12 SIMPLE THINGS THAT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
1. AVOID DISTRACTION AND CONCENTRATE IN THE CLASSROOM
There is plenty of time during break, at sport practice and after hours to hang out with your friends. Sit far away from distracting friends and remain alert in class.
2. IMPORTANCE OF A HOMEWORK BOOK AND CALENDAR
Avoid the last-minute panic. It saps your brain of energy. Ensure you know what is expected well ahead of time by taking careful notes in class, using a homework book.
3. COMPLETE ALL HOMEWORK ON THE DAY IT WAS ASSIGNED
Your short-term memory will lose 60%+ of information within 24 hours unless it is refreshed. Doing your homework the same day makes it easier to complete as the concepts are top-of-mind and it also helps you to consolidate your new knowledge.
4. THINK OF HOMEWORK AS STUDYING FOR TESTS & EXAMS
As you complete homework, identify potential test questions, and make summaries of formulae, key definitions, and lists of facts to remember as if the test is the next day.
5. KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Read the course outline. Look at the Table of Contents in your textbook. Get the high-level view of the subject and understand where each week’s work fits into it all.
6. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW
Do not waste time on what you already know. Identify your problem areas (marked as incorrect in class, homework exercises or tests) and spend 80% of your time on this.
7. AVOID HOMEWORK WHATSAPP GROUPS
Getting homework answers from classmates on your WhatsApp group is just copying. There is no learning and you are cheating your teacher as much as cheating yourself.
8. ACTIVE NOTE TAKING AND SUMMARISING
Research shows that the active writing of one’s own notes, rather than highlighting your textbook, is still the best way of studying and learning.
9. REMEMBER TO ASK AND KNOW WHO TO ASK
You will come across homework questions you cannot solve and forgotten about the next day. List them where you can make sure you have all questions addressed.
10. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Start doing old test papers well in advance. This reduces text anxiety as you know what to expect. It also helps you identify what you don’t know and where to focus your effort.
11. CLEAR SPACE FOR A CLEAR MIND
Your parent is right. A tidy room makes a difference!!! Well, it saves you time finding books and notes. More importantly, it allows you to feel in control of things. When you feel in control, it reduces stress. Your stress-free brain learns better.
12. START EARLY AND GET ALL THE HELP YOU CAN GET
Join a small, weekly online tutoring group to stay on top of new work, have your questions answered, difficult topics explained and early exam preparation guided.