Most schools today still follow the traditional educational system which oftentimes benefits extrovert students more. This is because these institutions offer more learning activities such as group projects and class discussions that encourage students to socialize or work together.
Unfortunately, since introverts are typically shy and tend to dislike social interactions, it is highly likely that they won’t gain a lot from these types of activities.
Because of this, introverted senior students who wish to graduate from high school at the top of their class will need to modify their study habits to improve their academic performance.
They will have to find the right learning strategies that suit their personality type so that their learning progress is never hampered. This way, they can achieve their scholastic goals, which should include getting into their university or college of choice.
If you are a self-confessed introvert, below are six tips that will help you study well and achieve your academic goals in your senior year in high school:
1. Focus on individual study
Since introverts thrive on working independently, self-study should be the first habit you should work on developing.
When you study alone, you will be able to remember things better and understand the content within your mind. If you dabble in group studies, you may get distracted easily and end up forgetting or misunderstanding your learning materials.
2. Find other introverts to study with
Even if you are an introvert, you will find yourself craving for the company of others from time to time. If you want to mix socializing with studying, you can join or form a study group. However, make sure you choose other introverts to study with.
By studying with your fellow introverts, you can learn some new things from them, especially if they belong to another class and have a different teacher.
Although you won’t spend a lot of time discussing things with them, the few minutes you talk with them will allow you to learn something new such as a different technique for solving a mathematical equation or tips for preparing for the SAT or ACT exam.
To get the most out of group studies, make sure you work only with a small group.
3. Study in a quiet place
Whether you study alone or with a group, you need to find a quiet place. By doing so, you will be able to focus more on the materials you need to review.
The library is always the best place to go to if you are looking for a noise-free environment that is conducive for studying.
Your room should be a good option as well. Make sure it is free from distractions, including loud noises inside and outside your home. In addition, always keep your desk and workspace neat and tidy. This is because clutter is a form of mental noise that can eat up the energy you need to stay focused.
4. Make it a habit to reward yourself
If you spent a whole week studying hard for your quarterly exams or in preparation for your SAT or ACT, don’t forget to give yourself a reward for all your hard work.
It is best to pick a reward that won’t drain your energy or take away from your ability to go back to studying. This means staying away from physically-demanding activities such as going on a long hike or trying some extreme sports.
The best rewards, of course, come in the form of eating your favorite food or sipping a cool, refreshing beverage. Other great rewards that can revitalize you to study again include spending a few hours at the park, watching a movie, or even simply taking a nap.
5. Create mind maps when studying
Mind maps are scientifically-proven effective tools when studying.
When used in studying, mind maps will help you generate, visualize, structure, classify, and connect ideas. These maps, in turn, will allow you to study and organize information, solve problems, and make smart decisions faster.
If you like to link complex concepts and see the relationship between different pieces of information, creating a mind map will help you connect and understand things better.
A mind map will also help you recall existing memories faster – something that can help you whenever you are taking an exam. As such, include this technique in your efforts to improve your memory.
6. Set and stick to your goals
Lastly, as an introvert, you may find yourself lost in deep thought frequently. For instance, if you need to write a personal essay for your English class, you may end up spending a lot of time diving into details which may not be necessary for this particular assignment.
To help you focus on the important task or tasks at hand, set a goal before you start studying or workingon an assignment and work towards achieving it. By doing so, you will avoid getting caught up with the tiny details which can be a waste of time.
By keeping your priorities straight, you will have your eyes on the prize. And this will give you the motivation to concentrate and study better.
When you follow the study tips above, you will make the most out your last year in high school academic-wise. And this will help you a lot as you prepare for the next important stage in your life: college.
AUTHOR BIO
Maloy Burman is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Premier Genie FZ LLC. He is responsible for driving Premier Genie into a leadership position in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education space in Asia, Middle East and Africa and building a solid brand value. Premier Genie is currently running 5 centers in Dubai and 5 centers in India with a goal to multiply that over the next 5 years.