Study Skills

  • Find your won quiet place at home to study where you can concentrate and maximize performance on your homework.
  • When studying, sit in a comfortable chair but not one that is TOO comfortable.
  • Don't do homework in front of the TV - it is too distracting. While you're at it, try to ignore the telephone - your friends can leave a message!
  • Quiet background music might help you stay focused while you are studying.
  • Study with a friend or a group of friends. Compare notes and ask each other questions.
  • Identify your learning style and study in a way that best matches the learning style.
  • Take short but frequent breaks, like a five minute break after twenty-five minutes of studying.
  • Try to relate what you are studying to things you already know to remember information more easily.
  • Start with the most difficult tasks or assignments, and then move on to the easier ones to focus maximum brain power on the hardest tasks.
  • The quality of your study time is much more important than the quantity of your study time.
  • Get into the habit of studying every day.
  • Try to determine your best study time and plan on studying at that time every day.
  • Think of homework as pratice, not work. You know that you don't get better at things like sports or music or cheerleading unless you practice. School is no different!
  • Plan on a fun activity for yourself as a reward for when you are DONE with your studying.
  • After each study session try to recall the main points and as many details as possible.
  • If you are not sure about something, ask a teacher, parent, or friend for help. Asking questions is one of the most effective ways we learn.
  • Plan to spend MORE time (not less time) on the subjects that are harder for you.
  • For each study period, decide what you want to accomplish and how long you will spend on each subject or assignment.
  • Break your workload down into manageable chunks and take your homework one step at a time.
  • Don't procrastinate (that's a big word that means putting things off). Give yourself plenty of time to get things done by planning ahead and sticking to a schedule.
  • Be aware of things that distract you or waste your time, and keep them to a minimum.