In our fast-paced world, learning effectively is essential for academic success and personal growth. As a student navigating your studies, understanding your learning style and what strategies work for you makes all the difference.
A lot of students find themselves juggling school, sports, clubs, and jobs, which can feel overwhelming at times. But those extra activities can help you grow and learn new things beyond just what's in the classroom. That's why it's super important to create study habits that give you enough time to handle everything you’re juggling.
“My best habit is to just get it over with so I have time for everything else,” junior Rory Brady said. “I also love to use personal planners and to-do lists to keep myself on track and find at least an hour a week to set aside for homework.”
Other students find success in changing up their surroundings and using time-based techniques like blocking off time for their work and giving themselves structured breaks.
“I tend to procrastinate frequently,” senior Casey Collier said. “Changing up your setting on where you do your homework, like going to a Starbucks or public library, really helps to set a different mood to be productive. I also use the Pomodoro technique because it times how long you work on a task and gives you a break and then repeats.”
Even with student's work in and out of the classroom, they can’t properly flourish without the presence of an involved teacher who motivates them to commit to their goals.
“Exploring the world helps gain perspective,” English IV and journalism teacher Flor Urbina said. “As teachers and counselors, we introduce students to broader experiences through literature, films and college tours. Exposure to new opportunities can spark motivation. How students maintain that motivation varies, but many use goal charts or vision boards to keep their aspirations visible and stay on track.”
Learning in the classroom is as successful as participating in the activities of both the teacher and the student. Believe it or not, teachers are the biggest advocates for your education and do their best to see you succeed.
“In the classroom, your focus is the most important,” Urbina said. As teachers, we plan our lessons with you in mind. Give us the attention and you will gain something greater in return. The biggest challenge students face is not believing in themselves and being afraid to fail, but what they don’t realize is that failing helps us perfect our craft.”
Nothing holds a student back more than academic burnout. This occurs when you keep pushing yourself and don’t balance your work with the rest of your life.
“Physical and mental well-being are so important regarding school work. If you're not feeling your best, your academics will reflect that,” Brady said. “To get out of a burnout and keep myself motivated, I just keep reminding myself that this will all pay off whenever I get into my dream college.”
In the classroom, we can observe our peers' performance and determine whether they serve as examples or not. We can also do our best to inspire and uplift them in their learning.
“Try asking more questions,” Collier said. “It’s never bad to ask questions, and there are no bad questions if you are genuinely interested in the subject matter.”
In the end, we all have the chance to be great learners. It just depends on your mindset and the approach you take to your education.