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(Borrowed/compiled from multiple scientific studies)
The following suggestions will help you to be successful in any scholastic environment. Find the ones that work best for you and use them. Remember that academic skills are like most other skills, be it athletic, musical, etc. To excel, we must put in the hard work and practice, or we will fall behind our peers who are working harder. Our brains are muscles that must be exercised and trained. Students must find their best learning style and what it takes to get new information from short-term to long-term memory. The psychology of learning tells us it’s a journey to long-term memory. If you want to be academically successful in high school and college, developing good study skills now is crucial.
Good tests require you not only to know something but also HOW TO DO something. This shift requires a shift in your preparation. Unlike rote memorization tests, there is no way to prepare for a good test the night before by cramming. At that point, you either know it or do not; it is difficult to fake your way through a good math test.
First, it is essential to understand common reasons that students lose points on tests:- Not reading the directions (this is a big one)
- Not writing neatly (not aligning digits properly or sloppy numbers and signs getting mixed up)
- Not knowing vocabulary
- Not spending quality time with assignments so you don't get enough practice and not treating homework like test practice (taking shortcuts/copying is bad for you and your future)
- Not knowing your basic facts fluently (Know addition & multiplication facts within 3 seconds)
How can I be successful in school?
Suggested Study Habits include deliberate 60 – 90 minute study sessions followed by short 15 - 20 minute study breaks with moving & stretching, make & use flashcards, set small, intermediate & long-term goals & have a defined, organized & well-equipped study space.
(Many scientific studies show these are the most effective ways to move information from short-term to long-term memory)Keep in mind this (BRAIN SCIENCE) checklist:
- Bring materials to class on time every day. 10 minutes late is considered absent b/c you miss an essential part of class. Ten minutes early is on time. On time is late.
- Pay attention & contribute to the discussion about last night's homework & ask questions when in doubt.
- Pay attention during class lectures, take good, legible notes, and keep an organized notebook.
- Create a daily study habit. Study at the same time and place daily, mornings before school for 30 min. is primo review time.
- Maintain good posture while you work – sit up straight and hold the paper in place for good concentration and penmanship.
- Rework/review the problems in the notes ON THE SAME DAY AS CLASS.
- At least start the homework assignment ON THE SAME DAY AS CLASS. (a minimum of 15 minutes)
- Use time in class to work on assignments; ask for help THEN; thus, time at home is less confusing. Work until the bell.
- Concentrate: As you do your work, remind yourself that you are actually studying for your next test. Circle or highlight the problems you have trouble with and ask the teacher about them. Pay attention & take notes about how to do them correctly.
- Check the answers. Do NOT just copy answers. The answers let you see if you know how to do the problem correctly. Copying only hurts you and your test grade.
- Remember, information has a long road to travel from short-term memory to long-term memory. Solve all the problems and show your work. If you do your homework, you have seen the problem SEVERAL times by the time the test comes. (Lecture, on the board, class notes, homework, and the review)
- Concentrate while working. Time yourself while you work, but do not rush through it like a race. Timekeeping helps you see if you are comfortable with the material, and it helps you focus. Spend quality time on your work WITHOUT; TV, music with lyrics, computers, phones, or other distractions. Studies show soft music without lyrics is fine.
- Be familiar with all the formulas presented and when they should be used.
- Three nights before test, study your vocab and do at least ten practice problems using previously missed or word problems.
- Repeat the next night using different problems. Use your notes, assignments, quizzes, and reviews to study.
- The night before the test, review those lovely vocabulary words and rework the hardest problem from each night's homework.
- Go to bed early the night before the test. You will think more clearly after a good night's rest and a healthy breakfast.
- When you first receive your test, immediately write down any formulas or definitions you are afraid you may forget or mix up.
- Read the directions, TWICE! Then, read each problem carefully; think about ways to solve it before you try to answer it.
- Relax. Most people get nervous when taking a test. It's natural. Think of it as a worksheet; work quickly, and do your best.
- Think positively. You may be able to figure it out if you re-read each question carefully.
- If no figure is provided, draw one! If one is furnished, mark relevant information on it.
- After finishing each problem, reread it to ensure your answer is reasonable.
- Write neatly, show your work clearly, and DON’T erase your work. Just draw a single line through any mistakes.
- Answer questions that you are sure about first. If you do not know the answer, skip it and return later.
- Ensure that the answer sheet number matches the number in your test booklet. (Standardized tests)
- After your test is graded, ensure you understand any mistakes and how to correct them. Old tests are pure-gold study material. If you don't understand the material now, you will continue to have problems in the following chapters.
- Learn your facts
- Treat your homework like it is test practice, and learn from your mistakes
- Take time to learn vocabulary
- Read the directions...
It won't be long before your scores soar!