In today’s article you’re going to learn everything you need to know about how to be smart student in school.
Being successful in school is not always easy, regardless of one’s intelligence. It requires a lot of effort and dedication.
However, by implementing effective study habits and utilizing helpful strategies from the beginning of the school year, one can become a smart student who excels academically.
How To Be Smart Student In School:
1. To stay on top of your schoolwork, it’s important to keep your materials organized.
This includes everything from your folders and binders to your papers and class supplies. Whether you start organizing two weeks before school starts or two weeks before it ends, staying organized will make it much easier to complete your work. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Purchase binders for each class and use the inner flap to keep the syllabus.
- Organize your homework and class materials chronologically, if possible.
- Make sure that you have all the necessary materials, such as markers and scissors, for each class, and keep them organized.
- To save time and keep your locker looking neat, get rid of unnecessary papers and supplies.
2. Creating a dedicated study space can help you stay focused and improve your recall of information.
The idea is that by associating a specific place with studying, your mind will automatically shift into study mode when you are in that location. This is known as context-dependent memory, which is when your memory finds it easier to recall information in the place where it was learned.
Additionally, having multiple study spaces can help to build more connections in your brain and make it easier to remember the facts you study. Examples of different study spaces could be at home, in a library, or at a friend’s house.
3. To get ahead in your studies, it’s a good idea to obtain your textbooks as early as possible.
Many teachers provide a list of required books for the upcoming school year at the beginning of the school year or even before it starts. Once you have the list, make sure you get your hands on the textbooks as soon as possible. Then, take the time to familiarize yourself with the layout and contents of each book.
Start reading the first chapters, even if it’s not assigned, as early as possible. If your teacher doesn’t provide you with a list of books, don’t hesitate to ask. This shows initiative and a strong interest in the class, which may make you a favorite among the teacher.
4. In addition to obtaining your required textbooks, it’s also a good idea to inquire about any supplementary readings that may be available.
Your teacher may have additional books that they didn’t include on the official list but still think could be beneficial to read. These books can provide additional insights and understanding on the topic you are studying, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
This is true for all subjects, whether it be math, history, or art. There is always more information that can be gained through supplementary readings.
5. Cmmunicate with your teachers to understand what they expect from you in their class.
Start a conversation with them to know what they focus on like participation, originality, reading, etc and what will make it easier to succeed in their class. Also ask about extra credit, group work and writing assignments in the class. This will help you understand the expectations and how you can meet them.
Additionally, it establishes a positive relationship with your teachers from the beginning, which can be beneficial when it comes to grading. When you’re close to getting an A and your teacher knows you’re a dedicated student, they might give you the benefit of the doubt and bump you up to an A.
6. Make note-taking more engaging and memorable by focusing on the important information and making it fun.
Instead of writing down every word the teacher says, select the key points to make it more manageable and interesting. Some ways to do this include turning sentences into charts or pictures, using mnemonics to help remember information and using highlighters to add color to your notes.
Additionally, consider developing a color-coding system to help you quickly locate information in your notes.
7. Be prepared by completing the assigned reading the night before class.
Avoid the common mistakes of not doing the readings at all or just skimming them during class. By reading before class, you’ll have a better understanding of the material and be able to participate more effectively in class discussions.
If you’re unsure of what readings are assigned, refer to the syllabus for a list of homework and readings and when they will be discussed.
SEE ALSO: How To Read Faster And Retain More Information (in 1 Hour)
8. Don’t procrastinate on your homework, it is an important part of your education.
To fully understand and excel in your assignments, it’s best to complete them thoroughly and in a timely manner. Instead of waiting until the last minute, set aside time in the evening to get your homework done.
This will allow you to enjoy your leisure time without the added stress of unfinished assignments. Additionally, if you have a longer assignment, break it up into smaller tasks and work on it a bit each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
9. Attend all your classes and stay engaged while there.
Many teachers award participation points for simply being present in class. Even if you don’t know the answer to a question, raise your hand and give it a try. Your teacher will appreciate your effort.
Furthermore, by being attentive in class, you will avoid being caught off guard if a teacher calls on you and you are not prepared. This will save you from any embarrassment.
10. Set clear objectives for yourself.
Having a target to strive for is essential to staying motivated.
Identify specific, attainable goals that will drive you to succeed. Whether it’s achieving straight As, dedicating an hour each night to studying, or reading a certain number of pages per week, make sure they are realistic and achievable.
Communicate your goals to your parents and discuss ways in which they can support or reward you for reaching them. This can be a great source of motivation, and can help to keep you on track.
11. Consider seeking out a tutor if you are struggling in a particular subject.
Tutors can provide extra help and support to help you achieve better grades and stay focused. You can speak to your teacher, counselor, or parents about finding a tutor who can help you.
Additionally, some older students may be willing to tutor you for school credit or for free. If you have older siblings or parents who are knowledgeable in a certain subject, you can also ask them for help, as long as they don’t distract you and can actually assist you in completing your work.
12. Consider forming a study group with a few classmates.
Research has shown that working with a group of 2-3 people can lead to better test results than studying alone (1). Choose friends who are dedicated and serious about their studies.
Plan ahead, assign roles and make a schedule for your study sessions. Bring snacks to make it more enjoyable.
If you have an upcoming test, quiz each other and make it a fun competition by assigning points for correct answers. The person with the most points at the end gets to pick a movie to watch afterwards.
13. Begin your preparations well in advance.
Whether it’s a big exam or assignment, procrastinating until the last minute can be very stressful. It’s best to start working on it a couple of weeks before the due date to ensure you have enough time in case something unexpected happens. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
When it comes to tests, it’s more effective to study a little bit each day a week or so before the test, rather than cramming all the information in one or two days before the test.
Daily studying helps your brain recall the information better, making the connections stronger and more reliable. Taking 20 minutes each night to study each subject is more efficient than sitting down for three hours and trying to cram all the information at once.
14. Inquire about additional opportunities for credit.
Certain instructors have opportunities for students to earn additional points by completing additional work. If you’re seeking a slight boost in your grades, consider discussing the possibility of extra credit with your teacher. It can’t harm to ask!
Additionally, in some cases, this extra credit may only be added to your final score for the year. This is also a great option. Overall, extra credit can be a beneficial opportunity to improve your grades.
15. Avoid cramming at all costs.
Research has shown that cramming for tests can actually lead to lower scores. This is because your brain is not able to function properly when it is not well-rested.
Instead of staying up all night to study, it is better to get a good amount of sleep (7-9 hours) and then study in the morning, if necessary. It’s important to take care of yourself as a student, not just your studies. Eating a nutritious breakfast can also boost your brainpower and improve your grades.
16. Take breaks when studying for a big exam or trying to learn something new.
Our brains can become overwhelmed if we don’t take a break and give them a chance to rest. Taking short breaks every hour can actually improve your attention and memory.
Additionally, during your break, you can snack on foods that are known to boost brain function such as blueberries, nuts, broccoli, and dark chocolate. This can also help to increase your energy levels if you’re feeling tired.
SEE ALSO: How To Deal With Distractions While Studying (Or At Work)
17. Make sure you always have your study materials with you, even when you’re on the go.
Those small pockets of free time, like waiting for the bus or before a class, can be used to study. Keeping flashcards (2) or other materials with you means you can take advantage of these opportunities and make the most of your time.
It’s also a good idea to study with a friend, as you can quiz each other and reinforce the information in your minds.
18. Give back to your community by volunteering in your spare time.
Not only will it make you a well-rounded student, it will also make you a more attractive candidate to colleges and employers.
There are many opportunities to volunteer such as in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters for homeless, battered women, and children, animal shelters and soup kitchens. You can also consider volunteering at local churches.
19. Get involved in extracurricular activities such as athletics, drama, music or art.
Being well-rounded and participating in a variety of activities demonstrates to colleges and employers that you are able to balance multiple commitments and excel in different areas. It’s important to note that you don’t have to be the best at these activities, it’s more about participating and trying new things.
If you excel in one activity, try branching out and trying something new. This not only shows your versatility, but also gives you a chance to explore different interests.
20. Get involved in a group or organization that aligns with your interests.
Joining a club or group at school that focuses on something you are passionate about can demonstrate your active involvement in the school community and showcase your interests. Additionally, these groups often provide opportunities for leadership roles, which can be impressive to prospective colleges and employers.
21. If you want to show that you have a variety of interests and skills, it’s important to take different types of classes.
Not only does it make you a well-rounded student, but it also keeps you from getting burnt out by taking too many classes in the same subject. In addition to core classes like English and math, try to include some classes that are more interesting like history or robotics, as well as some that are more fun like cooking or woodshop.
Some schools have partnership programs where you can take classes at another school or community college, which can also be a great opportunity to explore new subjects and potentially even earn college credit while still in high school.
22. If your school is lacking in certain activities, don’t wait for someone else to start it, take the initiative and start it yourself.
Talk to your principal about starting a new group or club that aligns with your interests and fills a gap in your school’s extracurricular offerings. Starting an organization on your own is a great way to stand out and showcase your initiative and leadership skills.
Some ideas could be starting a school-wide recycling program, a club for thespians, chess players, or writers, or a group focused on LGTBAU, pre-SAT/ACT study, or technology.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article about how to be smart student in school. I sincerely hope its contents have been a good help to you. +
