Create and Write Down Realistic Study Goals

If your goal is too big to achieve, then you might be setting yourself up for failure and this will also not help motivate you to study and accomplish your goals.

Once you know your learning style, do a self-assessment of your current study habits and your current grades. Here are some questions to ask yourself that will help you create realistic goals and come up with a a plan for good study habits.

• ·        When do you usually study and for how long?

• ·        Do you find that it is effective?

• ·        Are you happy with your grades?

• ·        What subjects do you need to focus on or are having difficulty with?

• ·        What grades do you need to have in order to pass?

• ·        What are your personal commitments and priorities?

After answering and reflecting on these questions, you’ll be able to see what areas you need to put a little more focus on.

Make Study Time a Part of Your Daily Routine

If cramming all of your study time into a few long days isn’t working for you then it’s time to try something new (and way less stressful). Make time for studying every single day, with or without exams coming up.

Remember that consistency is key and once you start getting into good study habits, it will become a routine and that you will be able to maintain throughout the school year.

Check your schedule for the week or month, and consider your personal commitments: chores, must-attend activities and appointments. By looking at your calendar, and setting up your priorities, you will be able to schedule your study sessions for the month. All you need to do now is to stay committed to your new study schedule.

When placing your study sections on your calendar, choose blocks of time during the day when you are at your peak performance. Some people work best in the mornings, and others, at night. If you’re unsure when you work best, try studying at different times of the day to see which suits you and your body clock best.

Once you have found which block of time works best for you and scheduled it in, be aware that you can always add in additional time to study by waking up an extra hour early to review your notes, or if you work better at nights, go to bed an extra hour later.

Make sure you build flexibility into your schedule. Your calendar and schedule will change because of unforeseen events. Be ready to plan around some things that come your way and still make time to study.

  Create a Daily Study Timetable

Make sure you track your grades along with your study hours and lesson notes to see if your new studying techniques are helping.

If you find that it is not helpful, then it’s time to re-prioritize your schedule to fit in more time for studying and re-examine your goals for success.

Remember that throughout school, work and life, you will always need to be learning something.

When you have set up the proper studying techniques and note-taking skills, you are giving yourself one of the greatest gifts possible, the ability to learn.

Get the most out of your study habit by making it a part of your morning routine!

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