If you’re having trouble staying interested in school and being motivated on your own, look for a study group of students in your year. [2] X Research source A study group will help keep you motivated by providing socialization and letting you work with other motivated individuals.
Ask your parents to buy you one folder or binder per subject. That way, you can always place papers and assignments in the correct folder that corresponds to the subject. Rather than shoving materials from multiple classes into your backpack, organize the materials into a separate subject. Also, avoid letting old papers pile up in your desk or backpack, pull everything out regularly to make sure you haven’t missed an assignment or handout.
See if your school provides an agenda book or a day planner. A day planner is a great way to keep track of multiple obligations, including classes, after-school activities, and social plans. [5] X Research source
The required textbook and reading materials (handouts etc. ). A couple of functioning pens and pencils. A notebook with blank paper. Any class-specific items: for example, a calculator for math class.
To begin participating, see if you can answer a question posed by the teacher or another student. If you’re unclear about something covered in class, don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions. This will help you learn, and chances are that if you’re confused about a topic, other students are confused also.
Taking effective notes will also help you study better; you’ll be able to review the material from class without having to guess what the teacher lectured on, and you won’t have to struggle to remember important class points. Keep your notes organized. Have a separate folder or notebook section for every class—that way, you won’t mix together notes from different subjects. [9] X Research source
Although it can be tempting to socialize during class, it’s not worth missing the material you’d otherwise learn. Save the socialization for lunch break and after school, and stay focused and attentive in the classroom.
Make sure that your study area is consistent. [12] X Research source You’ll be distracted by new sounds and sights if you study in your bedroom one night, in the kitchen the next, and in the basement the next. Pick a location away from distractions.
For example, do your homework on weekdays after school from 5:00 to 7:00, and then another hour after dinner from 8:00 to 9:00.
Flashcards are a great way to learn tricky material. Write a problem or question on the front of the card and the answer on the opposite side. Flip through the cards to learn the material—this can be especially effective before tests. [15] X Research source Be aware that some facts—such as periodic elements, will simply have to be memorized. [16] X Research source To aid in this process, try coming up with an acrostic or other memory-aid systems. Reading ahead in advance is often helpful if you don’t want to be overwhelmed with the new concepts and information being given to you on the next lecture. Skim the chapter before class to get an idea of what you’ll be covering.
