7 valuable homework, study strategies for middle and high school

Learning how to buckle down and do the work takes intentional action. Distractions, teen life, and life, in general, can make it difficult to keep up with a school workload.

Experts in education acknowledge that the middle school years are the last greatest chance for a student to seamlessly chart a course toward high academic achievement. High school solidifies this growth and prepares young scholars for college, grad school and careers.

When you or your child are in these grades, there's still time to develop some homework and study habits that will help achieve academic excellence. This can build a life of thriving and fulfillment.

Here are some study strategies that will build you into a strong and capable scholar for the rest of your life.

1. Take thorough class notes

Your studying and homework success begins with thorough notes. Never rely on your memory or the textbook to instill the information that you need to know about a subject.

Figure out what note-taking style works for you and stick to it. Many students enjoy Cornell notes because they are organized, ask and answer questions, and add context. You'll get more from all of your study tips when you have volumes of notes to use.

2. Record your lectures

Note-taking is essential, but recording your lectures takes your studying to new heights. You won't need to rack your brain remembering details that your teacher expounded on when you can go back and listen to the lecture.

Use your smartphone, laptop, or portable digital recorder and sit near the front of the class to get a clear copy. Ask your teacher if they mind, so they know you're using your device for school purposes.

3. Do your homework well in advance

Staying ahead of the game is one of the most important homework tips you can follow. Procrastination hinders your academic success and adds unnecessary stress to your weeks and semesters.

Get out of the habit of starting and completing your homework the day before it is due. Instead, build a habit of at least starting your homework on the day it was assigned. This gives you a headstart and takes the tension and stress out of looming deadlines.

Managing your time in this way helps build you into a proactive, rather than reactive person. Perhaps you have aspirations of going into business and living a high-level professional life. These are the types of habits that will carry you far.

4. Set a study schedule for each course

Use an agenda book, calendar, calendar app, or other tool to plan out your weeks. Fill each day with time slots for studying. Studying your courses in blocks each day makes consistency habitual, and makes sure you're putting in the time that you need to.

This is a much better habit than only studying before an exam or when you feel like you need it. College students are advised to study 2 to 3 hours for each hour spent in class. Develop this habit now and you'll put yourself on a trajectory of becoming a college student.

By then, these disciplined study habits will be engrained and you'll shine even more with access to higher-quality academic resources and knowledgeable professors.

5. Seek tutoring and help frequently

Get tutoring, help from your teacher, or other supplementary help frequently. Many students think tutors only serve a purpose when you're struggling in a class. Change your perspective on tutoring and use it the way that a professional gets regular coaching.

They will provide you with school prep regularly throughout the week so that the coursework becomes much easier once you do your independent studying. Using these resources can help you maximize your Grade Point Average (GPA) so that you're competitive once it's time to fill out university applications.

6. Keep distractions to a minimum

Whether you're a student or a working professional, know that distractions are one of the bigger productivity killers. When you don't have control of your mind, it develops poor study habits and the inability to retain any information.

Make sure that your study space is quiet and peaceful. Cut the TV off and consider either shutting down devices or using a widget that let block sites that distract you.

Create an environment that is clean and comfortable, with an ergonomic chair and a comfortable desk. Most importantly, carve out the time for studying alone and limit social interaction, gaming, watching your favorite shows, or anything else that will get in the way.

7. Form academic alliances

Learning is a social activity and one that can lead to more effective studying and better performance as a whole. Note the phrase "academic alliance" and how that's a far greater commitment than a "study group".

Align yourself early with other students in your peer group that are trying to excel academically. Commit to meeting up to help each other study, exchange notes and resources, and provide encouragement through these many academic years. Building these relationships will help you push each other and can spark some friendly competition.

If you share classes together, make sure that you're both also participating in class discussions and asking plenty of questions. Combining efforts with others who want to achieve can build relationships that last deep into your educational career and beyond.

Employ study strategies that work

The information above will help you when you need to execute some study strategies that'll help you throughout the most critical parts of grade school and beyond. These are some of the best years of your young life, so put your all into them so you can get the results that you deserve.

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