Author: Luana Yo ('25)
Photo Courtesy of Meng Zhen Lo
School. Who thought of this? Filled with challenges varying in size from an ant to Mount Everest. Through interviews with teachers and students alike, The BAIS Times sought out ways to help make these challenges more doable. These are the top 10 tips/advice that were given to help students get through school more easily, have less stress, and have more time for relaxing. Clearing all distractions, picking a better environment to study or go to school, taking really good notes during class, or finding something that will help be more productive are just a few of the suggestions given by experienced teachers and students. When reading this article, it is important to keep in mind that various work/study strategies work for everyone differently, but if you’re interested in the most widely recommended tips then continue reading for more.
1. Avoid procrastination
The first study habit recommendation that students and teachers gave to The BAIS Times was to avoid procrastination. Think about all the stress and anxiety students would save themselves from if instead of rushing through all of their assignments at the last minute, students completed them shortly after they were assigned. Rushing to complete a homework assignment or cramming at the last minute for an important test could be avoided through the implementation of consistent study methods. One important step that students can take to avoid procrastination is to set an end goal. An end goal will give students something to look forward to and help motivate them to complete the task at hand.
2. Take good notes
The second study habit that has been recommended by teachers to students is taking good notes during class. Whether the notes be on a computer or a piece of paper, this habit will help students be much more prepared for tests.. Not only does note taking help students remember/memorize information easier, but it will also help them have a better understanding of the material being taught. Taking notes during class is also a good way to develop listening skills because it forces students to pay attention to the teacher’s words.
3. Have someone supervise you
The third study habit that has been advised by teachers is to have someone keep an eye on students while they’re either doing their homework or studying for a test. Mr. Squiers, one of the teachers interviewed, noted to The BAIS Times, “Students should not be in their room by themselves with their computer on. This activity will often lead to them telling their parents that they are studying, while in reality they are on Instagram, Tik Tok, or other forms of media.” The presence of a supervisor such as a parent or guardian encourages students to stay more focused on the task at hand because they feel less free to do other things when they know someone is watching them.
4. Take study breaks
The fourth study habit teachers recommended for students is to take some brain breaks to enable a clear mind before working again. This practice helps to clear the mind of any worries, stress, and confusion, and allows for greater focus during the actual study time.
5. Have a partner or a study group
The fifth recommendation for students is to study with a partner or work with a study group. Doing homework/studying with a partner/group is another recommended study strategy because it enables a larger understanding of what is being taught. This allows students to have a physical communication with each other which helps students study as well, but that is the next tip. Having a partner or a study group allows students to work together to understand the topic better as well as develop a better connection with each other.
Photo Courtesy of Meng Zhen Lo
6. Physical Action
The sixth tip given by teachers to students is to do something physically, not digitally. For example, if a student needs to remember an assignment that needs to be turned in later that week, it will be easier to remember if they write it down in a calendar or a planner. Additionally, it is easier for students to understand how mathematical methods works when they write it down and solve the problem step by step.
7. Good environment
The seventh advice given from teachers to students is to find a good environment to study or work in. A good environment for studying and doing homework would be a place free of distractions that would prevent students from being productive. Some examples of distractions that students may want to avoid include but are not limited to: personal devices, loud/annoying noises, and music that does not encourage a focused mind. Each learner has to understand their own learning processes and create an environment and situation that helps them learn well. It doesn’t always need to be a place or an object, it could be a time. In her interview with The BAIS Times, Ms. LaMertha noted “I know that I do my best studying early in the morning rather than late at night, so I go to bed around 7 PM and get up and study from 4 AM to 6 AM. I get more work done in those 2 hours than if I spent 4-5 hours in the evening.”
8. Communicate with teachers
The eighth piece of advice given by teachers is for student to communicate with their teachers. Teachers are always willing to want to help students with anything, just remember to ask. Developing good habits means listening to the teachers, talking with them, and asking questions to improve the understanding on the subject. They would love to help students out whenever they need it. Students should ask questions when confused about the topic being taught instead of searching it up later.
9. Use different learning strategies
The ninth advice given from teacher to students is to use different leaning strategies. A few examples of learning strategies that can be used include but are not limited to: flashcards, repetition of a technique, writing the context multiple of times, and mnemonic devices. Overusing the same method may get boring and will not yield beneficial results.
10. Use trustworthy sites
Lastly, the 10th recommendation given by teachers to students is to check the credibility of websites used for educational purposes. As the internet is used to study, check homework, or relearn material, it is necessary that students be aware of the sources they use. Matthew Squiers noted to the BAIS Times, “Make sure the study sites you use are challenging you to think. They should not just be giving you the answers.” Search for trustworthy sites that will deepen your comprehension of the subject. When students are fed the test and assignment answers, they will not develop a broader understanding; rather, they just memorize the answers without using their own critical thinking skills.