How to be a Successful, Organized Student

Start with a positive attitude. Don't create negative feelings by saying things like "I can't do it" or "It's too hard!" You need to say to yourself "I'm a hard worker" and "I can use my strategies to be successful" and "I can be organized."

Improve your work habits

In class

• Gather all the materials you need such as pen, sharpened pencil and paper.
• Listen carefully to your teacher.
• Don't talk to friends during class instruction.
• Practise taking better notes.
• Finish all assignments and make sure they are handed in on time.
• Participate in class discussions.
• Ask questions when you don't understand.

At home

• Organize yourself each night for the next day by putting assignments, books and materials you will need at school into your backpack.
• Use a folder to put your assignments in so they don't get ripped or bent.
• Do homework in a quiet place.
• Set a regular time to do homework every weeknight.
• Talk to your parents or older brothers and sisters about your work and ask for ideas about how to be a successful learner.

Manage your time

• Use a calendar to write down tests and due dates. Keep your calendar in an easy-to-see place, such as on the fridge or on the family bulletin board.
• Break larger assignments into smaller parts and do one part at a time.
• Set deadlines for finishing your work, and stick to them.

Take notes to help you study
Write down the important points the teacher says during a lesson because:

• your teacher will add information that isn't in the textbook
• notes are your source of material to study for a test
• writing things down helps you to understand and remember what you hear
• taking notes makes you a better, more active listener.

How to take and organize notes

• Write down a date and title for each lesson. If the teacher doesn't give you a title, make one up.
• Don't write down everything the teacher says. Focus on the important points - things the teacher writes on the board, things the teacher says more than once and any questions the teacher asks.
• Underline, star or circle anything the teacher says is very important.
• Skip lines and leave wide margins so you can add information later.
• Put question marks beside things you don't understand.

How to use notes to study

• Re-read your notes carefully, and out loud. Repeating the information will help you remember it.
• Rewrite your notes neatly and clearly so there isn't anything that is confusing or too hard to read.
• Make your notes stronger by adding additional information from the textbook, a class discussion or a handout. Use a highlighter to mark important information.

Source: Health and Life Skills Guide to Implementation (K-9) ©2002, Alberta Learning