Insights: School Success Tips

Another school year is starting, which brings another opportunity for students to improve and succeed academically. Here are some tips for students who could use some guidance to help them do their best work in the coming year. 

Most of the recommendations for school success are common-sense advice or a repeat of advice students have already heard. Nonetheless, share them with your child. He or she may hear something that will make a difference in their success during this new school year. 

Practical tips for students

The following list from writer, speaker and student coach Daniel Wong is from “40 Ways to Be Successful in School: Practical Tips for Students.” This partial list of recommended systems can help pave the way for all students to be more successful. “I’ve come to realize that successful students aren’t more intelligent than other students. They are just more disciplined and focused, and they have developed winning habits,” he said. 

This list is aimed at older students, but parents can use many of the tips to help guide younger students as they develop good school habits. Find the complete list at www.daniel-wong.com/2018/01/30/be-successful-in-school.

1. Rely on systems, not motivation. Successful students rely on systems to ensure that they get the work done, even when they don’t feel like it.

2. Review any new information you’ve learned on the same day. This daily review won’t take long to complete, but it’s a vital step that ensures you stay on top of the material.

3. Write everything down. This includes homework, test dates, project deadlines, etc. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to remember. 

4. Keep a weekly schedule in a planner. Include school, activities, family events and detailed homework plans.

5. Eliminate distractions, especially digital distractions. Don’t depend on willpower. Here are tips to minimize disruptions from mobile devices: 
•	Turn off notifications on your phone/tablet.
•	Delete all the apps that distract you.
•	Put your phone/tablet in another room before you start work.
•	Set a really, really long password to unlock your phone/tablet.
•	Restrict your Internet access.
•	Have only one tab open in your browser at any one time.

6. Don’t multitask. There’s no such thing as multitasking, just switching between tasks. Focus on one subject at a time. 

7. Cultivate the belief that intelligence isn’t fixed. Research has proven that students who believe that they can become smarter actually become smarter. Belief is powerful. Intelligence can be developed over time.

8. Work in short blocks of time. Most students can’t maintain a high level of focus for more than 45 minutes. Study blocks should be 30-45-minutes, followed by a 5-10 minute break.

9. Exercise regularly. Physical activity promotes memory and concentration. Schedule regular exercise each week for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

10. Be organized. Avoid wasting time looking for lost items and forgetting tasks. Here are tips to be more organized: 
•	Set a daily reminder for homework assignments.
•	Set reminders for tests preparation.
•	Use a planner or Google Calendar.
•	Clear your desk at the end of every day.

11. Break big tasks into smaller ones. Big tasks can seem overwhelming, which can lead to procrastination. Break each assignment into smaller chunks: read, research, outline, write. 

12. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Research shows that sleep boosts memory and enhances learning. Go to bed at roughly the same time every day. 

13. Create an effective studying environment.
•	Keep your desk neat. 
•	Ensure that you have necessary supplies. 
•	Have adequate light. 
•	Use ear plugs to block out noise if necessary.
•	Get a comfortable chair.

14. Take notes during class. Notetaking helps you to pay attention and to learn the concepts. If you aren’t sure how to take notes, ask your teacher for help. 

15. Ask lots of questions. Ask your friends and teachers questions for clarification and to help you stay engaged. 

16. Eat a healthy diet. Research shows that the better your nutrition, the better your brain function.

17. Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated. Avoid sugary beverages and too much caffeine. 

18. Take a few minutes to prepare for each class. Every night, think about your classes the following day. Briefly review your notes and materials, so you will be prepared. This process won’t take long, but it will pay off in the long run.