Back to school means back to work, but that doesn't have to mean back to those all nighters. Let's face it: we all get distracted AT LEAST every once in a while. Whether you watch TV while you do your math worksheets or snack on some munchies while studying, you're not alone.
Start off the school year right with new and improved study habits that are A+ worthy!
Peace Out
For total focus, peace and quiet is a must. Whether it's at a desk in your room, in your study, or even at the local library, a quiet environment will help you get the work done not only quickly, but efficiently. This means getting an A on your homework without spending way too much time on it. Who could say no to that?
Find a place where you won't be distracted. And FYI: that place is NOT in front of the computer! If you need the comp to do some research or to type up a paper, that's fine, but try to stay off of AIM, Facebook, and yes even GL! Using them to ask a classmate a quick question is one thing, but getting involved in something on your laptop is usually a guaranteed waste of time.
Don't have a desk? See if your rents have an old chair, desk, or table lying around. Like to be comfy when you're pouring over your books? Set up a space on the floor with pillows and comfy blankets so you can cozy up and spread out.Voila! You've got an all-your-own study space to come home to every day. Keep it clean, organized and quiet, and you'll be on the fast track to success!
Break it up
Just 'cause you're supposed to get all that work done, doesn't mean you can't take a short break here and there. It's actually a good way to stay focused. Confused? Getting the work done well without staying up all night is your ultimate goal, but going full speed ahead through all of that work at once can leave your brain totally fried.
Taking a 10 minute break between assignments (when you need it) will actually help you concentrate on the stuff you have to do later. If you're thirsty, need a drink, or just want to relax for a little bit, it's completely fine! A short break will give your brain a chance to recharge before hitting the books again and will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to work.
Hate to procrastinate
When it comes to procrastination, just don't do it. It's easier said than done, but procrastination will most def lead to some stressful late nights. We've all done it before, so we know how rough it can be. When you get a long term project, take a half an hour every night, or every other night.
If you don't have much homework one night, spend more time on your project, so you don't have to worry about so much later. What's the worst that could happen? You'll get the project finished ahead of schedule and be completely at ease while the rest of your class is scrambling to finish!
By not procrastinating, you'll also do a better job. Spreading the work out gives you more time to gather your thoughts and improve what you already have. Doing the paper the night before gets it done, but it's never as good as it could be.
Study buddies
Studying all by yourself can be really hard, especially in those tough classes. Working with a study group is one of the best ways to learn the material. Grab a bunch of your classmates (make sure they're good students!), invite them over, and hit the books. Now, you'll have people to help quiz you, ask questions you didn't think of, and point out things that you may be wrong. Textbooks can be really hard to understand, so if you're having trouble with a certain topic, ask your study buddies to explain it to you. Hearing the info in plain, non-textbook lingo can make it A LOT easier to understand.
Some schools offer free peer tutoring programs where you can get help from a fellow student. They can give you the help you need and the advice they've gathered from taking the class themselves. Also, don't be afraid to see your teacher if you're feeling lost. He/she will help you individually on exactly what you're having trouble with. Extra help is another great option.
BY KRISTEN YEUNG ON 8/28/2009 8:01:00 AM
POSTED IN studying secrets