How do I actually learn how to study?
I’ve generally been a high achiever throughout my life. I played drums for a decade in my younger years and consistently ranked in the top 20 of my class. The problem is that I’ve never truly felt the need to put in much effort. I’d spend the first hour of class messing around, do a few questions or work on an assignment for 10 minutes, and then go back to goofing off with my friends.
Now that I’m in year 11, I realize I need to get my act together, but I have no clue where to start. In Australia, we have the ATAR system, which ranks students nationwide by percentile. To get into my desired course, I need to score higher than 70% of students. Even if I somehow manage to glide through graduation, I’ve heard that university is a significant jump from high school, so I’m really unsure of what to do next.
Incoming Rant!
I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. My heart’s been a mess because of a girl, and my friends are, honestly, not the best support. They joke around so much that it’s hard to talk to them about schoolwork. Plus, they’re so disconnected from reality—caught up in nonsense like “skibidy dub dub yes 🤪”—yet they’re about to enter the workforce. Meanwhile, they don’t even know how to read an ANALOGUE CLOCK! (Seriously, that’s something taught in year 11 here!) What am I supposed to do?
It sounds like you’re going through a tough time trying to figure out how to adapt to the demands of year 11 and prepare for college. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re faced with new expectations, especially if you’ve never had to push yourself academically before. Here are some tips to help you get started on developing effective study habits:
Set Clear Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in each subject, both in terms of grades and understanding the material. Break these down into smaller, manageable goals.
Create a Study Schedule: Dedicate specific times for studying each subject. Having a routine can help you stay organized and ensure you allocate enough time to each subject. Don’t forget to include breaks to avoid burnout!
Find a Study Environment: Choose a place where you can focus without distractions. This could be a library, a quiet room at home, or even a café—just find what works for you.
Active Learning Techniques: Instead of passively reading your notes, try different techniques like summarizing what you’ve learned, teaching the material to someone else, or using flashcards.
Stay Engaged with Class: Even if it’s tempting to mess around with friends, try to actively participate in class discussions and take thorough notes. This will help reinforce your understanding of the material.
Use Resources: Seek out additional resources such as online tutorials, study groups, or asking teachers for help if you’re struggling with a topic.
Prioritize Your Mental Health: It’s okay to feel stressed or confused; make sure to talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. Finding a balance between work and your social life is important.
Practice Self-Compassion: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone learns at their own pace, and it’s okay to ask for help or take small steps toward improvement.
Connect with Like-Minded People: If your current friend group isn’t supportive, consider reaching out to fellow students who are more focused on their studies. You might find study buddies or peers who share your goals.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This can help build your confidence and motivate you to keep going.
Transitioning to a more serious academic environment can be challenging, but remember—it’s all part of growing and figuring things out. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll find your groove!