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Top Ten Skills for High-School Students
By Clint Page
Whether you're a freshman or a senior, developing the following
10 skills will help you achieve success in school, in your
chosen career, and in life.
1. Time Management
You know the deal: There are just 24 hours in each day. What you
do with that time makes all the difference. While high-school
students average 35 hours per week of class time, college
students log an average of 15 to 18 hours per week.
Getting your "free" time under control now will help prepare you
for managing that extra 20 hours a week come freshman year of
college—when you'll need to study and want to socialize more
than ever.
If you don't already, start using a daily planner. This could be
a datebook you keep in your bag, an online version you maintain
at home, or both. Manage your time wisely and you'll get the
maximum out of each day.
2. Good Study Habits
If you've got them, great. If not, well, there's still time to
develop them. Good study habits include these basics:
- Always be prepared for class, and attend classes regularly. No
cutting!
- Complete assignments thoroughly and in a timely manner.
- Review your notes daily rather than cram for tests the night
before.
- Set aside quiet time each day for study—even if you don't have
homework or a test the next day!
3. The Ability to Set Attainable Goals
It's important to set goals, as long as they're attainable.
Setting goals that are unreasonably high is a set-up and you'll
be doomed to frustration and disappointment.
4. Concentration
Stay focused. Be sure that you understand the lessons. If you
don't understand something, ask questions! You've heard it
before, but "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask" is
absolutely true. If you've been paying attention, it definitely
won't be a dumb question.
5. Good Note-Taking
You can't possibly write down everything the teacher says since
we talk at a rate of about 225 words per minute. But, you do
need to write down the important material.
Be sure to go back over your notes to see if your notes
contained the answers to questions asked on the test. If not,
you need to ask to see a classmate's notes or check with the
teacher for help on improving your note-taking.
Studying with a partner is also a good idea, provided that you
study and don't turn it into a social occasion. Note-taking
should be in a form that's most helpful to you. Re-writing your
notes daily is another strategy.
6. Completion of Assignments
Teachers assign homework for a reason. While it may seem like
"busywork" at times, it definitely has a purpose. Put your
homework to good use. Remember, you'll only get out of it what
you put into it!
7. Review of Daily Notes
Don't wait until the night before the test to review your notes.
Go over your notes each day while the lecture is still fresh in
your mind. Add any missing pieces. Compare your notes with a
classmate's notes. Review your notes each day to reinforce your
learning and build towards your ultimate goal: MASTERY of the
subject or skill.
8. Organizational Skills
Keeping yourself organized will save you valuable time and allow
you to do everything you need to do. Remember: "A place for
everything and everything in its place." Keep all your study
materials in one convenient location.
9. Motivation
You need to be motivated to learn and work hard, whether or not
you like a specific subject or teacher. Self-motivation can be
extremely important when you aren't particularly excited about a
class. If you must, view it as an obstacle you must overcome.
Then, set your mind to it and do it—no excuses. Success is up to
you!
10. Commitment
You've started the course, now you need to complete it. Do the
best—and get the most out of it—that you can! Your commitment
will pay off in the end.
Reprinted from FamilyEducation.com located at
http://familyeducation.com
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