The attitude a student develops while gaining a quality education will guide them for the rest of their lives. Achieving high marks while undertaking studies demonstrates dedication and hard work; invaluable traits for anyone that desires a well-paying occupation. All successful students have certain skills in their arsenal. This essay will evoke these skills and offer tips and tricks on honing said skills resulting in outstanding students.
Study: There is no substitute
Students should study in the manner that is best suited to them. This involves determining the time of the day you are best primed for your most strenuous and important work. Do you work best in a group or alone? When studying, play it safe. Memorise more than what is deemed required. Practice old examination questions as examiners often repeat questions. However, be sure to understand (in your own terms) and cover the material from the entire syllabus as questions may overlap with several topics. Exercise, a healthy body will help you to be more alert and awake when you study.
Self- Discipline
Human beings are creatures of habit. Therefore form habits that will be to your benefit. Habits worth adopting include studying for a set amount of time each weekday. This would require you to prioritise studying over hanging with friends when it is your allotted study time.
A good student should also read even when it is not an assignment as reading will increase comprehension and vocabulary. You should always attend classes and turn in assignments given on time. When you accomplish things that require your discipline reward yourself. When your habits bear fruit, this pay-off motivates you to remain disciplined. A great way to cultivate the habit of being disciplined is to focus on doing the little things you know you should do such as making your bed before you leave the house and picking up after yourself. As you discipline yourself to do the little things, you will become more disciplined in doing the bigger, more important things.
Time Management
Good time management involves reasonably estimating the time required to perform each of your tasks. Do not allocate one hour for revision when you need at least three to comprehensively grasp a topic. This skill requires you to do what actually needs to be done. Procrastination is your enemy, avoid it.
Taking on more than you can handle is frowned upon. Being a good student requires you to be diligent and thorough. Attempting to complete too many tasks at the same time will lead to poor results. Carry a schedule and record all the activities you have done for a day. This will allow you to see how much time is actually spent producing results and how much time is wasted on unproductive actions.
Self control and consistency is key to the skills listed. Your ability to master the skills listed above will undoubtedly determine whether you are a good student or not. According to a 2013 study by Wilhelm Hoffman, people with high self control are happier than those without. Be the master of your own future.
