Studying & Homework Tips
Learning to study is a gradual process and you can expect some hurdles along the way.
Why should I study?
The more you know, the more you can do. Good study habits can help you succeed in school and in the future. Many skills that make you a success in school can also help you succeed on the job and in many areas of life.
Studying is not the same as homework. Studying is re-reading, re-thinking, and re-organizing, all in order to learn the material.
Here are some great ideas that will help you take control of your homework and studies:
Create a study routine
Complete your homework at the same time each day. Schedule other activities around study time. Choose a time of day when you have lots of energy.
Create a "study zone" in your home
Study in this “zone” each day. Make sure your study zone is free of distractions like TV, phone, music, your siblings, or a window view. Keep the top of your work area free of clutter, and be sure that your zone has good lighting.
NOTE: If you don’t have a quiet place at home, try staying after school or visiting a public library.
Keep good study tools in your home
These include your textbooks, pens and pencils, paper, your assignment folder or agenda, and a dictionary.
Treat school attendance and homework as a job
Successful adults treat their jobs as one of their top priorities; you must do the same.
Get comfortable, but not too comfortable!
Avoid studying in your bed. It’s time to study, not sleep!
Record assignments daily in your agenda/planner
If you don’t understand an assignment, ask your teacher for clarification. When preparing to study, review all of your assignments for the day. Make estimates about the length of time each assignment will take and make a study schedule. Tackle the most difficult subject first; you’ll be fresher, and it’s downhill from there! Allow extra time for learning new material or for more difficult subjects. Don’t procrastinate!
Work steadily on big assignments
Divide large assignments into small parts and attack them one at a time. Set goals for completion of these small sections and work steadily toward them. It is also easier to do the next assignment as soon as possible after a class while the subject and your interest are still fresh.
Take breaks
A good time to take a break is between subjects. Be sure to acknowledge your efforts and progression. During your break, you could eat a snack, call a friend, listen to music, or do something physical, like shooting hoops or taking a walk.
Maximize in-class learning
Attend class regularly and be on time. Sit near the front of the class so you can hear and see. Participate in classroom discussions and listen carefully. Take good notes and review them as soon after class as possible, adding any missing information and writing down any questions you may have. Don’t try to write down every word (unless it’s a quote, rule or law) – listen for key words. If your teacher emphasizes a point, such as by writing it on the board, put it in your notes. If your class discusses a topic, note any major conclusions.
Experience the information in as many ways as possible
Read the information aloud, write it down, explain it to a friend or family member. Consider creating and using index cards as an extra way to review the material.
Organize
People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information; others like to read aloud, make detailed outlines or create index cards. Do whatever works for you.
Take advantage of any free time
If you have a study period or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class, or start your homework.
Study with a friend
Unless it’s too distracting, get together with friends and classmates to quiz yourselves, compare notes, and predict test questions.
Eat healthy
Good nutrition can lead to good grades. Making smart food choices will give you sustained energy and boost your brain power. Low energy and poor concentration can mean it’s been too long since your last meal. Be sure to eat three meals a day (don’t skip breakfast!) and try limiting sugar, sodas, junk food and fast foods. Eat lean protein and fiber (fruits and veggies), drink plenty of water, and choose “power foods” (blueberries, walnuts, salmon) whenever possible to keep your brain and body happy and functioning at their peak!
Exercise regularly
Try to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, it will boost your mood, energy and focus.
Get plenty of sleep
Adolescents (11-22 years old) need 9 hours and 15 minutes of sleep. Due to normal hormonal changes during adolescence, teenagers naturally want to stay up late. Unfortunately, they have to be up early for school. In addition to contributing to depression and suicidal thoughts, lack of sleep can make their mind dull and keep them from functioning effectively. Creating bed-time rituals can be helpful for teens to get enough sleep.