Instead of thinking to yourself, “I’m a failure and I’m just not a good student,” tell yourself, “With a little effort, I can and will do better!” You could also try saying your name and “you” instead of “I. " Say to yourself, “Sam, you can do this! If you stay focused on your work, you can achieve your goals!” Pumping yourself up like this can be a more powerful motivator. [2] X Research source
Asking and answering questions instead of dozing off will show your teacher that you care about school. You’ll improve your participation grade, and they might be more responsive if you ask for extra help. If you’re naturally shy, it might be tough to participate in class. Take a breath, relax, and do your best not to worry about what other people think. If it helps you stay on track, try writing down questions you could ask in class in advance.
For instance, if your history teacher was talking about the House of Lancaster, then moves on to the House of York, start a new section in your notes. Use stars, Roman numerals, or any outline system that works for you. Handwriting notes instead of typing will help you absorb information better. After class or during a free period, compare notes with a friend to make sure you didn’t miss any key details.
You could also see if your school offers a peer tutoring program. If all else fails, try talking to your parents about getting a private tutor.
Some people focus better when they listen to music. If it helps you sink into your studies, try putting on some classical or instrumental tunes.
Try to schedule regular breaks between assignments or sections instead of just getting up in the middle of doing a homework problem.
Highlighting or underlining as you read isn’t a very effective technique. It’s one thing to only highlight a section’s thesis, or its one major argument. However, coloring a bunch of text throughout the section won’t help you retain information. Instead, try flash cards. Studies prove that flash cards are more effective than any other technique of memorizing.
Ask 3 or 4 classmates to set up a group study time after school, on the weekends, or during a free period.
If you have a big game the day after a term paper is due, you can break up the assignment into smaller chunks. Work on outlines and drafts in the weeks prior to the due date. If you don’t use a planner and lose track of time, trying to prepare for the game and finish your paper in the same week might get overwhelming.
Suppose you have 3 tests on Friday. Cramming on Thursday night would set yourself up for failure. Instead, break up the test material into sections, and give yourself plenty of time during the week to study one section at a time. [13] X Research source
For instance, your teacher might assign something on Tuesday that’s not due until Friday. Putting it off until the night before will give you a homework-free night on Wednesday. However, you also have a test on Friday, so doubling up your workload Thursday night isn’t worth it.
Breakfast is especially important, so have a bowl of fortified cereal or a cup of Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts before school.
If necessary, you could catch some extra shuteye on the weekends, but do your best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Walking and running also help spur creativity. If you’re trying to come up with a good essay topic, mull it over while you go for a walk.
