Study skills help learners become more effective, independent, and confident in their academic work; it improves learning efficiency and academic performance, increases confidence and motivation, reduces stress and anxiety, improves preparedness for lifelong learning, and supports diverse learning styles. These skills are essential for success in school and beyond.
Getting organized:
Being organized is not hard, but it is a skill that needs to be developed and practiced. Being organized makes your day run more smoothly and saves you time. It also helps you feel you are in control and on top of things. Being organized can help make you a better student and will help you succeed in your career and life. Being organized helps the biggest of tasks to be manageable, leading to your success.
Use a student planner:
Important dates
Daily assignments, quizzes, tests
Project and paper due dates
Activities and appointments
Organization tips:
Study area--should be comfortable, quiet, well-lit, and have a surface for writing. Should also have needed supplies (pens, pencils, papers, etc.)
Binder and pocket folders--use a pocket folder for each class. Use these folders for homework assignments, returned papers, and handouts. Put returned tests and other important papers in a safe place.
Develop routines--get up early and have a good breakfast. Before you go to bed, get everything ready for the next day. Put your bag and anything else you need in the same place each night. If there is something you want to remember, leave yourself a note.
Eliminate clutter--clear away things you don't need
Use a large wall calendar--will help you keep track of major events, project deadlines, tests, etc.
Create a study plan--know when you study best and provide yourself a reasonable amount of time to study each day. Identify anything that could interrupt your study plan and figure out how to eliminate or avoid it.
Organize and save computer work
Make "to do" lists
Allows you to focus on what you need to do instead of trying to remember what needs to be done
Each night, make a "to do" list for the next day
Focus on one task at a time
Put the most important tasks at the top of your list
Feeling overwhelmed by a task? Break it into a "to do" list and work on one part at a time
Manage your time well
Allow more time than you think you need for homework and studying
Use extra time in school to get started on homework
Be successful in class
Be in class, on time, every day
Bring everything you need to class
Always do all of your homework
Participate in class
Don't leave class with unanswered questions
Take good notes
Recognize and write down important information
Take notes that are neat and easy to read
Know how to read a textbook
Before you start to read, look over the headings and words in bold and italic print
Read the entire assignment
When you're done, do a quick review of what you have read
Know how to study
Find a good place to study
Plan out your study time
Focus on one task at a time
Break large assignments into smaller parts
Do difficult assignments first