New year, new scholastic goal-setting opportunities

A-day students of Mrs. Buckert’s 10th grade Magnet World Lit Bundle jump back into their studies by continuing to read their books in class.

Anabel Prince

A-day students of Mrs. Buckert’s 10th grade Magnet World Lit Bundle jump back into their studies by continuing to read their books in class.

Alicia Bush, Editor-in-Chief

With the start of a New Year and semester, students crave improvement in their academics. Though they possess the determination, some pupils need help reconstructing their study habits. But the following tips can provide wisdom on how to make a scholastic comeback.

Minimize your daily television time. By cutting down screen time, you create more time for studying and less time for distractions. The average high school student needs 2-3 hours for homework and at least 6 hours of sleep. To keep these schedules from colliding, cast the remote control aside. But remember: along with the New Year emerges several returning TV series. If you must watch a certain show, prepare in advance and schedule it in.

Dedicate one day to attending a tutoring session. During the first day, teachers usually notify students about the days designated for extra help. Choose which one accommodates you, and attend regularly. Do not wait until the material becomes difficult. Start early, and you will never fall behind. Plus, teachers appreciate students who excel beyond the norm.

Always complete the homework. Though some teachers may not collect homework, they can still determine which students make an attempt. Those students ask questions and can articulate where their confusion lies. The homework provides extra practice, so finish it. Your quiz grades will improve significantly.

Do not sit beside your friends. Sitting by friends encourages dialogue at inappropriate times and distracts you from the lesson.  Choose a seat in the front row or next to someone who performs well in the course. These individuals will help you keep focus.

Keep your notes tidy.  Notes include the unit’s most important material, so you must keep them neat and organized. Place them in specialized folders, and use captivating colors and diagrams. If your handwriting looks unpleasant, type them at home. No one wants to study using notes they cannot understand.

Write down your goals.  When you document these goals on paper, the vision becomes more tangible.  Everything becomes real on paper.

By following these tips and remaining consistent, your study habits should improve significantly. Have confidence, hold yourself accountable, and do well.