It seems like some classes start out slow, then before you know it you’re knee deep in writing papers and studying for tests. It’s easy to get behind, it happens so fast. You think things are going great then one day your English teacher pulls you aside after class and tells you that you have 3 missing assignments and your grade has dropped from an “A” to a “C.” Your parents are going to freak out!! Could your sudden panic attack have been avoided? Probably. You may need to take a look at your study habits!
Do your study habits consist of plopping down on the couch at the end of the night with a bag of Doritos and a candy bar? Do you try to get your homework done while texting your friends and watching a new episode of your favorite TV show? Maybe your study habits need an overhaul?
Ideas to help you study better:
Avoid distractions: Some of you work better with soft music playing in the background……..that’s ok………..but blaring music typically won’t help you concentrate. Cell phones, eating, and television should not be a part of your study time!! If you’re hungry……..take a 10 minute break to get something to eat then go back to studying.
Priorities: It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you have tons of homework to get done in one night. Before you even start studying, make a list of things you need to get done. This will help keep you on track while studying and help to ensure that you get the most important things done first. Check things off when you get them done. It feels good to draw a big, red, line through things when you get them done with them.
Don’t Procrastinate: Sometimes people work better when they have a little pressure put on them. But, that doesn’t mean that you should save the assignment that will determine your entire class grade until the night before it’s due. If you have a legitimate reason you aren’t able to finish your assignment, you’re less likely to get a break if you tell your teacher you just started working on it last night.
Reward Yourself: Build rewards into your study time. Decide what motivates you, then pick a time while you’re studying to give yourself a break. For example, tell yourself that after you’ve studied for an hour you’ll go to the kitchen and get a snack. Then promise yourself something special for when you’re done studying for the day. Make a pact with yourself that you won’t text or call anyone until you’re done studying. That’ll give you motivation to keep studying instead of getting sidetracked by other things or people.
Don’t let things get too far gone that you feel like there is no way you will ever catch up. You can always ask a teacher for help!! If you show effort, they are more likely to give you a break.
