In fact, it is much more likely that the reason is simply that their study habits are better than yours. Here are 9 helpful academic study habits practised by successful students:
1. Draw a Time Table
This seems like a common habit but the reality is that it is not so much; It is precisely the best students who never fail to plan their future success. If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have before you, a balanced study schedule will give you the extra motivation you need, helping you focus on one piece of the puzzle each time to progress slowly in its construction.
2. Take a Break at Intervals
Surprised that one of the recommended study habits is to interrupt your study routine? Many students only practice the study technique that consists of content cramming shortly before the examination. However, it is scientifically proven that our ability to learn and retain information decreases in direct proportion to the time we spend in front of books. Therefore, if you want to maximise the use of your time, it is advisable that you divide your learning schedule while resting between different sessions:
3. Take Notes
As an advocate of learning, that is, it is important that take done notes when studying. Research has proven that studying and writing goes a long way in helping the brain remember information when needed.
4. Sleep Properly
One of the major enemies of academic excellence among student who do not measure up to others in class is fatigue. The reason sleep is important is that when you rest properly; your brain assimilates what you have learned during the day. Therefore, the better you sleep, the more you learn. This habit of study is often overlooked by many students on the excuse that they are very busy. However, successful students recognise the importance of a good rest.
5. Ask Questions
Have you noticed that the most successful students in class always have questions in during a class? Instead of sitting passively listening to what the teacher says, they engage in the learning experience through questions and doubts. This does not mean that you should always be interrupting the lesson unnecessarily; Questions can also be asked after class, through a study group, etc. Remember: Never stop questioning the why of things; A great question for a small world!
6. Analyse Failures
If you really want to incorporate the best study habits into your routine, you should start right now. Look back, towards your last exams, and review where you had lower grades and why until you understand everything perfectly. Regardless of whether we are talking about a final exam, a simple class exercise or an online test, successful students always analyse their failures.
7. Improve Your Vocabulary
Academic writing is very formal and concise in style and uses a formal vocabulary. According to MHR Writer, “Academic writing should be void of bad grammar, bad style, and poor organisation”. These features can severely obstruct anyone’s academic and professional success. The formal structure that should be used helps to ensure that an academic argument is being supported. Successful students understand this and as such devote time in improving their vocabulary using helpful means and method. Better students structure their work using proper grammar; sentences and vocabulary give an insight as to why they produce a coherent academic argument.
8. Simulate Test Conditions
One of the main ways to make sure we get the desired result in our exams is to do tests and simulations that resemble the actual exam. This means that you must separate from your books, set up a time factor, etc. In this sense, online tests are the ideal resource for preparing test type tests.
9. Apply Knowledge to Real Problems
Successful students know that learning is not about passing tests and getting good grades, but understanding concepts and discovering how you can use them to solve real problems. Problem-based learning is a method that emphasises precisely this aspect, so it is usually among the most commonly used by the best students. The best way to become a top student is to try out different techniques and find out which ones best suit you. Featured photo credit: iacpublishinglabs.com via aos.iacpublishinglabs.com