Studying is one of the most influential things you can do in your high school career. Studying helps with your grades, improves your self-confidence and can help set good habits for your next life steps. However, studying is not talked about enough. Learning how to study takes lots of time and practice, but if done right, it can be super beneficial. Here are 5 tips from high school students, teachers, and online resources to help you improve your studying, and achieve better grades.
Our first study tip: picking the right environment. When you think of studying, do you think of a busy coffee shop? Or maybe a quiet library? Some people prefer to stay in a loud environment, whereas some prefer to stay somewhere quiet. The question on the minds of high school students was “does your environment have an active factor in how you can study?” When Evie Horgan was to describe her study space she said, “A room away from the rest of my family. I can focus more on my work.” Studying away from active distractions helps you focus more on your material, and makes sure that you are not getting distracted. However, you will never find your ideal study space unless you try different environments. Some spaces to try are libraries, coffee shops, or outside.
Does listening to music really help? This is totally dependent on one’s ability to multi-task. Some say that music can be too distracting due to the words or the type of music. We asked high school students if they believe that music can aid in studying. According to Kennedy Standford, “Yes, but it has to be piano music with no lyrics. Because if there are lyrics then I begin to sing the song and I get nothing done.” Does music just help some people, or is it widely effective for all? According to the UMGC, “The right choice of music, such as instrumental or ambient music, can help block out distractions, improve concentration, and maintain attention during study sessions.” Our second tip: try out different types of music while studying.
Do teachers agree that studying is important? And if so, can a teacher tell when a student does not study? According to Mrs. Charity Miller, reviewing materials before a test can be extremely helpful to students. When asked if she can tell when a student does or doesn’t study Miller responded with a firm yes. For many high school students, studying helps with their confidence in the material. Studying can be enjoyable if done correctly, it doesn’t have to be just flash cards. Our third study tip: study, because teachers can tell when you don’t.
Studying can be made enjoyable; it no longer has to be a dreadful thing. Try studying with friends, but make sure you have an agreement to stay productive. Through experience, I have found that studying with friends can help pass the time. My favorite place to study is Starbucks or any local coffee shop where I can get coffee and work. I learned to study in coffee shops from friends, along with many other tips. One of the best parts about studying is the ability to customize it. You are able to experiment with different study habits and use what works for you. The fourth studying tip: try out coffee shops and studying with friends.
One of the worst things is when you realize that you have weeks of homework due in a few days. Procrastination is a very real thing and something that is a hard habit to break. Breaking this habit can be hard, but it is possible. Enforcing strong study habits, building strong study habits, and keeping track of due dates. Holding yourself accountable to get your work done is something that will stay important, even after high school. Fifth studying tip: become aware of procrastination and do things to combat it.
Studying is universally helpful, and is a great habit to build. Joining study groups and finding things that help you study is a great way to build strong habits. Although these habits can be hard to develop, they will be beneficial for years to come.
