1. They don’t cram for exams. Bright Students Space out Their Studying
Students who are successful break down their studies into more manageable pieces. Successful students don’t try to cram their entire study into one or two sessions just before a test. This approach is known as distributed or spaced practice and has been shown to be more effective for long-term memory retention than cramming. To be a good student, you need to learn how to balance your study over time and to be consistent.
2. Successful students create a study schedule
Successful students don’t study just because they feel like studying. They create a schedule for studying and adhere to it. They schedule specific times during the week to complete their studies and treat them like any other appointment. Students who study randomly and without a schedule typically perform worse than those who have a study plan.
3. Smart Students Study Together
Successful students not only plan their study time but also create a daily routine. By making studying a part of your daily routine (or weekly), you can make it a habit. It helps you prepare mentally and emotionally for each study session and makes each session more effective.
4. Every Study Session Must Have a Goal
You can either study with or without direction. You must instead know exactly what you want to achieve during each session of study. Set a goal before studying that will help you achieve your academic goals (e.g. memorize 30 words for upcoming Spanish tests).
5. Successful Students Do Not Procrastinate
You may put off studying because you are not interested in the subject or have other tasks to complete first. Or the task may be difficult. Successful students do not procrastinate when it comes to studying. You will not only be less productive, but also you might not get all the information you need if you delay your studying session. Rushing is the leading cause of mistakes, and procrastination leads to it.
6. Start with the Hard Stuff
Your most difficult subject or task will require you to exert the most mental effort. Start with the most challenging subject or assignment first. After you’ve completed the hardest work, the rest will be easier. Starting your study sessions with the hardest work can indeed improve academic performance and effectiveness.
7. Check Your Notes Before You Start
You must first take notes before you can review them. Take good notes during class. Review your notes before you begin each session of study and any particular assignment to make sure you understand how to do it correctly.
8. Eliminate Distractions
If you’re disturbed when you study, you will (1) lose track of your thoughts and (2) become distracted. Both of these things can lead to ineffective learning. Find a quiet place to study before you begin.
9. Use Study Groups With Care
Have you ever heard the saying, “Two heads is better than one?” This is especially true when studying. Working in groups allows you to (1) receive help from your peers when you’re struggling to understand something, (2) finish assignments faster, and (3) share knowledge with others.
Study groups are only effective when they’re structured, and the members of the group come prepared. Students who are practical use study groups to their advantage.
10. Review Material Weekly
Over the weekend, successful students will review the material they learned over the week. They are then well-prepared to learn new concepts each week that build on previous coursework.
