Develop these skills:

Work on time management

Develop skills in time management. Note the start time end time. Calculate how long it will take you to do each section. Stay focused. Don’t allow your mind to wander. Work consistently to complete the assigned project or activity.

Develop good study habits
If you've got good study habits, great. If not, there's still time to develop them. Good study habits include these basics:

• Always be prepared for class. Use your daily planner.
• Complete assignments thoroughly and in a timely manner.
• Review your notes daily rather than cram for tests the night before.
• Set aside quiet time each day for study -- even if you don't have homework or a test the next day!

Set attainable goals
It's important to set goals, but make sure the goals are attainable. Setting goals that are unreasonably high is a set-up for frustration and disappointment.

Work on focus and concentration
Listen well and stay focused. Be sure that you understand the lesson. If you don't understand something, ask questions!

Get organized

Organize and then stick to your system. Use your daily planner. Put completed class notes, class handouts and completed assignments in you ring binder. Bring your ring binder to class every day.

Practice good note-taking
You can't possibly write down everything your teacher says since we talk at a rate of about 225 words per minute. But, you do need to write down the important material. Fill in the missing material. After a test by go back over your notes to see if your notes contained the answers to questions asked on the test. If not, you need to ask to see a classmate's notes or check with the teacher for help on improving your note-taking.

Studying with a partner is also a good idea, provided that you study and don't turn it into a chat session (there's time for that later.)Compare and contrast class notes. Use a note-taking form that's most helpful to you. If you're more of a visual person, try writing notes on different colored index cards or paper. Music can also be a good memory aid as long as you don't find it distracting. Re-writing your notes daily is another strategy.

Complete all assignments
Teachers assign homework for a reason. While it may seem like "busywork" at times, it definitely has a purpose. Put your homework to good use. Remember, you'll only get out of it what you put into it!

Review of class notes every day
Don't wait until the night before the test to review your notes. Go over your notes each day while the teacher presentation and class discussion is still fresh in your mind. Add any missing pieces. Review your notes each day to reinforce your learning and build toward mastery of the subject or skill.