Effective Studying for Academic Success
Over the years that I have taught middle school I have noticed several studying pitfalls common to eighth graders when it comes to studying for tests and in their general understanding of the concepts taught in school.
1. Study in a quiet space. When doing homework or studying for a test, avoid distractions by turning off music, the television, video games, the phone, computer chatting, text messaging, etc. Studies of multi-tasking done at the University of California clearly show that learning suffers when trying to do many things at once. Make your work space a comfortable spot with good lighting and a comfortable chair. Let your friends and family know that you need to be left alone while you are doing homework. Learning new things requires concentration. Focus on one thing at a time.
2. When you read in your textbook don’t skim the section hunting for key words to fill in your workbook. Read the entire text first and then go back and fill in the workbook. You need to read the text one time thoroughly first to get the meaning of the science concepts.
3. Keep a dictionary handy. Look up words you don’t know. You will improve your vocabulary, reading speed, and your reading skills dramatically. Make a list of new vocabulary words as you read and try defining them before a test or quiz.
4. I always give students several days warning before a test or quiz. Begin reviewing the material that I indicate will be on the test or quiz well in advance of the test or quiz day. If you review a little bit each night, then the night before a test or quiz you won’t be cramming it all in at once, or worse yet, trying to learn the material for the first time (common to students who don’t follow the advised steps 1 – 3)! When reviewing for a test or quiz focus only on the material being covered and remember to keep all distractions to a minimum! If you are paying attention in class and doing your class work and homework then studying for tests and quizzes is just a matter of scheduling time to review material that you are already familiar with. With time and patience you will gain the experience to know how you best study for tests and quizzes.
5. Read, read, read! Find the time to read books that you want to read just because you enjoy them. Students who enjoy reading and read frequently do well in school and throughout their lives. Here’s another hint: bring a book you want to read during READ period and you are less likely to get into trouble too!
6. Finally, stay focused, pay attention in class and get all your work done every day. Raise your hand to ask questions when you don’t understand something. You will never do well on tests and quizzes if you don’t understand the material you need to be absorbing everyday in class!
If you follow these tips then you will actually get your homework done faster and it will stick with you the next day and on test and quizzes. One more tip. It's important to understand that a satisfying life is one of balance. Getting your work done everyday is important so you don't fall behind, it piles up and becomes impossible to get caught up. Get your work done and then include time for family and fun. Pick your fun carefully. Doing things like playing music, getting exercise you enjoy, and eating healthy foods is fun too. You'll feel and look better and be ready to handle the daily stresses that are a part of everyone's life. Remember the story of the race between the hare and the tortoise? By running the race at a steady pace the tortoise wins every time. You will too if you keep up with your daily work load and balance it with the other things you enjoy doing. Doing a little everyday, rather than waiting until the end to make up work or get a little exercise is the smartest and most efficient strategy to all things in life!