Top Study Skills for High School Students
- Manage Your Time – Life is busy. There are only 24 hours in a day. Start using a daily planner. This will help you maintain school, work, and extracurricular activities. It is easy to over schedule yourself. Manage your time wisely and plan your To Do List.
- Set Good Study Habits Early – Be prepared for class means starting the night before with getting enough rest. Always be prepared for class – bring materials that you need, homework, and positive attitude. Attend class regularly. Complete all assignments at home and in class. Review your notes often. Set time aside for studying. Ask questions!
- Set Reasonable and Reachable Goals – These will help you direct your academic success! If you need help, just ask your High School Career Coach.
- Concentrate – Make sure that you understand the assignment. Read the directions. Remove distractions from your study time. It is ok to take breaks, just remember to come back to your assignment fresh and ready to work.
- Take Good Notes – This does not mean write everything the teacher says. However, you may need to write down the important material. If you miss class, make sure that you get the notes from the teacher or a classmate. After the test, use it as a tool to help you identify key information. This will also help you take better notes. Use your textbook.
- Complete All Assignments – You will only get out of a class what you put into it. Homework is used as a review tool. Put it to good use.
- Study Groups and Review – Do not wait and cram before exams! Review your notes after each class. This will help lock in the information. Add any missing information. Go over your information with a classmate may also help reinforce the information. If there is not a study group available, create one. Use the tools around you – study guides, create flash cards, internet review, etc.
- Organize – Create your own study area. Keep all your materials in one convenient location. This will save time. Write down your assignments on a calendar. Keep your locker and book bag neat. Know where your materials are and set a study schedule.
- Communicate With Your Teachers – Remember they are here to help you succeed. If you are having difficulty, talk to the teacher. There may be tutoring available.
- A Balanced Diet – You cannot study or preform your best if you are distracted or hungry. Healthy snacking is ok!
- Motivation – This has to come from you! Set your mind to it and do it. Think of assignments as a challenge. It is ok to reward yourself for a job well done. Do not lose focus!
- Commitment – Do your best! If you need help, ask for it. Be committed to reach your own goals. Participate in class. I believe in you!!
How To Get The Most From Your Text Book
One of the keys to good study skills is learning how to read a textbook. Here are some simple tips to help you read more effectively.
- Take a good look. Before you even start your class, look at the way your textbook is designed. Find out how the information is laid out. Are there Chapters, Glossary, and an Index?
- Scan your chapters. Looking at the boldface terms, definitions, charts, graphs, pictures, headings, summary, review questions. Scanning provides you with information in a short amount time. You get an understanding of what you are about to read.
- Read with a Purpose. Ask yourself questions as you read. Look for context clues. This will help you to stay focused and understand what you have read.
- Review. Once you have read, scan the chapter again. Look at the bold words, charts, etc. Make sure that you understand the material. Ask questions if you do not.
Memory Techniques
If you want to improve your memory, here are some tips and tricks:
- Acronyms: This is when you make a word from the first letter of each word to be memorized is used. For example, ROY G BIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet)
- Acrostics: These are phrases in which the first letter of each word or line functions as a cue to help you recall the words that you are trying to remember. For example, “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” is used to remember the order of operations in Math.
- Narrative: Make up your own story to help you memorize the material.
- Rhymes: For example, the phrase “I after E except after C”?
- Imagery: Draw a picture to help you remember.
- Visualization: Use graphic organizers to help organize and remember information.
- Flash Cards: These can be excellent tools to help you review your material. You can use index cards, post its, or notebook paper.
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