For some teenagers, improving academic grades is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand. Do you feel it too? Although the process that you need to go through is very winding, basically the whole process is worth doing to maximize your self-actualization in the academic field. Want to know complete tips to maximize your academic potential in high school? First of all, you need to build an optimistic attitude and self-confidence. Make sure you always listen to the teacher's explanations and take notes of important information. If you need additional help, feel free to take additional courses or classes outside of school hours. In addition, you also have to manage your schedule well, complete all tasks on time, and not procrastinate. Another important key? Of course, you must maintain your health by eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep at night, and exercising regularly.
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Method 1 of 4: Maximizing Performance in Class
Step 1. Motivate yourself
If you do not perform well in school, chances are that your self-confidence will decrease significantly. In fact, you need to be optimistic to achieve maximum grades in class. On the one hand, don't be shy about admitting that you need to keep learning and growing; but on the other hand, convince yourself that you can definitely get better grades.
- Instead of thinking, "I'm not a good student and always fail," try saying, "With effort, I can definitely get better grades!"
- You can also say your name and use the second person instead of the first. For example, try saying, “Sam, you can do it! Believe me, if you can focus more, your goals will definitely be achieved!" Remember, the best motivator for you is yourself!
Step 2. Pay attention to the teacher's explanation and participate actively in class
Study the reading material given by your teacher before class starts; if there is material that you do not understand, make sure you ask it during class. Instead, when your teacher asks a question, raise your hand to answer it.
- If you are diligent in asking and answering the teacher's questions instead of falling asleep in class, you have indirectly shown concern for your academic performance. In addition to increasing the value of your participation, your teacher will be more responsive if one day you need their help.
- For those of you who are shy, participating in class may be as difficult as moving mountains. To overcome your shyness, try to take deep breaths, relax, and try your best not to think about what other people think. If possible, try to make a list of things you will ask before class starts.
Step 3. Record the material manually
Make sure your notes are able to summarize information clearly and accurately. Don't write down the entire teacher's explanation; instead, just include key information that you think is important to remember. Use abbreviations and keywords instead of complete sentences so you don't miss the teacher's explanation. Don't forget to use clear numbering concepts and insert a blank paragraph between each piece of information you include to make your notes easier to read.
- If your history teacher explains two different materials at the same time, make sure you record them on separate pages. Use any numbering system that makes it easier for you to distinguish between the two materials.
- Taking notes manually can help you remember information better than typing it on a laptop.
- After class or during recess, try to compare your notes with your friends' notes to make sure you don't miss any details.
Step 4. Ask for additional help from your school teacher or tutor
If there is material that is really difficult for you to understand, don't hesitate to ask for help from a third party such as your school teacher or tutor. If possible, meet your teacher after class to ask him to give a more detailed explanation of a material.
If your school provides an additional class program, try taking it. If all the methods you've tried don't work, you'll most likely have to take private lessons
Method 2 of 4: Focusing on Homework
Step 1. Get rid of all forms of distraction while studying
Find a quiet place to study the material and do all your assignments. Don't forget to keep your cell phone in the desk drawer or at least keep it out of your reach.
Some people can focus more on studying while listening to music. If this method works for you too, try listening to classical or instrumental music while studying
Step 2. Take a break every 45 minutes
In fact, your brain can only focus for 45 minutes. Therefore, after 45 minutes of studying the material, get up from your seat and take 15 minutes to stretch your muscles, go to the bathroom, grab a snack in the kitchen, or do some other activity that helps your brain rest.
You can schedule regular breaks or simply get up from your seat every now and then while working on an assignment
Step 3. While reading, don't forget to take note of the important information you find
When working on assignments, make sure your notebook is always beside you. In the notebook, outline the chapter you are studying; write the title of the topic, summarize the main idea, and define the key concepts. By doing so, you will undoubtedly be better prepared when taking lessons in class; These notes will also be very useful when you will face the exam.
Underlining or marking important information while reading is not an effective way to remember material. If you mark only the title of the chapter or the title of the material, of course it doesn't matter; however, marking important information while reading material will not help your brain receive information
Step 4. Form study groups
Studying in groups can help you and your friends to be more focused and motivated when studying a material. In addition, they can also help you if there is material that you do not understand; vice versa.
Invite 3-4 of your classmates to study together after school, on weekends, or during school breaks
Method 3 of 4: Managing Academic Responsibilities Wisely
Step 1. Make sure you always tidy up your notes, assignments, and study space
Instead of recording all the material in one book, try allocating one notebook for one subject. In addition, choose a study location that allows you to study effectively and efficiently; for example, study in front of a fairly wide table instead of on the sofa or bed.
Step 2. Buy an agenda book to keep track of your schedule
Whenever you receive information about assignments and exams, immediately record it in the agenda book. In addition, you can also record schedules related to extracurricular activities, sports, or other activities. Having a powerful agenda book helps you better manage all your academic and non-academic responsibilities.
If you have another important agenda one day after the deadline, try dividing your work into small groups. For example, you could outline and draft assignments one week before the due date for submissions, and work on the rest the week of submissions. Don't do the task at the same time prepare yourself for other activities at the same time if you don't want to be too tired
Step 3. Arrange a neat and structured study schedule
If you study all the material in one night, your brain will automatically be forced to absorb too much information; As a result, there will be no material that you really master. Instead, try to put together a structured study schedule; for example, determine that you will allocate the first week to study chapter 1. Before entering chapter 2 in the second week, you must first master the entire contents of chapter 1, and so on. Do this process until the day of the exam arrives.
Assume that you will take three exams on Friday. If you learn all new material on Thursday, you will most likely fail in all three subjects. Instead, divide your exam material into small groups, and set a specific schedule for studying each group
Step 4. Do not apply the Overnight Speed System (SKS) while working on assignments
Trust me, getting used to procrastinating will only make you more stressed. Even if you have enough time to complete the task, do it immediately after the task is given so that your tasks do not pile up.
If your teacher gives you an assignment on Tuesday with a due date for Friday, work on it on Tuesday or Wednesday night so that Thursday you can be free from homework. This step is especially necessary if you have to take the exam on Friday
Method 4 of 4: Taking Care of Yourself
Step 1. Eat nutritious food
Your brain requires a large amount of energy in order to perform at its best. Therefore, make sure you always nourish your body by eating nutritious foods; balance servings of protein, fiber from vegetables and fruits, dairy products, and whole grains.
Never skip breakfast! If you don't have much time, at least have a bowl of cereal or a glass of yogurt mixed with fruit and nuts before going to school
Step 2. Get enough and quality sleep at night
Although the temptation to stay up all night at your friend's house is right in front of your eyes, try to dispel it. Remember, lack of sleep can have a very significant impact on your academic grades. For that, try to have a consistent sleep schedule; don't sleep too late and make sure you sleep for 8-10 hours every night.
If you really need to, you can sleep longer on the weekends; but as much as possible, try to always wake up and go to bed at the same time every day
Step 3. Exercise at least half an hour per day
Consistent physical activity can help improve your grades, you know. If you don't like exercising (or if your school's gym class only happens once a week), try to set aside at least 30 minutes after school for a jog, bike ride, or just an afternoon walk.
