Now that schools and universities are starting to open their doors again after the COVID-19 pandemic, students are excited to go back to their usual routine. However, some are still not ready for the sudden change — especially those who still don’t know how to start studying.
According to a study, the sudden academic freeze due to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some students to lose their momentum in learning — including their ability to focus and study well. Since most schools today hold face-to-face classes, it’s time for students to learn how to study again and adapt to the back to school tips routine.
Here are some back to school tips to help you become successful in studying.
Be Organized
Organization is always important for students. According to TeensHealth, proper organization skills makes things easier. If you are well-organized, you can easily fall into a seamless and smooth routine.
When you’re studying, organize everything you need, from ensuring that your desk is arranged neatly to organizing your lessons and how you want to study them. For example, when you organize your notes according to their difficulty level, you will be able to understand them a lot easier. Organizing your notes can also help you stay on track without being distracted or losing interest.
Studying in an organized study space can also help your brain focus more. When everything is arranged and placed neatly, you will be able to have a clearer mind. Before you start studying, you can try tidying your desk first and then preparing everything you need, like your notebooks and pens. Otherwise, you are likely to waste a lot of time in an unorganized study space.
Pay Attention to Your Classes
Paying attention during your class will allow your brain to absorb the lessons and refresh them later on when you are studying. When you pay attention to the lessons, you will be able to expand your knowledge.
For example, your teacher says something important that is not written in your textbook or on the whiteboard. Because you paid attention to your teacher, you were able to learn more information about the lesson. When you study the material later, you can expand this information by researching more about it, either from the books in your library or through the internet when you get home. Making lengthy notes during the lectures is unnecessary, but you should at least note the important points.
Stay Away from Distractions
When you’re studying, stay away from objects or situations that you know can distract you. For example, if you’re using your mobile device or laptop to research, it would be best to turn your device on airplane mode, so you won’t get distracted by messages or calls.
Aside from that, you should also stay away from other distractions like your social media accounts. According to a study, 82% of students today get distracted by social media while studying. If you want to be successful when you’re studying, it would be best to log out from your social media accounts first — or just don’t open them until you’re done studying.
Manage Your Schedule
Time management and dividing your schedule are also key factors for more successful studying. In fact, it can be the make-or-break factor when it comes to how successful you are as a student. You should never force yourself to learn a lot of things at the same time. Your brain is indeed powerful, but it can also get drained. If you want to absorb your lessons, make sure to study them one at a time.
You can start by setting a schedule for each subject. You also have to make sure to put small breaks in between each session. According to Edutopia, breaks can help the brain process information, so you will be better at remembering the material.
Take Down Good Notes
Taking down notes can also help you study and take in all information more successfully. Don’t try to write down everything; it will only cause your brain to be disinterested in learning. Instead, take down notes and only write the key points of each lesson. That way, you will be able to learn all the important details more easily.
You also have to make sure that your notes aren’t messy. You can use highlighter pens or sticky notes to make sure your notes are clean and well-organized. Notes that are taken properly — or even color-coded — can also help you find information easily without wasting any study time.
Reading Is Not Studying
Simply reading your notes isn’t studying. You are not absorbing anything when you read plainly without stopping. When you’re reading, you need to be actively engaged with your materials as well.
There are many ways to get engaged with your reading materials, like making your own quiz or creating a concept map or diagram to better understand your lessons.
Re-reading your notes over and over is also not recommended. When you re-read phrases or explanations during an exam, it can lead to forgetting. Instead, reading and jotting down the key points from what you have read can help you absorb your lessons much better. It is one of the reasons why note-taking is important to ensure you can read them at a later stage to prepare for an
Use Learning Tools
There are many learning tools available in the market today. You can use flashcards to memorize formulas or mnemonics to remember simple concepts or lists. Learning tools can help you be successful in studying. Modern applications can also help you in studying through proper organization and time management.
Test Yourself
Testing yourself after studying can also help you understand your lessons better. Try asking yourself questions that may be on the test you’re studying for, or have a friend quiz you. This will help you compare and contrast things as well as develop your critical thinking.
Silence Isn’t Always the Answer.
Sometimes, complete and utter silence does not help you at all. Some people can’t focus on studying if they don’t hear a single thing. Knowing which noise environment works best for you is very important.
Some people concentrate better if background noise is happening while they are studying. Some students love to listen to classical music when studying, while others like to hear specific noises. Complete silence may not work for you if you want to be successful when studying, especially since active studying requires you to get engaged with your materials. It is important to determine your learning style and environment in which you can learn better.
Eat Healthy Foods
Most students tend to ignore their diet’s significance and its role in their brain power and studying skills. When you eat healthy foods, you will be able to take in healthy nutrients and vitamins that are good for your brain. When your brain is healthy, you will be able to understand your lessons more clearly.
According to a study from Harvard, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and collards are rich in vitamin K, folate, and beta carotene, which are vitamins for our brains. When you are studying, be sure to bring snacks with you as well. Studying with an empty stomach will not help you absorb things easily — it’ll just distract you.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleeping is as important as eating. Some students sacrifice their sleep just to study more. However, this practice does not help at all. In fact, losing sleep while studying will only slow down your brain. Instead of absorbing more information, your brain will easily forget things because you lack sleep.
Make sure to get the right amount of sleep — around eight hours — so you will be able to refresh your brain and energize your whole body.
The Verdict
If you want to become successful in studying, you need to make sure that you have the right knowledge and guidance. Without proper steps or a routine to follow, you will only lose some of your precious time and effort. Make sure to follow the steps provided above to help yourself become better at studying!
References:
https://www.oxfordlearning.com/how-to-study-effectively/
https://www.routledge.com/blog/article/10-tips-for-successful-studying
https://opportunity.org/learn/lists/10-habits-of-successful-students
https://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills-articles/study-habits-of-successful-students.asp
FAQs
How do you prepare to go back to school?
In order to be a successful student, you should follow these tips to go back to school:
Start the routine early, which means going to bed earlier at night and waking up early every day, even before school starts. It will help you in building a healthy sleep routine.
Mentally prepare yourself to tackle the school’s assignments and exams by completing any summer tasks you might have or practicing online quizzes.
Do not be overwhelmed, as anxiety associated with going back to school tips is quite common.
How can I be successful in school and life?
You can be successful by following these tips:
Always be focused on your studies as it is the gateway to a prosperous future.
Set SMART goals.
Do proper time management in every aspect of your life.
Participate in classroom discussions and make good relationships with your teachers to get their guidance.
How can I get hurt not to go to school?
You should never pretend to get hurt or fake stomachaches to avoid going to school, as it will adversely impact your studies and future. However, if there is any genuine reason for which you do not want to go to school, you should discuss it with your parents, teachers, or any other adult to sort out the issue.
How can you make life easier in school?
The tips and tricks discussed throughout this article will help you in making your life easier in school. Proper time management, a healthy diet, note-taking, getting enough sleep, and focused studying are some of the most important ways to succeed at school.