The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
With the fall season nipping at summer's heels, the coming weeks offer a good opportunity to prepare for the new school year. But back-to-school prep means more than getting a fresh set of school supplies and fashionable fall wardrobe. Try the following tips to shape up your homework habits: 1. Location, location, location. Designate your own "spot" for studying, such as a quiet nook at home or a corner of your bedroom. Scattered books, disorganized computer files and piles of clutter provide an unwelcome distraction from schoolwork. Set aside an afternoon to recycle unnecessary papers, organize your library of books and clean up your computer files. 2. Always have the time. When it comes to studying, set aside a regular homework time during your most productive hours, and stick to that schedule religiously. See 'Start' P.# Con't from P.# 3. Start early. Do not wait until the night before a test to start studying. Preparing for tests and exams begins your first day of class. Keep up with the readings your teacher assigns, and review classroom notes regularly. 4. Prioritize. Take control at the beginning of the school year. Make a list of your homework assignments, and cross them off as you complete them. Prioritize your projects; attack difficult tasks first while you still feel fresh. Reward yourself as you accomplish your goals. 5. Stay alert. When facing a challenging topic, make an effort to get actively involved in the content. Ask yourself questions, take notes or underline key concepts to force you to think about the material. 6. Four heads are better than one. Studies show that students who regularly attend study groups get better grades. When assigned a tough project, form a study group with your friends to share information and feed off each other's points of view. 7. Be a super sleuth. When working on a project, first get a broad grasp of our subject from your class textbook. Narrow your search at the public library by looking in recent books published on the topic, current journal articles and specialized resources such as government documents. Remember the Internet also offers a wealth of resources. Try multiple search engines to help you further focus your research. 8. Picture it. For essays and projects, illustrate your research with sharp, quality images. Many search engines use an image search that can help you easily find the best image to include in your research paper. 9. Adopt healthy habits for a fit mind. During the school year, many students slip into unhealthy habits. Late night cramming fueled by caffeinated beverages and salty, fatty snacks can take a toll, especially at exam time. Stick to your normal diet, and take care to avoid foods that will upset your stomach. And be sure to counter mental exhaustion by getting a good night's sleep.2/9/05
