Be on time for class so your teacher sees that you’re taking school seriously. It’s important to stay home if you’re ill. Contact your teacher to get your assignments and ask a classmate for a copy of their notes. Additionally, do any assignments that you miss.
For instance, always have a writing utensil, something to write on, and your text. If your school allows electronics, bring your laptop or tablet for note taking. If you can’t afford your class materials, that’s okay! Talk to your teacher to find out how you can get help getting the supplies you need to be successful.
Reading the text ahead of time also allows you to figure out what you don’t understand so you can ask questions in class.
As an example, you might write, “The weather seems to represent the main character’s mood,” or “The two generals could have won the battle if they’d worked together instead of against each other. ” It’s also helpful to write down questions that you want to ask. For instance, you might plan to ask, “Is the star in this story a symbol? What does it symbolize?”
It’s best to ask questions during class. You might even be helping your classmates who have the same question. If you’re too shy to ask, stay for a few minutes after class, talk to your teacher after school, or send your teacher an email.
As an example, write down important names, dates, and concepts in history class. When studying literature, take notes about topics like theme and literary devices that the author uses, such as symbolism or metaphor. Your teacher will likely pull a lot of their test questions from the class discussion, so good notes can help you ace your exams.
For instance, you might set aside 30 minutes before school and 1 hour every evening after dinner. You might have days when you have less homework. Use these days to review your notes, make flashcards, or start preparing for a test.
For instance, place writing utensils and paper in your workspace so you always have them.
This will help you absorb the material better so that you can remember it for your exams. Additionally, it’ll help you avoid getting behind when you’re having a busy week.
Start working on your assignment as soon as you get it instead of waiting until right before it’s due. For instance, let’s say your teacher assigns a research paper that’s due in 3 weeks. You might pick your topic on the day you get the assignment. Then, spend 2-3 days doing initial research before writing your thesis statement. Next, you could give yourself a week to do more research and write a first draft, then another week to do revisions. This leaves you 2-3 days to proofread and finalize your paper. As another example, let’s say you have a week to build a molecule for science class. You might spend the first day researching the molecule you plan to build. On day 2, you might sketch the molecule and buy your supplies. Then, you could build the model over the next 5 days.
You can buy a planner or make your own.
If you work on different computers, use a flash drive or Google Drive to make it easier to access your files from any computer. Don’t throw away your classwork until the end of the year. Instead, leave your work in your class folder or in a folder that you keep at home. This way you can go back and study it if you need to do so.
Sometimes you might have a legitimate excuse for being late, such as a major illness. If this happens, talk to your teacher before the assignment is due so you can get an extension. This way you can still get full credit for your work.
Stay on task during your study group sessions. Don’t talk about anything other than your school work. Spending time with other aspiring achievers can motivate you to do your best. [19] X Expert Source Ted Coopersmith, MBAAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 12 May 2021.
It’s likely that the information you’re going to learn next will build on what you’re learning now, so it’s essential that you understand. Your teacher is there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
For instance, you might run for student body president, secretary, or treasurer. If you aren’t elected, don’t despair! You can still participate in student council, typically as a student body member. Talk to a member of student council or the faculty adviser to find out more information.
As an example, you might join the art club if you enjoy making art or the Spanish club if you’re interested in learning Spanish or participating in cultural events.
You could play one or more sports, depending on your interests. If you like sports but don’t want to play, ask about being a team manager or athletic trainer so you can still be part of the team.
