STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN STUDIES

  Success is a science. A student can attain success by applying that science in his studies. Following strategies for success could be very powerful in attaining Straight A's in your exams.

Strategy for Effective Listening:

1: Concentrate on what is being said. Don’t allow noise to distract you.

2: When you require clarification, ask question.

3: Recognize the feelings and style of the speaker.

4: Be aware of the implied meanings and ideas.

5: Note main ideas and summarize key points.

6: Have an open mind and be sensitive to the speaker’s point of view.

Strategy for Taking Notes:

1: Write your own notes in your own words rather than the teacher’s.

2: Listen for important facts and ideas; do not try to get down every word.

3: Date your notes and, if you use loose-leaf notes, number all pages. At the end of the term or semester you will be glad you did.

4: Keep your notes neat. It is discouraging to have to study from sloppy note-book.

5: Organize your notes as soon as possible after taking them.

6: Keep all notes on one subject together.

Strategy for Retaining What You Have Learned:

1: Each day briefly review what you have learned. In addition, conduct a weekly review of each subject.

2: After reading a chapter in a textbook, listening to lecture, or following a discussion, make a summary of it. You will discover that summarizing is an effective aid to retention.

3: As soon as often as possible try to apply what you have learned.

5: Get into the habit of reading books and articles related to what you are studying even if such reading is not required.

Strategy for Deciding When to Study:

1: Prepare a timetable that clearly indicates when you will study and when you will be occupied with other regular commitments or recreational activities.

2: Adjust your timetable until it is just right for a particular semester or school year. Setting unrealistic goal will only discourage you.

3: When doing your work, divide lengthy or difficult assignments into short, manageable units.

4: After completing a unit, use a short break to reward yourself. If you sit at your desk hour after hours, your mind will start to wander.

5: If certain facts or details must be memorized, do not try to memorize all of them at one time.

6: When you have completed the rough copy for a written assignment, wait a day before you edit and start with the final draft.

Strategy for Choosing a Place to Study: 

1: As much as possible, do your studying in one particular place.

2: Make sure that your place of study has good lighting. Using a bright desk light in an otherwise darker room will tire your eyes.

3: Keep the top of your desk uncluttered.

4: Eliminating distracting noises such as the sound of radio or television. A low, regular background noise may help you to concentrate.

Strategy for doing Homework and home study: 

1: Homework is an extension of the work done at school. Its purpose is to apply and reinforcement what you are learning. Make it a habit to do homework every school day.

2: Home study broadens your horizons beyond your studies, courses or assignments. If you have no homework, or if you have time left after your homework is done, research a topic of your own choice for your personal enrichment. Home study gives you an opportunity to excel.