5 Back to School How to Study Tips

[Dr. Stephen Jones]

The journey back to school is a time when students meet new friends and get adjusted to a new school environment. The adjustment is not limited to K12 students there are changes for college bound students too. Often after the first week students realize that they do not know how to study and they easily get behind on assignments. Going back to school becomes a burden when students realize how much work that they need to complete. Students don’t realize that learning how to study is one of the best ways to succeed during the new school year.

For most students it is easy to discover how much they do not remember from the prior year. The first test score or quiz can reveal a lot. It takes devotion to get back into the habit of studying. Students who want the best grade realize that they need to hit the ground running. They are ready for the challenge of a new school year and they are organized. There are five study tips that they have learned to use: (1). Start reading your chapters right away, (2). Pick up other books at the library, (3) always manage your time, (4) research your course topics over the internet and (5) form a study group. Go into each school year prepared to learn. The studying that you do prior to the beginning of school will help you to achieve better grades. The best students focus on having a great awareness of all of the requirements for each course.

Take advantage of the technology that is all around you. There are all types of gadgets that are essential for 21st century students. Every student should have a laptop that connects to the internet and prints documents. Some school systems are saving money by using laptop computers. They are reducing their paper consumption. Consider purchasing an IPOD which can be used to download educational information. There are programmable calculators that help with complex math problems. There is also the new IPAD that stores books and provides access to the internet. All of these technologies are converging to provide a wealth of knowledge for everyone.

The potential for independent learning opportunities is growing each year. You can be successful when you go back to school by pursuing knowledge with other friends. Make a commitment to forming a study group. You can meet in person or over the telephone. Hand out assignments by way of email. Each person must answer the assignment questions. Then set a time to meet in person or over the telephone. A group that starts out with a strong effort by everyone will have a greater chance of lasting until the end of the course.

Students who want to have success on every test must be prepared. Too many students who are in high school have a habit of waiting until the last minute to study. Students need better organization and a time management schedule to plan study time for every test. If you have a schedule you can study two or three days prior to your examination. You can surprise your instructor when your grades jump from a “B” to an “A+.” Improving your grades will give you greater confidence on other tests that you encounter. It’s time to get ready for an inspiring school year full of outstanding accomplishments. Dr Stephen Jones is a national keynote speaker, education coach and author of Seven Secrets of How to Study, Parent's Ultimate Education Guide and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide at www.studyskills2u.com

[Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro]

I agree completely. I've encouraged students to identify what they think will be their most difficult course early in the summer and attempt to get the course syllabus and textbook. Develop a preliminary understanding of the material before school even starts so that the semester can be more productive, enjoyable, fun and less frustrating... I don't think that many follow the advice... but I still believe it is sound advice. Ron