5 Habits To Enhance Learning Students Should Focus on This Year

BY: SUSAN PARKER

As a student, whether you’re in college or high school, there’s a lot of pressure on you to succeed in your academics and graduate with flying colors. At the same time though, there are a multitude of activities that you’ll have to devote some time to since they also form crucial parts of your overall education and character development, even though they’re technically extra-curricular.
Combining those two aspects can be challenging for many students. The difference between smart students who get the best grades and those who do badly often boils down to the ability to balance things properly. Thankfully, there are some time-tested habits that can be inculcated by any student, and which will lead to a boost in academic performance. Here are a few of them you can begin to implement without much fuss:
1. Create a Timetable and Stick to It
When you have a timetable in place detailing what periods of time you’ll spend studying in the course of the week and what exactly you’ll be studying, it’ll help you to keep you organized since you’ll have enough time to plan your schedule in such a way that those periods are always free, as opposed to having to squeeze in time to study on an impromptu basis.
In addition, you’ll be able to structure your schedule such that you’re well prepared for upcoming classes and tests without needing to sideline other activities. The key element is consistency though, and you’ll have to exert a lot of self-control to see that you stick to the timetable.
2. Keep Distractions Away While You Study
Like most other students, your phone is likely to be a crucial component of your life, along with your laptop and other tech gadgets. That’s understandable and definitely not a bad thing, though it’ll become so if you are unable to focus on your books because you’re distracted by those gadgets.
Smart students are intentional about keeping distractions away, whether it’s by keeping them in a separate room from where they’re studying or anywhere it’ll be difficult to reach on a whim. The point is to keep them out of sight and out of mind for the period during which you’ll be studying so take any steps that work well for you.
3. Get a Study Group
Iron sharpeneth iron is popular saying, and it’s a very true one. Having a study group and making it a habit to meet regularly for discussions on the subjects you’re taking will help you in several ways.
First, it’ll help you become proficient in all your courses since your group is likely to be made up of people with strengths in different areas. In addition, you’ll be able to ask questions and get in-depth explanations on thorny areas that you’re finding difficult to understand, such as legal options in different situations, if you’re a law student. Lastly, the group will help to keep you accountable with regards to your study schedule since you’ll need to read to be able to discuss effectively at the meetings.
4. Eat Healthy and Exercise
Even though they might look like two entirely different things, your health is a crucial determinant of how well you’ll be able to study. Eating junk food constantly will make you less energetic and being constantly tired is not a good way to study.
Exercising regularly will help a lot too. Apart from keeping you fit, it’ll also help you to develop the discipline to maintain a routine that you can then apply to your studies as well. You’ll feel much more comfortable too, thus making for better studying. For instance, you’ll certainly find it easier to study even the most complicated mathematical equations after getting your dental implants in Calgary, compared to having to deal with aching tooth.
5. Develop Your Note-taking skills
Taking good notes is essential to keep track of a lot of information across all the courses you’re taking. If you keep your notes comprehensive and well organized, you’ll be able to find any information you need without too much trouble, as opposed to a haphazard collection of scribblings that you cannot make head or tail of.
Learn to use outlines, bullet-points and other methods to keep your notes clear. This habit will also help you think more clearly, write better and you could even start a blog and make a career out of it. For more convenience, you can simply record your classes and then take your time to form your notes later when you’re not rushing to keep track of what is being said.

Susan Parker is a writer and tech geek. She volunteers for local environmental conservation programs and writes stories online about things that inspire her. Email: SusanWritesWell@gmail.com