5 Best Practices for Students to Ensure Academic Success [Part 2] #bloganuary

This is a continuation of my last blog on the above topic. So if you miss part 1 of this article please read it here before continuing.

In part 1 of this series, we discuss that being proactive and organized saves time and stress is the very first best practice to ensure academic success and getting enough sleep. Today we shall discuss the remaining three best practices.

Attending Classes and Never Missing a Class

Getting to class on time is an important part of academic success. However, it’s not always easy to finish assignments and get to class on time. Here are some tips for attending classes and being on time that can make all the difference:

1. Plan ahead. If you have an 8 a.m. class, set your alarm for 7 a.m. so that you can have time to get ready, eat breakfast and get to school on time.
2. Make a checklist of everything you need before leaving your apartment, such as books, laptop or cell phone charger.etc.
3. Be on time – While being on time may seem obvious, this is a habit that many students find difficult to establish. It is important to be aware of your schedule, as well as any events that may cause you to be late. Things like parties or even sleeping in can easily throw off a student’s schedule and make them late for class.
4.  Never miss class – Missing a single class can have a negative effect on your grade, because it means you have less opportunity to ask questions about the material or participate in discussions with other students. It is tempting to skip a day of school if you think you don’t need the information from a particular class, but it is better to go and learn what you need than stay home and try to figure it out later.

Take Note in Class

Taking notes in class is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the information that you need and that it’s staying with you. To keep your grades up and maintain good study habits, it’s important to make note-taking a priority. 

1. Take notes in class: Taking notes during lectures is the best way to stay engaged and retain information and material being presented. It also helps when studying for an exam because you can easily reference what was covered in each class period if you miss a class. There are many different ways to take notes — some people prefer writing in a notebook while others prefer typing on their laptops. The most important thing is that you are able to process and retain the information being presented. If your notes aren’t well organized or you don’t understand them later on, it will be more difficult to succeed in school.
2. Use different note-taking strategies: Try different methods of taking notes so you can figure out which style is most beneficial for you. Some students like to use outlines or mind maps as a way of organizing their thoughts and then filling in the details later on, while others prefer bullet points or short sentences as a way of taking notes. Some people prefer writing in color so that they can see different types of information at once when reviewing their notes. This can help them easily differentiate between key points and supporting details. Another option is to use symbols within your notes so that key points stand out from supporting details.Which ever strategy is suitable just ensure that you are taking notes.

Create a Plan for Doing Assignments

Creating a plan for doing assignments is essential to ensuring academic success. Plan your time wisely and focus on schoolwork instead of distractions. The key to academic success is organization. You’ll be able to spend more time studying if you have the tools you need: paper, pencils, a laptop with internet access and note cards. 

1. Do not procrastinate! Procrastinators never succeed in reaching their goals, whether it’s completing an assignment or graduating on time. Start working on an assignment as soon as possible after receiving it so that it doesn’t build up until it’s too late to turn it in on time.
2. Prioritize the most important assignments first, then work your way down until they’re all complete.
3. Push yourself to finish: Try to set a deadline for when you should be finished with each assignment. This will give you a target date that is realistic and also a goal to work towards. Procrastination is what makes a student do assignment on the due date. Doing any assignment on due date puts pressure on you and you do not want that. That is why organization is key to your academic success.
4. Make sure you know what the teacher expects before starting any homework or an assignment. Read the directions carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something is unclear.

In conclusion, academic achievement isn’t always easy. But by putting into place smart practices and using the resources around you, you can certainly ensure your success in the classroom. If you’re a student, don’t let this list intimidate you, it’s easier than it looks. Be sure to take advantage of what your teacher or lecturer shares with you in lectures as well as any assignments given out in class. Your teacher/lecturer is there to help you succeed, so consult them whenever you can. Also, utilize the library and other resources where you can find more advice and information to help achieve success in your studies. Good luck!

Please share your thoughts on how you were able to achieve academic success if you already completed any level of education?