It is hard to believe, but 2022 is almost here! As students return from their pleasant winter vacation, they should plan for the spring semester. This means it is time to think about educational goals for the coming year. What better place to start than with improving learning habits? Here are 7 great learning habits to bring into the new year.
Habit #1: Take Notes During Class
Taking notes in class is a crucial study technique to employ. Consider the number of lessons you attend each day at school, as well as the mountain of knowledge you are exposed to. Without taking notes, you would struggle to recall everything you have learned. Taking notes also improves your capability to absorb and remember knowledge far more than simply listening; it allows you to assess information visually and, hence, better understand what you need to know and do. Consider your class notes as the foundation of your concentrated study time. They summarize what you have learned and help you get the most out of study time. Here are some excellent suggestions for taking notes in class, including making a list of keywords, dates, names, and other pertinent information that you can later define or explain. You could also organize and format your notes to be easier to read and make more sense later. Make your notes visually clear, precise, and organized.
Habit #2: Time Your Study Sessions
Do you find it challenging to focus for longer than 30 minutes at a time? That is very common. Consider using the Pomodoro technique. Using this method, you can break your study sessions into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. After about four Pomodoros, you take a longer break of about 15 to 20 minutes. You can even download a Pomodoro app to help you monitor your timing. As a warning, do not get into the habit of extending your break so that it ends up being longer than your study time. Also, we suggest setting a goal to study a certain number of hours each day, and then rewarding yourself with something like a frappuccino or 30-minute video gaming session when you reach that goal.
Habit #3: Stop Procrastinating
One strategy to overcome procrastinating is to make changes to your surrounding environment. Different settings have varying effects on our ability to be productive. One thing to keep in mind is that an atmosphere that has previously inspired us may begin to lose its power over time. Making a change to your environment might help you become more productive. You can also try enlisting the help of a buddy. Being able to count on the moral support of a friend or coworker might be enough to push you into action. When you commit to doing something and a person whose respect you value is watching over your shoulder, you’re more likely to feel driven to follow through on your commitment. It might also be beneficial to set reminders for yourself to complete chores. To-do lists are helpful for most individuals, as long as they are followed up on. You may remind yourself of tasks that need to be completed using sticky notes, computer notifications, Todoist, Any.do, or a variety of other to-do list apps. Regardless of the approach employed, it is vital that you confront your procrastination tendencies head-on and get things done!
Habit #4: Stay On Top of Your Homework
Making sure assignments are completed may seem like a self-evident habit to develop as a student, but we are often amazed by the number of kids who let their assignments build up. When things get out of hand, the very concept of finishing your assignments may become too daunting to tackle. Before you know it, you will be working so hard to catch up that you will not have time to complete new assignments or study for upcoming assessments – which are demanding on their own. Instead, start your homework on the day it is assigned. At the very least, explore the topics presented in the homework assignment while the knowledge you have acquired is still fresh in your mind. Jot down some ideas as notes right away. If you need to return to it later to finish it completely, you will at least have a basic structure to work from, making it much easier to finish.
Habit #5: Check Your Work Before Turning It In
When you finish a school assignment, you will undoubtedly start thinking about what you will do with your spare time. But, you should never consider an assignment totally complete until you have double-checked it first. Look for common errors, like those related to grammar, spelling, and organization. You might use internet tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Ginger to assist you in finding and correcting such errors – but even those tools make mistakes sometimes. So you should always take a few moments to review it before turning it in. The small amount of commitment to double-check your work before submitting may earn you the extra points needed to get that A!
Habit #6: Keep a “Worry” List
It is typical for students to be concerned about their grades, but this is a diversion. Worrying over something might make it challenging to focus on gaining knowledge. That is why you should keep a “worry” list. According to Chicago News, writing down a list of your school-related worries might help you improve your grades. When you write down your concerns, it is as if you are emptying your problems and clearing up your mind to focus on learning. So, once a worry arises, jot it down, acknowledge it, and then carry on.
Habit #7: Make Learning More Fun
Students may struggle because they have lost interest in learning. It is hardly shocking when the pressure of tests and grades takes away the delight of gaining new knowledge. It is easy to become so focused on getting good grades that you forget that learning can actually be enjoyable – and that it is far simpler to do well when you are having fun. Try exploring enrichment programs to help you fully pursue existing passions and find new interests. Maybe you like to draw and want to take a graphic design class. Or maybe you enjoy gaming and want to explore coding. You can also make studying more enjoyable by rewarding yourself for your accomplishments. For instance, when you finish a task, you may treat yourself to a delicious snack as a reward. If school has become a burden for you, it is time to reintroduce the joy of learning.
Conclusion
I wish you the best of luck in your forthcoming semester and beyond! If you are experiencing difficulties this semester, Educate. Radiate. Elevate. could assist you with any academic issues you may be experiencing. E.R.E., a non-profit tutoring organization, gives academic and emotional support to low-income students of color in grades K through 12. The personnel at E.R.E. are dedicated to helping students attain their maximum potential. Nominate yourself for tutoring today! The majority of our funding is obtained through donations from people like you! Your support will provide less fortunate students with a chance to excel in school. Donate today to help students start their term strong. Thank you very much for your support!
