on the inner flap and arrange your homework and handouts chronologically, if possible.
- Keep essential supplies (such as markers, scissors, etc.) sorted by class. Every binder should contain a pen and a highlighter.
- Declutter! If your locker resembles a tornado aftermath, tidy it up! The less clutter you have to sift through, the more time you'll have for more important tasks.
Create your own dedicated study area. You've probably heard the advice not to work in bed. That's because if you work in bed, your brain starts associating it with work rather than sleep. To leverage this effect, designate a specific spot at home exclusively for studying. When you sit down there, your mind will naturally shift into study mode because it's the only activity associated with that space.
Procure your textbooks ahead of time. Most educators, from middle school to college, provide a list of required textbooks before the academic year begins. Obtain this list and promptly acquire your textbooks. Familiarize yourself with their content by browsing through them and start reading the initial chapters as soon as possible, regardless of whether it's assigned.
Inquire about supplementary readings. Your instructor may have additional books that they almost included on the required list. These supplementary readings can enhance your understanding of the subject matter and provide a more comprehensive grasp of the topic at hand.
Communicate with your instructors regarding their expectations. Initiate a dialogue with your teachers to gain insights into their teaching methods and priorities. Understanding their emphasis, such as class participation, originality, or reading assignments, will facilitate your academic success. Establishing rapport early on can also benefit you in various ways, including potential grade considerations.
Maintaining Peak Performance Daily
Turn note-taking into an engaging and memorable activity. Writing down every word spoken by your teacher leads to boredom and an overload of notes. Focus on the essentials and make it enjoyable! Here are some ideas:
- Transform sentences into charts or images. For instance, represent statistics like 'Germany in 1941 was 60% Jewish' as a pie chart for better visualization.
- Utilize mnemonics for better retention. Remember the colors of the rainbow with 'Roy G. Biv' (Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain).
- Incorporate highlighters. Adding color to your notes makes them more engaging. Develop a color-coding system to quickly locate information.
Complete your readings the night before. Many students either neglect readings entirely or skim them during class. Avoid this approach! Always complete your readings prior to class to ensure understanding and readiness for discussions.
- If you're unsure of the assigned reading, refer to your syllabus. It typically lists all assignments and their respective discussion dates. Consulting it will keep you on track.
Don't procrastinate on your homework! Homework plays a crucial role in understanding and academic success. Rushing through it the morning of is counterproductive. Dedicate time after school to complete it thoroughly, allowing you to relax afterward without worry.
- For lengthier assignments, tackle them incrementally to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Attend class regularly – and actively engage. Many instructors reward attendance and participation. Take advantage of these opportunities by showing up and contributing. Even if you're uncertain, participation demonstrates effort and dedication.
- Remaining attentive prevents embarrassment from being unprepared when called upon by the teacher.
Establish clear goals for yourself. Setting objectives provides direction and motivation. Without them, it's challenging to track progress. To stay motivated, establish tangible goals, such as achieving straight As or dedicating an hour to studying each night. Consider involving your parents in setting rewards to enhance motivation.
- Discuss potential rewards with your parents to bolster motivation, such as earning privileges or treats for academic achievements.
Consider getting a tutor if necessary. Balancing school with other commitments can be challenging, and tutoring can be beneficial even for bright students. Discuss the option of tutoring with your teacher, counselor, or parents to improve your grades and focus. Sometimes, older students offer tutoring for school credit, or you can seek help from older siblings or parents if they excel in certain subjects.
Mastering Tests and Projects
Collaborate in a study group. Research indicates that students who study in small groups of 3-4 tend to perform better on tests compared to those who study alone or in large groups. Form a study group with 2-3 classmates to make studying more enjoyable and effective.
- Choose study partners who are dedicated students. Avoid working with individuals who may distract you during study sessions.
- Bring snacks, establish discussion topics, and create a study schedule. Designate a group leader each week to maintain focus and organization.
- On a Friday night before a Monday test, quiz each other with friends from the class. Award 2 points for correct answers and deduct 1 point for incorrect answers. The highest scorer chooses a movie for the group to watch!
Initiate early preparation for studying or completing assignments. Whether facing a significant test or project, avoid the stress of last-minute work by starting early, ideally a week or two in advance. Starting early provides ample time to address any unforeseen challenges, ensuring a smoother process.
- For test preparation, allocate time each day for studying about a week before the test. Consistent daily study sessions strengthen memory recall, making it more reliable. Spending 20 minutes per subject each night is more effective than cramming for hours just before the test.
Inquire about opportunities for extra credit. Some teachers offer opportunities for additional credit, which can positively impact your test or project scores. If you're seeking extra support, discuss the possibility of extra credit with your teacher.
- Extra credit may contribute to your overall year-end score, providing an additional incentive for academic excellence.
Avoid last-minute cramming! Research indicates that cramming before tests leads to lower scores as the brain struggles to function without sufficient sleep. Prioritize adequate sleep (7-9 hours) and opt for studying in the morning if necessary. Remember, taking care of yourself, including getting proper rest and nutrition, contributes to academic success.
Take frequent breaks. Contrary to popular belief, continuous studying without breaks is counterproductive as it exhausts the brain. Incorporating regular breaks, such as 10 minutes per hour, enhances attention and memory retention. Utilize breaks to recharge with brain-boosting snacks like blueberries, nuts, or dark chocolate.
Carry study materials wherever you go. Utilize spare moments throughout the day, such as waiting for the bus or before class, to review study materials. Keeping flashcards handy enables impromptu study sessions, especially beneficial when studying with a friend for collaborative learning.
Exemplifying the Model Student
Engage in volunteer activities during your leisure time. Demonstrating civic engagement through volunteering not only enriches your character but also enhances your college applications and resume. Consider volunteering at various organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, animal shelters, soup kitchens, or churches to make a positive impact and showcase your well-roundedness.
Engage in sports, drama, music, or art. In addition to academic excellence and community service, being a well-rounded student involves participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, music, or art. Demonstrating versatility showcases your ability to excel in various areas, setting you apart from others.
Join a club or organization. Enhance your school experience by joining a club or organization aligned with your interests or passions. Whether it's an environmental club, LGBTQ+ group, or creative writing club, active participation demonstrates your commitment to meaningful causes and may offer opportunities for leadership roles.
Diversify your course selection. Broaden your academic horizons by enrolling in a variety of courses beyond core subjects like English and math. Explore diverse subjects such as history, robotics, cooking, or woodworking to showcase your multifaceted interests and alleviate academic monotony.
Initiate new activities if unavailable. Take the initiative to introduce new extracurricular activities if your school lacks them. Proposing and spearheading initiatives like a recycling program, club, or study group demonstrates leadership and innovation, leaving a lasting impression on your school community.
Unlock Advanced Study Techniques in this Exclusive Series
1
Prepare Efficiently for Exams
2
Enhance Your Study Techniques for Better Recall
3
Create a Productive Study Environment
4
Establish Effective Study Routines for Exams
5
Mastering Long-Term Retention Techniques
6
Improve Information Retention During Study Sessions
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Suggestions
- If you find yourself with extra time, utilize it wisely by studying ahead to stay informed in class.
- Prior to studying, engage in meditation to clear your mind and enhance focus.
- If you're facing challenges in a particular subject, consider seeking assistance from a tutor!
The advice shared here is drawn from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a valuable tip to contribute, please share it with us using the form below.
- Don't hesitate to seek clarification from your teacher if you're struggling to grasp a concept. Chances are, other students have similar questions, which can help guide the teacher's focus on areas needing more attention.
- Consider recording your assignments and deadlines in a planner or digital calendar, and mark them off upon completion. This simple practice can greatly enhance your organization skills.
- Incorporate your interests and hobbies into your study routine. For instance, if you enjoy music, try creating a song to aid in memorizing key information.
- Utilize flashcards when preparing for exams. They serve as effective tools for reinforcing important terms and concepts.
Cautions
- Avoid disclosing answers during quizzes or exams.
