Studying in high school (SMA) is a crucial moment in your life. At this time, you may be going through a tough time as you have to make the transition from junior high school (SMP) to high school. After that, you'll have to work hard from day one to graduate high school and prepare for college. The decisions you make during high school will affect your life later in life, so try to make sure that you graduate with good results.
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Part 1 of 5: Building Effective Study Skills
Step 1. Take an honest look at your study habits so far
It may be difficult for us to honestly admit to ourselves, but in order to be successful, you must understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. Understanding study habits can improve your strengths and improve your weaknesses. This method can also be useful if there is a specific area that you want to expand further.
Start asking yourself questions about your study habits. Are you diligent in taking notes? Are you good at writing essays? Are you great at reading but not good at math? Are your multiple choice test scores very bad?
Step 2. Get to know your learning style
Everyone has a different way of learning, some like to learn by reading, while others prefer to do things. Learning styles can affect how we understand and remember information. You will be more effective in following the lessons in class by knowing what your learning style is. There are seven learning styles:
- Visual (spatial): You will learn more easily if you use your visual skills by responding to pictures and images, and get used to learning through spatial understanding.
- Aural (auditory-musical): You can learn well through sound and music.
- Verbal (linguistics): You will learn well to use words both orally and in writing.
- Physical (kinesthetic): You are a person who is used to learning by doing things. You can learn through your physical body, using your hands and your sense of touch.
- Logical (mathematical): You are a person who is used to learning by responding and understanding things through logic and proof.
- Social (interpersonal): You will achieve your best learning results when you are with other people.
- Solitary (individualist): You will achieve the best learning outcomes by being alone.
- Try to find out your learning style by filling out an online questionnaire on a website to take a learning style test. Once you know your unique learning style, start planning study habits that can improve your abilities.
Step 3. Prepare yourself well
You have to do various things to prepare yourself before going to school, such as bringing textbooks, notebooks or paper to take notes, stationery, or notepads. Complete preparation will not only make it easier for you to learn, but will leave a good impression on your teachers.
Separate files by subject. This file storage should include homework, tests, quizzes, notes, papers, and other related materials. Use delimiters to separate individual files for easy retrieval
Step 4. Take notes
Even if your teacher doesn't require you to take notes, the habit of writing down important ideas, formulas, keywords, and definitions of what your teacher says can improve your understanding of the material being taught. Write down if there's anything you want to ask so you don't forget.
- Take notes in clear writing for easy reading. Messy notes can leave you confused and frustrated later on. Also make sure you take notes accurately.
- Don't take notes word for word. Take notes of important concepts or phrases and key words, then read them again when you get home to see if you have trouble listening to what your teacher is saying. Use abbreviations so you can take notes more quickly and efficiently.
- Organize your notes. Date and copy your notes into a notebook. Provide separate notebooks for each subject, or use borders to separate your notebooks.
- Reread your notes in the evening. It's useless if you just take good notes but never read again. Take a few minutes each night to reread your notes. Write down if something is still confusing so you can ask questions in the next lesson. Read your textbook if there is material that you do not understand well. Use this time to begin to deepen your understanding of the material that has been taught. It's never too early to start studying in preparation for exams!
- Students who are serious about taking notes during class are usually more prepared to follow the lesson and their attention is not easily distracted.
Step 5. Stick to the schedule
One of the keys to success in studying or completing assignments is the ability to meet deadlines. You should be able to turn in your assignments on time. There are certain subjects with predetermined main tasks for one semester. There are also weekly assignments given by the teacher, or announced during school activities.
- Purchase an agenda or calendar to keep track of all homework, essay submission deadlines, and exam dates. Many phones come with a calendar app that you can fill with a weekly or monthly schedule. This application can be used to record a description of each scheduled task, and you can also set a reminder alarm so you don't forget.
- Don't just schedule your tasks. High school is a very busy time with assignments, extracurricular activities, and social gatherings. Put all of these schedules into a calendar so you can see your entire weekly plan accurately.
Step 6. Find a place to study that is free of distractions
Try to find the best place and time to study. Where can you study better, in a quiet library or in a noisy coffee shop? Which do you prefer, studying while sitting in a chair or in bed without falling asleep? Do you prefer to study alone or in a group? Are you more likely to learn while listening to music? The answers to these questions can help you find the ideal place to study for you.
Prepare a comfortable place to study. You don't have to study in a quiet, empty room sitting in an upright chair, but find a place that is free of distractions and separates from where you sit and rest
Step 7. Organize your time
The ability to manage time is the key to the success of an academic career. You must be able to manage time well to complete homework and study every day because at this stage, school must be the main priority for you to be successful.
- Reread your notes every day. The results show that you will be able to memorize up to 60% by rereading newly taught material within 24 hours.
- Make a study schedule every week. Organize your weekly schedule by recording study times for one week. Make a patterned study schedule at the same time every day every week to form a habit that is not easy for you to break.
- Don't procrastinate studying. The habit of procrastinating studying will be very detrimental to you. Our lives are full of temptations far more attractive than studying such as video games, sports, or friends, but remember your assignments. Don't forget to study on the weekends. Reading a few minutes of notes will make a big difference on the test.
- Study hard. The most basic thing in order to graduate from high school is not just going through school, but you also have to study in order to succeed.
Step 8. Set goals
Having goals you set for yourself can foster a sense of accomplishment. Appreciate yourself when your target or small plan is achieved, and keep rewarding yourself even if some plans can take longer than you planned.
- Start by making a big plan. What do you want to achieve during high school? What do you want to get done before the year ends? After writing down all your plans, begin to determine how to achieve them.
- Make a small plan. After determining the big plan, start making small plans for you to carry out. What do you want to accomplish this week? Tonight? Even if you do your homework asking yourself, "What do I want to achieve by the end of my studies?" can keep you motivated to do your job and achieve success.
Part 2 of 5: Preparing for the Exam
Step 1. Take good notes of the lesson
Before you start studying for exams, make it a habit to take good notes during class. Listen carefully to what your teacher has to say because there are often instructions about the material to be tested. These clues can include repeating information, using the words "important" or "key" when discussing an idea, or even your teacher may say, "This material will appear on a test."
- Write down everything you think is important. The more you take notes during class, the better prepared you will be for the exam.
- Read your notes every day. Don't put off studying until there's only one more day before the exam because you'll suffer if you force yourself to study. While you may occasionally pass as well, this way of studying is ineffective and unreliable. Students who study consistently for shorter periods of time will do better in school. Read your notes every day so you don't have to study hard.
Step 2. Create a study guide for yourself
Even if your teacher has provided a study guide, make an outline of the subject matter to be tested. Complete with basic concepts and ideas that will be asked in the exam, along with examples, definitions, formulas, and other related information.
- Make up questions to test yourself. If you already know that the exam questions will be in essay form, make the questions and answers in essay form. Invite your friends to study together by asking each other the material to be tested.
- Make cards to record definitions, concepts, themes, dates, and formulas that you can use to test yourself.
- Use your own words in the study guide. There are teachers who ask questions in different ways to see how well you understand the material covered. Try to come up with a different form of question than usual or use another way of explaining a concept on the exam.
Step 3. Set a time to study
Never ignore the subject matter in school until exam day. You should reread all the material that has been taught every day every week to start memorizing and understanding the information your teacher conveys.
If the exam is near, spend more time studying the material to be tested. You'll need to spend extra time understanding certain ideas or studying the exam material more comprehensively
Step 4. Start studying one week before the exam
If there is already an exam schedule, start studying one week in advance, don't wait until the last minute.
Don't put off studying until your teacher provides a study guide. Reread the chapters that have been discussed, review your notes again, understand the definitions and formulas
Step 5. Get plenty of rest
Don't stay up late for tomorrow's exam. You can't work well if your body is tired. Try to get enough sleep at night, eat nutritious meals in the morning and afternoon, and come to school early.
Showing up on time will ensure that you won't be late for the exam. You are already in class and ready to listen when your teacher provides instructions, a brief overview, or additional information
Step 6. Read the questions carefully
A common mistake made by students is not being careful when reading the instructions to answer questions so that they make mistakes during the exam. Try to stay calm during the exam. Read the instructions for each section first, then read each question. Ask your teacher if any questions are not clear.
Step 7. Organize your work time
Don't rush the exam questions, but don't be too slow either. Consider how long it will take you to finish work, the number of questions, and the types of exam questions asked.
Do the difficult or long questions first. If the test score is of the pass mark, you must complete this essay first. Another strategy is to answer easy questions, then work on questions that you don't understand
Step 8. Trust your heart
Most of the time, our initial impression is correct, but after that we feel self-doubt and write the wrong answer. Trust your heart if a spontaneous answer comes from within you.
Part 3 of 5: Be a Good Student in Class
Step 1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses
High school is a time to start discovering things about yourself. In the first two years of high school, start knowing what your interests, aspirations, and career plans are for you to be.
Step 2. Get involved in the class
Your involvement in the class will be of great benefit. By participating, you can learn more and build a better relationship with your teacher for your own good in the future.
- Try to stay awake in class and pay attention. Don't fall asleep in class or text your friends because you're bored.
- Sit in the middle or more forward. Sitting near the blackboard and the teacher will keep you focused and keep your attention from being distracted by your phone, friends, or thinking about other things.
Step 3. Ask questions
No need to worry about looking stupid to your friends, raise your hand and ask a question. Don't just sit there feeling confused if there's something you don't understand during class or while doing homework.
- Answer if your teacher asks. Do not be afraid to answer wrong because no one is always right.
- Participate in class discussions. Use important ideas, keywords, and ideas that you get by reading or taking lessons. Share your views and ideas if your teacher gives students the opportunity to provide input.
Step 4. Know the graduation requirements
Each school determines requirements regarding subjects that must be completed to graduate from school, including language, mathematics, foreign languages, including human aspects. During the first year, find out what courses are required. Ask your teacher or counselor for information about graduation requirements.
Step 5. Don't be absent from class
Attendance is very important. Whenever you don't come to school, you will miss a lesson. Make an effort to come to school regularly so that you can keep up with your studies.
- Many schools determine policies in terms of attendance. Your grades and eligibility for graduation will be negatively affected if you are frequently absent from school.
- You don't need to go to school if you're seriously ill, such as a fever, vomiting, or other health problems.
- If you are late for school due to lack of sleep, adjust your sleep schedule accordingly. Regular sleep habits not only benefit your attendance at school, they can keep you awake and engaged in class, and easier to keep up with lessons.
Part 4 of 5: Finding the Help You Need
Step 1. Build a relationship with your guiding counselor
Your counselor will probably be the most important person during your high school years by providing valuable information as direction that can make it easier for you to finish school and guide you on the right track from day one.
- The supervising counselor understands what subjects you must take in order to graduate. This guidance is very important when you are developing a study plan for the current year. Each school has determined which subjects each student must take, and a guidance counselor can help if you are still confused about how to meet these requirements.
- If you wish to continue your studies in a particular field, a counselor can help you determine the best subjects and extracurricular activities to support your application for study enrollment. They can also help you decide on subjects that are challenging enough to prepare you for college.
- Counselors are very much needed by students with learning disabilities. They can work with you and your teacher to find the best accommodation for you. They can also help you plan your studies including finding scholarships for students with disabilities.
- Guiding counselors can also help if you are having problems with your studies but their help is not limited to academics. A counselor can be your partner if you are having problems in your personal life, when you are feeling depressed, or if you are experiencing bullying.
- See your counselor from the first year to let them know what your interests and plans are. Let them know if you're not sure what you want to do so they can help. It's never too late to meet with a counselor, even if you're already a senior.
Step 2. Talk to your teacher
There are many benefits to getting to know your teacher. The habit of talking to the teacher will make you more comfortable in class and more accomplished in learning.
- See your teacher if you are having academic problems. Your teachers don't want you to fail, they want you to succeed. They can provide lessons or additional information on the subject you need and clear up any confusion you have.
- Teachers can also provide good help if you are experiencing bullying. Don't be afraid to talk about being bullied or having a hard time.
- If you are planning to enter college, you must get a recommendation from your teacher to apply for college registration and scholarship applications. If you've established good relationships with your teachers during high school, they already know you and trust you so they can write positive and enthusiastic letters to you.
Step 3. Find out about tutors
Sometimes, no matter how hard you study, things just don't make sense. If you experience this, find a tutor. Many high schools offer help with tutoring in a variety of subjects, or you can take a tutorial program for tutoring outside of school.
Many communities provide learning tools and tutorial centers designed to assist in various learning areas for a fee. The tutorial center also offers classes for taking study-ability tests, college admissions, and other standardized test preparation
Part 5 of 5: Achieving Success Outside of School
Step 1. Engage in various activities
Join a club or extracurricular activity at school. By joining these activities, your application for college will look better, open up opportunities to make friends, and lead you to new experiences.
- Sometimes, joining a club isn't enough to sign up for college. If you enjoy club or extracurricular activities, try other activities to develop yourself in terms of leadership such as being treasurer, secretary, or even chairman.
- Look for clubs and extracurricular activities that you really enjoy. Don't join out of necessity. High school is a time when you get involved in various commitments, so make sure that you get to enjoy any activity that will demand your time.
- Don't be a flea. Campus activities will be more valuable if you involve yourself in only a few clubs for the long term, instead of joining many clubs only for a short time. In addition, your long-term involvement to support your success during high school can help you build relationships with your club mates and keep you more involved in club activities.
Step 2. Find work or volunteer opportunities in your community
Doing a job you love can be an opportunity to develop your interests and skills that will come in handy when you apply to college. Volunteering is not only personally rewarding but can also help you discover an interest you weren't aware of before.
- If the demands of studying while at school are too much for you, try an internship program during the holidays. Many organizations offer this program for high school students. Vacations can also be a great time to work part time.
- Volunteering, working, and doing internships can provide you with valuable experience outside of the classroom. Be careful not to overdo it. Manage your time effectively to find a balance between each of your tasks.
Step 3. Get in the habit of reading and writing
The key to success in education is good reading and writing skills. You will become an even better student the more you practice outside the classroom.
- Good students usually have the habit of reading. They read anything from newspapers, internet, reading books or comics, and most importantly they read every day. Read whatever you want, what you like. This is your own reading time, not for school.
- If you want to improve your reading skills, try reading a newspaper article or a challenging novel. Look for words you don't understand and try to memorize them.
- Writing is the basic form of communication. You have to write not just while in school, but forever if you are working. Make the habit of writing your daily activity. Keep a diary, write a letter or email, or try writing a story. Learn grammar and commonly used words to develop your skills.
- Revision is one of the most important parts of the writing process. Initial drafts are almost never perfect and usually need improvement. Leave your writing first and then come back with a new perspective.
Step 4. Enjoy your high school experience
Going to school is not just learning and not being able to play. There are lots of fun and rewarding experiences you can have during high school that you should do. Go dancing or to a farewell party, come to a school sporting event, and build friendships. Study hard, but you still have to be able to have fun.
Tips
- Make a good impression on your teachers. It's never too early to start a relationship and build a reputation.
- Don't let other people's words hurt you, just ignore them. It's hard to ignore peer pressure, but by staying focused on your goals and relying on your friends, what you experienced in high school will lead you to success.
- If you're having trouble with a lesson, talk to someone. Don't wait too long to discuss your grades and achievements with the teacher.
- Don't look for trouble. Successful students never have a problem with discipline. Don't get kicked out of school, don't take drugs, or engage in activities that can distract you from wanting to graduate.
