Maintaining academic success is a goal shared by various students, but acquiring it can be intimidating. To flourish in an educational setting, knowledge and strategies are needed to ensure a thriving situation. From time management to attentive habits during class, the path to distinction requires more than a sharp mind; it requires organization and a solid work ethic while balancing everyday life.
Time Management
Various skills are crucial to maintaining good grades, and a combination of them provides a separation between academics and personal lives. Using and forming time management skills will cause beneficial outcomes for students and personal situations. In an academic atmosphere, balancing assignments, extracurriculars, and exams can create stress and negatively impact student bodies. When a student effectively manages their time, grades can increase by organizing assignments and ensuring all assignments are completed within the ideal time frame.
Freshman Mallory Hagenbach states, “Honestly, I never thought there would be such a difference between my middle school grades and my high school grades, but managing my time definitely has helped me.” Hagenbach, an athlete with many personal commitments, is finding some difficulty between balancing academics and personal life. But by prioritizing time management skill development, Hagenbach was able to see a noticeable difference in her grades and free time.
Study Habits
Another critical skill needed to help seek improvement in academic settings is studying habits and making it a priority. By studying frequently, there will be a significant increase in comprehension of the topic, leading to an overall better performance in the class.
Formulating the perfect study atmosphere such as a quiet room and a distraction-free environment can prevent a lack of focus, allowing the ability to retain information. While acknowledging beneficial atmospheres, it is equally as critical to develop strategies that fit personal learning styles such as visuals, discussions, or repetitive sessions. No matter what strategies or techniques are used, all require setting clear goals and understanding when to take breaks.
While studying, it is vital to ensure spaced-out study sessions to combat burnout and losing the ambition to study and better comprehension. When battling burnout, it is important to approach the situation with a balanced routine that includes proper breaks, sleep, and time for personal activities that recharge focus. Practicing mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and set realistic goals to avoid excess workloads is important.
Counselor Mr. Jakob Rosengrant states, “When students study, they are actively learning and are strengthening their memory retention which can increase their focus on their material. The more a student engages in the content, the easier it is to achieve mastery which, in turn, improves their test preparation.” Using studies as a tool to better academic performance allows students to improve in such settings while strengthening other necessary life skills.
Proper Sleep
Sleeping is another critical role that students often overlook. When students cram assignments or study sessions with the intent of completing them, they underperform more. When the amount of sleep is below eight or nine hours, concentration can be impaired, which can negatively impact problem-solving abilities and the ability to remember and retain information.
Sleeping allows cognitive function, focus, and consolidating memory to recall the information and organize it later in the day. Sleeping allows the brain to make distinct connections and allow creativity to flourish and perform effectively. Since sleep restores energy and regulates mood, Students can perform with excellence in classes.
Organization
Although typically seen as not necessary or of the utmost importance when it comes to maintaining good grades, organization is a key factor in allowing students to stay on top of assignments, deadlines, and study sessions. When a student has a system in place to track academic situations through planners, to-do lists, or various other tools, there is assurance that nothing will be forgotten or left until the last minute. By beneficially using organization, materials are neat and accessible, allowing easy access when needed. Breaking larger assignments into manageable portions allows students to reduce stress and have overall better performance in class, leading to a positive impact on grades.
Junior Erva Ozhan states, “One of the ways I get assignments in on time is my planner. I use it almost every day to check what homework or tests I have and when assignments are due.” Through utilizing a simple planner, Ozhan can ensure assignments are completed before the deadline and full credit is received. This has allowed her to be the best version of herself in school while balancing personal commitments.
The key to achieving good grades does not just involve memorizing information or receiving good grades on tests. It is about developing beneficial strategies such as time management skills, study habits, positive mindsets, proper sleep, and consistent organization. When students commit to their education and acknowledge the importance of such skills, their persistence will allow them to succeed. Good grades may allow students to seek new opportunities, but they also serve as a reminder of the dedication and consistency used to set the foundation of ultimate success.
