“Idea List: How to Be a Better Student,” New Era, Nov. 2004, 25
School, homework, and studying. You probably already know a lot about these three things, but you can always use a few good tips on becoming a better student. Here are some from the youth in the Yokota Military Branch, Honshu Japan Military District, on how to study effectively.
• Be organized. Write down the dates your assignments are due and when you will have tests on a calendar or other place where you will be reminded often of your deadlines.
• Turn your homework in on time.
• Get a good night’s sleep before tests.
• After you have studied by yourself, studying with a classmate or group can help you better understand hard concepts. Quiz each other.
• Procrastination is your enemy. Avoid it.
• Study for a set amount of time each weekday.
• Take notes in class and from your textbooks on the most important lesson points. You can also make flash cards to remind yourself of key concepts.
• Use any study guides or hints your teacher has given you.
• Have a positive attitude. Complaining will only make learning harder.
• Pray for help. The Lord will help you if you do your part.
• Exercise. A healthy body will help you be more alert and awake to study.
• If you’re having trouble understanding something, ask the teacher or one of your parents for help.
• Read. Even when it’s not an assignment, reading good books will increase your comprehension and vocabulary.
• Eat breakfast. You’ll need brain food throughout the day.
• Study somewhere you can concentrate. Loud music or a lot of people around you can be distracting.
• Find out what kind of learner you are. Some people learn better when they listen, some when they read or see things, and some when they write things down. Discover a study method, or a combination of methods, that works best for your learning style.
Gospel topic: education
[illustration] Illustrated by Scott Snow