What Can I Do if I Want to Improve My Study Skills?

Improving your study skills is often about getting organized. If you can follow these simple guidelines, you should see an improvement in your grades. When you are well organized, you may find it takes you less time too.

  • Select a spot at home with the least amount of disruption, with good lighting and where you can concentrate on what you’re doing.
  • Decide on a homework schedule – when you will do your homework each night and what you will cover. Schedule in breaks if you have a lot of study to do. Try it for one week. If it works, stick to it; if it doesn’t, change it and test again.
  • Use your time wisely and make study a priority. In other words, study when it’s time to study so you can play and relax when it’s time to play and relax. It is okay to change your schedule if something else comes up when you are meant to be working, but try not to just cancel your study time, do it earlier, so you can have fun later.
  • You will find it much easier to get ready for a test if you review the work you did in school when you get home.
  • It is very important to keep your school work neat, complete and well organized. Take a close look at the notes you keep. Good notes are very important and very helpful. Organize them after class when the information is still fresh; review them the same evening; and refer back to them when it’s time to start studying for tests.
  • You can also read material before it is presented in class. This will help you prepare for class. You can then ask questions about anything you didn’t understand.
  • Prepare for tests and exams in advance, not just the night before.
    • Start by reviewing your notes.
    • Set up your study schedule from the time your teacher tells you there will be a test.
    • Ask your teacher for tips on what to cover.
    • Make sure you find out what sort of test to expect – essay, questions, true/false, multiple choice, oral, etc.
  • Studying is a skill you can develop – something you have to learn how to do, so don’t be discouraged if it isn’t always easy.