15 Habits of Highly Effective Students
Are you looking to improve your study habits and become a more effective student? It’s important to remember that studying smarter, not harder, is the key to success.
While some students may be able to breeze through school with minimal effort, the vast majority of successful students achieve their success by developing and applying effective study habits.
In this post, we will share with you the top 15 study habits that highly effective students employ, and how you can develop them too.stu
1. Don’t attempt to cram all your studying into one session
Have you ever found yourself staying up late at night trying to keep your eyelids open while studying? If so, it’s time for a change. Successful students typically space their work out over shorter periods of time and rarely try to cram all of their studying into just one or two sessions.
If you want to become a successful student, you need to learn to be consistent in your studies and to have regular, shorter, study periods.
2. Plan when you’re going to study
Successful students schedule specific times throughout the week when they are going to study — and then they stick with their schedule. Students who study sporadically and whimsically typically do not perform as well as students who have a set study schedule.study schedule.
Even if you’re all caught up with your studies, creating a weekly routine, where you set aside a period of time a few days a week, to review your courses will ensure you develop study habits that will enable you to succeed in your education long term.
3. Study at the same time
Not only is it important that you plan when you’re going to study, it’s important that you study at the same time each day.
By doing so, studying will become a regular part of your life, and you’ll be mentally and emotionally more prepared for each study session.
If you have to change your schedule from time to time due to unexpected events, that’s okay, but get back on your routine as soon as the event has passed.Read more on time management tips here
4. Each study time should have a specific goal
Simply Studying without direction is not effective. You need to know exactly what you need to accomplish during each study session.
Before you start studying, set a study session goal that supports your overall academic goal (i.e. memorize 30 vocabulary words in order to ace the vocabulary section on an upcoming French test.)
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5. Never procrastinate your planned study session
It’s very easy, and common, to put off your study session because of lack of interest in the subject, because you have other things you need to get done, or just because the assignment is hard.
Successful students DO NOT procrastinate studying. If you procrastinate your study session, your studying will become much less effective and you may not get everything accomplished that you need to. Procrastination also leads to rushing, and rushing is the number one cause of errors.
6. Start with the most difficult subject first
As your most difficult assignment or subject will require the most effort and mental energy, you should start with it first. Once you’ve completed the most difficult work, it will be much easier to complete the rest of your work.
Believe it or not, starting with the most difficult subject will greatly improve the effectiveness of your study sessions, and your academic performance.
7. Always review your notes before starting an assignment
Obviously, before you can review your notes you must first have notes to review. Always make sure to take good notes in class.
Before you start each study session, and before you start a particular assignment, review your notes thoroughly to make sure you know how to complete the assignment correctly.
Reviewing your notes before each study session will help you remember important subject matter learned during the day and make sure your studying is targeted and effective.
8. Eliminate distractions
One of the biggest obstacles to effective studying is distractions. Whether it’s the TV, your mobile phone, or just the quietness of your surroundings, distractions can prevent you from staying focused and retaining information.
To combat this, find a quiet and peaceful place to study where you won’t be disturbed For some, this may be a quiet corner of the library, while others may prefer a coffee shop with some background noise.
Whatever your preference, make sure you eliminate any distractions that may hinder your progress.
9. Use study groups effectively
Studying in groups can be an excellent way to improve your understanding of complex concepts.
Working together with others can help you to see things from different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
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However, it’s important to structure your study group effectively. Make sure everyone is prepared and has done the required readings and assignments.
Also, be sure to keep the discussion focused on the topic at hand and avoid getting sidetracked with unrelated issues.
10. Take effective notes
Taking notes is an essential part of effective studying. However, not all note-taking methods are created equal.
Make sure you’re taking notes that are clear, concise, and organized. Use headings, bullet points, and other formatting techniques to help you remember key points and ideas.
Review your notes regularly to reinforce your understanding of the material.
11. Use memory aids
Memory aids can be a useful tool for retaining information. They can take many forms, such as flashcards, acronyms, or mnemonic devices.
Find the memory aid that works best for you and use it to help you remember key concepts and facts.
12. Set goals
Setting clear goals can help you stay motivated and focused while studying.
Whether it’s completing a certain amount of reading or mastering a particular concept, setting achievable goals can help you to track your progress and stay on track.
13. Practice active learning
Active learning involves engaging with the material you’re studying, rather than just passively reading or listening.
This can include things like asking questions, making connections between ideas, and applying what you’ve learned to real-world situations.
Active learning can help you to retain information more effectively and develop a deeper understanding of the material.
14. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for academic success. When you’re well-rested, you’re more alert, focused, and better able to retain information. Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help you perform at your best.
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15. Review over the weekend
Finally, make sure you’re reviewing your notes and schoolwork regularly.
This will help you to reinforce your understanding of the material and stay on top of your coursework. Review your notes over the weekend to prepare for the upcoming week’s lessons.
We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.