Successful Study Habits

In order to set your student up for a successful year, consider sitting down with him/her before school officially starts and discuss the following list of successful study habits. Brainstorm ideas on how to accomplish each habit and create a plan together to make them happen. Regularly revisit the list of habits with your student and make adjustment as needed.

1. Get organized. Stay ahead of the curve by making a concerted plan for what you're going to do and when you're going to do it.
2. Don't multitask. Multitasking is counterproductive; research advises against it.
3. Divide it up. Don't marathon attack your studying. Plan to divide and conquer the work. Tackle in chunks, and before you know it...it'll be done.
4. Sleep. Get a good night's rest. Sleep is imperative to a sharp mind and an improved working memory.
5. Set a schedule. When do you study the best? Before dinner? After dinner? How long of a time block for studying works best for you?
6. Take notes. Do you know how to effectively take notes? Do you regularly take notes and study them when not in class?
7. Study. Do you know how to effectively study? Do you even study? Can you determine where the best place to study and what you're distractions are?
8. Manage your study space. Did you know that keeping a clean and organized study space can have a positive effect on knowledge retention? Where is this space? Where do you study best?
9. Find a study group. Studying with others has positive effects because it allows you to discuss the material with others, thereby helping to better retain the material.
10. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions; no matter how silly you think they are in your head. Ask for help from anyone that will listen and offer to share their knowledge. Knowledge is power.

Learn More!

We invite you to visit http://opportunity.org/learn/lists/10-habits-of-successful-students for more information on these 10 study habits.