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Nine Hints of Becoming a Successful Student
To succeed as a student you must first have to start by making your bed every morning because this will give you a sense of fulfillment that you have achieved your first task of the day. It will also motivate you to achieve more task for the day. On this article, I am going to be sharing hints that will enable you succeed as a student especially in SPACO. I am going to discuss nine hints on this article and you are advised to make it a habit by adhering to these hints.
1.    Place your study above all things
The key reasons why you are in college today is to increase your literacy and numeracy skills among other things like socializing, sporting, and other extra-curricular skills. You can forget about that football match when you know you have a test or exam that you are not well prepared for in the next two days. Give all attention to your lessons, do and review your assignments because it has been noted that most teachers set their questions from previous exercises they have given their students. We are not saying that you should ditch that your best friend in need because you are studying but you should give most of your attention to studying and let your family and friends know that you have to play that part well in order to better associate with them.
2.    Be punctual
To be a successful student you must inculcate the habit of judging time correctly. Go to your class early and settle down before the lesson. If you have a quiz or exam arriving early to the venue will help you organize yourself and get focused on the task ahead. Even when you have a study time with your friend always be there in time because this create a good impression of you and will make your friend know that you are a serious minded fellow. he or she will always take you serious all the time.
3.    Avoid Cheating
Cheating or trying to cut corners is a deliberate attempt by a student to show off his lack of confidence in himself or his work. The essence of learning is not for you to pass your exam but for you to know and be equipped properly to thrive in our challenging world. Do not copy another student’s work neither should you covet your neighbour’s work. Be honest as possible in your work, this will enable your teacher to evaluate you properly and know where and when you need help. Avoid peer pressure as in some schools students feel cheating is the norm and you have to do it to join in, this act will prevent you from achieving your full potential.
4.    Learn to Concentrate
Successful students stay focused on the task at hand. If you have to study one chapter of your history book for an hour, you need to commit to doing so instead of letting your mind wander. If you need a break, take a short 10 minute one, but don’t let it run over into an hour long break with only 10 minutes of studying. You can actually train your mind to concentrate for longer and longer periods of time, so even if you feel like you can’t focus for more than 15 minutes straight, just work on building up to 20 minutes, and then building to 30 minutes and so on. This been said you shouldn’t take on a task for more than 90minutes. Always learn to take a short break of about 10 minutes at intervals, this will regenerate your energy and help you to focus again.
5.    Avoid distractions in class
Avoid distractions in the classroom. If you want to make the most of your learning experience, then you should try to focus as much as you can. Avoid sitting next to your friends or chatty students, and put away your food, your magazines, your phone, or anything else that is keeping you from your studies. You can reward yourself by talking to your friends, reading your magazines, or doing whatever else you do for fun later, but you can’t let it get in the way of your study habits.
If other students are an easy distraction or you feel like you might just talk to them because you're bored of the current topic, ask the teacher if you could move seats. If not, try your best to ignore the distraction and if they continue, ask them politely to stop. Try not to think about one class when you’re sitting in another. Be present in the room you’re in and worry about the next class when you get there.
6.    Develop a positive relationship with your teachers
Another way to really succeed in the classroom is to develop strong connections with your teachers. While you don’t want to suck up or attempt to become best friends with them, building a strong rapport with your teachers can help you when you need to ask them for extra help and can also make you gain a stronger interest in the material. Work on showing up to class on time and following your teacher’s rules so that you can make the most of your studies.
Don’t worry about people thinking you’re the teacher’s pet if you’re nice to your teachers. You’re just making an effort to be a better student. If your teachers like you more, they’ll be more willing to help you and to answer your questions, and will be more understanding if something comes up.
7.    Sit close to your teacher
If you’re in a classroom where you can choose your own seats, then you should think about sitting toward the front of the room, near the teacher. This will help you focus since it’ll be harder to get distracted or to do something other than pay attention when the teacher is right there. It’ll also help you build a stronger bond with your teacher, especially if you’re in a large lecture hall, because teachers tend to engage more with the people who are sitting in front.
Don’t worry about people thinking you’re a brown noser. You’re just doing the best you can to absorb the material you need to know.
8.    Take advantage of extra mark
Take the opportunity to gain extra credit whenever possible. A lot of schools especially as you get older don't offer a lot of extra credit so grab it whenever possible. Answer questions voluntarily, do your homework and assignments, follow the teacher’s instructions diligently and keep a complete and comprehensive note.
9.    Be smart and dress neat
Cleanliness they say is next to godliness. Always keep yourself tidy by washing and ironing your uniform, get a nice haircut, brush your teeth and take care of your inner body and inner wears because all these are going to help you stay comfortable and grow in confidence.
I hope you find this helpful and join us next time on our next publication on “Succeeding When you Study”. You can share your thoughts about this topic on our facebook page by clicking the facebook icon on the bottom of this web page.
Thank you.
Editorial team