START WITH GOOD STUDY SKILLS

Organizing how and where you study can make the job a lot easier – and faster!  Follow these guidelines:

USE A DAILY PLANNER to schedule test dates, study time, appointments, etc.  Bring it to every class and enter assignments as soon as you get them.  You can buy a planner or make your own.

USE COLOR-CODED NOTEBOOKS so you can find what you need without wasting time.  Repack your bag at night to avoid rushing to find things in the morning.  Don’t forget to pack your homework!

SCHEDULE A REGULAR HOMEWORK TIME, and ask family members not to interrupt you.  If you get a phone call, say you’ll call back later.

SET UP A STUDY AREA where you can do homework without being disturbed.  A good study area is:

        Quiet        Comfortable        Neat        Well Lit        Supplied with the materials you’ll need

AVOID DISTRACTIONS while you study.  These include:

        TV        Loud Music or Noise        Computer games and chatting       Telephone        

TAKE BREAKS so you don’t wear yourself out.  For example, have a snack, get up and stretch or take a short walk.

FIND OUT WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.  Not everyone studies the same way.  For example, if playing soft music in the background helps you study, go ahead!

You’ll be surprised at the difference good study skills can make!

HOW CAN I BALANCE SCHOOL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES?

KEEP A TIME LOG – Write down what you do after school.  Also, note how you spend your time on weekends.

EXAMINE HOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIME – At the end of the week, ask yourself what tasks do I spend the most time on? You are probably going to be surprised at much time you cannot account for which translates in some cases to how much time you have wasted. Make wise use of your time and you easily balance a rigorous academic schedule and have plenty of time for your outside interests.

WHAT ACTIVITIES DO I ENJOY MOST? 

Some students sign up for too many activities.  Really stop and think about the activities that are most meaningful to you.

WHAT CAN I CHANGE TO MAKE ROOM FOR MORE IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES AND GOALS?

By examining  how you spend your time you can see how the balance of academic and leisure time activities are being distributed. Time management and prioritizing are essential.

                             Information courtesy of Channing L. Bete

HELPFUL HINTS:

Use a daily planner – schedule time to study, have family time, and have fun with your friends.

Be realistic – set aside enough time for each activity.

Don’t procrastinate.

Always plan ahead – ask your teachers or check their syllabus or website for any assignments he or she can provide ahead of time.

Be aware of approaching deadlines.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  It will show you are serious about becoming more organized and a better student.

Get advice on organizational skills from:  teachers, your counselor, parents, friends, classmates, Beta club tutors, or your librarian.