Try putting color-coded pocket folders inside the binder to keep track of papers that don’t have holes punched in them. For instance, you might use a blue divider, folder, and notebook for math. Any time you get a piece of paper for class, put it in your binder right away. That will help keep you from having a lot of loose, crinkled paper to sort through at the end of each day. Figure out the organization method that works for you—you might want to have a section in your binder for graded papers and one for assignments that are ready to turn in, for instance. [1] X Research source
For instance, you might have a parent folder labeled “Biology,” then within that folder, you might include sub-folders like, “Class Notes” “Homework,” “Research Paper,” and “Handouts. " Consider using a service like Google Drive or iCloud to store your files online (or on the cloud). That way, you won’t lose your files if your computer crashes.
If your notebooks and folders are color-coded, consider using the same color pens to write down your assignments. For instance, you might write all of your math assignments in blue and all of your English assignments in red. Include other activities in your planner as well. That way, it will be easy for you to see which days you’ll be busiest, so you’ll know how to plan your studying for each week. [3] X Research source
Your school might provide an online assignment manager that you can use, as well. When you’re trying to decide between a paper or digital planner, think about which one you’re likely to check the most often. For instance, if you already have a paper planner but you forget to look at it most days, you might do better with an app you can put on your phone.
For instance, if you have a big paper due for Lit class, you might set a reminder for 1 week before the due date so you won’t forget to work on your final draft, as well as a reminder for the morning it’s due so you don’t forget to bring it to class. Your online planner may be able to notify you about your assignments, so check out the settings!
If your teacher mentions a new assignment, write the due date in your planner immediately. Writing the date on your paper will help you keep your notes organized, and it can be helpful if you’re trying to recall something specific while you’re studying.
Try using a highlighter to call attention to anything you think is especially important. Rewriting things in your own words may help you learn, understand, and memorize the material better!
When you’re studying for a test, first read the bottom horizontal box, and then go up to the other 2 boxes if you need more information. The Cornell note-taking method might be the right note-taking method for you if you’re studying something like History that has a lot of key points and specific details.
If you feel yourself often getting bored taking notes, try Mind Mapping since it’s more creative! Mind Mapping can be effective for subjects like Literature, where 1 main subject (i. e. a book) has several important features (i. e. characters, themes, plot points, etc).
As you’re planning your schedule, think about when you tend to be most productive—are you full of energy after school, or do you prefer to have a little downtime when you get home, then do your homework after dinner? If you’re learning remotely, think about the times of day you tend to work best and plan your difficult subjects for that time period. Save your easiest subjects for times when you might tend to drag a little more.
It’s a good idea to turn off notifications on your phone and tablet during your study time. That way, you won’t be distracted by text messages or social media mentions. Some people study best in complete silence, but other people do better with a little background music or white noise. Experiment to find what works for you. If you start getting distracted while you’re studying, get up and take a 10-15 minute break, then come back to your work.
For instance, if you have to write a 3-page paper in a week, you might schedule one day for doing research, one for filling out a detailed outline, one for writing a first draft, and two days for revisions. That will still leave you a couple of days of free time in case you fall behind or have other things you need to work on. Working a little bit each day on your project will help the workload feel smaller. It will also give you more time to relax at the end of the day.
This is a good time to rewrite your notes if they’re a little messy.
You can even lay out your outfit for the next day! That way, all you’ll have to worry about in the morning is getting up, brushing your teeth, and eating breakfast. If there’s anything important you need to remember for the next day, try putting a sticky note somewhere you’ll be sure to see it, like on your bathroom mirror, lunchbox, or door.
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to organize your supplies—the important thing is that you consistently put your things in the same place so you’ll always know where they are. Try keeping your pens, pencils, and colored pencils in a pencil case, for instance, and keep your extra papers and notebooks in a desk drawer at home. Even if you want to rush out of class when the bell rings, it will be a lot easier to find your stuff later if you take a few seconds to put everything away neatly.
Being unprepared for class can not only distract you, but your classmates as well, especially if you have to ask them for supplies. It can also detract from your participation grade.
Don’t throw away old assignments and tests, even after they’re graded—they might be helpful when you’re trying to study for final exams. If you study in an area that’s also used for other things, like your family’s dining table, try keeping your papers and books stacked in a bin when you’re not using them.
