Whether
you're a freshman or a senior, developing the
following ten skills will help you achieve
success in school, in your chosen career, and in
life.
1. Time
Management - You know the deal: There are
just 24 hours in each day. What you do with that
time makes all the difference. While high-school
students average 35 hours per week of class
time, college students log an average of 15 to
18 hours per week.
Getting your
"free" time under control now will help prepare
you for managing that extra 20 hours a week come
freshman year of college -- when you'll need to
study and want to socialize more than ever.
If you don't
already, start using a daily planner. This could
be a datebook you keep in your bag, an online
version you maintain at home, or both. It's easy
to over-schedule or "double-book" if we aren't
careful. Manage your time wisely and you'll get
the maximum out of each day.
2. Good
Study Habits - If you've got them, great. If
not û well, there's still time to develop them.
Good study habits include these basics:
-
Always be
prepared for class, and attend classes
regularly. No cutting!
-
Complete
assignments thoroughly and in a timely
manner.
-
Review
your notes daily rather than cram for tests
the night before.
Set aside quiet time each day for study --
even if you don't have homework or a test
the next day!
3. The
Ability to Set Attainable Goals - It's
important to set goals, as long as they are
attainable. Setting goals that are unreasonably
high is a set-up -- you'll be doomed to
frustration and disappointment.
4.
Concentration - Listen to your teacher and
stay focused. Be sure that you understand the
lesson. If you don't understand something,
ask questions! You've heard it before, but
"the only dumb question is the one you don't
ask" is absolutely true. If you've been paying
attention, it definitely won't be a dumb
question.
5. Good
Note-Taking - You can't possibly write down
everything the teacher says since we talk at a
rate of about 225 words per minute. But, you do
need to write down the important material.
Be sure to
validate yourself after a test by going back
over your notes to see if your notes contained
the answers to questions asked on the test. If
not, you need to ask to see a classmate's notes
or check with the teacher for help on improving
your note-taking.
Studying with
a partner is also a good idea, provided that you
study and don't turn it into a talk-fest
(there's time for that later). Note-taking
should be in a form that's most helpful to you.
If you're more of a visual person, try writing
notes on different colored index cards. Music
can also be a good memory aid as long as you
don't find it distracting. Re-writing your notes
daily is another strategy. If you really have a
problem with note-taking, you might ask your
teacher if you can tape-record daily lessons. Do
whatever it takes!
6.
Completion of Assignments - Teachers assign
homework for a reason. While it may seem like
"busywork" at times, it definitely has a
purpose. Put your homework to good use.
Remember, you'll only get out of it what you put
into it!
7. Review
of Daily Notes - Don't wait until the night
before the test to review your notes. Go over
your notes each day while the lecture is still
fresh in your mind. Add any missing pieces.
Compare your notes with a classmate's notes.
This isn't cheating -- it may even be mutually
beneficial. Review your notes each day to
reinforce your learning and build towards your
ultimate goal: MASTERY of the subject or skill.
8.
Organizational Skills - Keeping yourself
organized will save you valuable time and allow
you to do everything you need to do. Remember:
"A place for everything and everything in its
place." Keep all your study materials
(calculator, planner, books, notebooks, laptop,
etc.) in one convenient location.
9.
Motivation - You need to be motivated to
learn and work hard, whether or not you like a
specific subject or teacher. Self-motivation can
be extremely important when you aren't
particularly excited about a class. If you must,
view it as an obstacle you must overcome. Then,
set your mind to it and do it -- no excuses.
Success is up to you!
10.
Commitment - You've started the course, now
you need to complete it. Do the best -- and get
the most out of it -- that you can! Your
commitment will pay off in the end.
Top
Ten Skills for High-School Students