Learning good study habits is the ground where academic success stands. Applying good study habits will also help you better remember the materials. These simple guidelines were created to help you improve your school performance.

Things you should do

Tidy up your work area. If you can, choose an area that is also quiet. If you can’t find a quiet area at home, you should also consider the library or the park. The library is a great place to find the quiet you need. The park may not be as quiet, but the fresh air can make studying less nerve-racking. If these options are unavailable, then try listening to some music while studying.

Have a scheduled study time for each school day. The ratio of classroom work and homework should be 1:2.

Try to stud for a period of 45 minutes, and then take a 15-minute break to relax. Setting short term goals, like sitting for 45 minutes, can raise your motivation.

Reward yourself if and only if you have met your goal for that study session. For example, if you plan to study one chapter and succeed, then you may reward yourself by doing something pleasurable. Some methods of positive reinforcement include food, games and exercise.

Relate your notes with the information in your textbook. This way, if you missed something in class, it will be covered.

Think of questions about the chapter. This will help you pinpoint what you don’t know.

Include the new words and concepts in what you do and say. It is easier to remember things you actually use. This is definitely true for language classes.

Finally, review what you have studied just before you go to bed. You will be amazed at how much more easily you will remember the information in the morning.

Big No-Nos

Procrastinate. Cramming is not beneficial for producing long term memory.

Throw away the highlighter. Highlighting is a form of procrastination, because you are saving note taking for later. If you do that, you will end up having to pick up the book twice. Instead, make careful notes to compliment your classroom notes, along with page numbers so that you can refer back to the book if necessary.

Work on the computer. You are bound to be tempted to check your email or surf the net.

Leaving your cell phone turned on. No call, or message, cannot wait 45 minutes. Having your cell phone on during study time can be a major distraction and is not conducive to learning.

Study immediately after you’ve eaten a meal. The brain slows down after you eat.

Space out. If you start spacing out, remind yourself that you need to focus. You can use your finger while you’re reading to keep up. The movement of your finger on the page forces you to pay attention to what you are doing.

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