How to Be a Better Student
Ever wondered why you just can't seem to reach your full academic
potential? It's likely that your brain isn't the cause but, rather, your lifestyle.
1.Set goals
Goals, both short and long-term, are a great way to measure your success. If you don’t have
goals in sight, you have nothing to achieve or strive for in your courses. If you set concrete
goals for yourself, it’s easier to become motivated and measure your success in those goals.
Make sure your goals are realistic! While you should challenge yourself, you shouldn’t set
yourself up for failure, either. Remember, you can always set higher goals once you’ve
achieved your first set.
2.Extracurricular activities
Try to create a life outside of academics, like participation in extracurricular activities, such
as intramural sports or college clubs. Contrary to popular belief, extracurricular activities
increase a student’s overall college experience, contribute to the learning process and aiding
in balancing scheduling skills.
3.Study buddies
Collaborating with other students is a great way to learn – as long as you’re sure to choose
students who you’ll stay on task with. Try finding various students in your class, rather than
friends you already have. It can expand your social group and you’re more likely to stay
focused on the school work. Students who form study groups with one another can often
learn more through learning by teaching. When students explain concepts to one another,
they are able to learn and absorb the information more easily. Inversely, students that may
need clarification on areas of study are able to ask peers in order to be able to better
understand the course materials.
4. Participation
Going to class is one thing but paying attention and participating in class is another. If you
listen to the lessons, questions are likely to arise. If they come up in class, ask! If you’re too
shy in a large class, wait and ask the professor after class or during office hours. It’s
important to know, however, that if you’ve got a question, it’s likely that other students have
the same question as well. Whatever you do, DO NOT wait until it comes time to study for
the exam!
Ananya Rajeev