Taking into account the serious economic crisis Given the current situation in the country and the recent changes in education law, many students are being forced to change their habits. We don't mean that the activities have changed, but rather that the requirements they are older. Children (and not so young) have to carry out other types of habits in order to execute what is asked of them, something that in many cases leaves them breathless.
The results are already being seen. On the one hand, fewer hours of sleepOn the other hand, there are countless efforts that are sometimes not even acknowledged. Should we change the law again? Clearly, yes. Many teachers aren't heeding the directives from above. No matter what they're told, what truly matters is that the children... learn more with fewer resourcesAnd the interesting thing is that excellent results are being achieved.
In fact, we can change all the habits we want to study more. But if we don't make an effort to make the most of the materials and subjects, that won't do us much good. The important thing is that our performance be high, not that we invest more time. The same thing happens at work.
The next time you have a lot of homework or things to study, keep this in mind: try to make the most of the materials you have in hand. If you can study more with fewer resources, everything will be so easy that you will surprise yourself.
What is academic performance and why is it not just about good grades?
When talking about academic performanceMany people think only about grades, averages, and report cards. However, true performance goes far beyond a number: it includes knowledge, competencies, attitudes and the way the student copes with the challenges of their learning process. This means that a student may not have a perfect academic record and still have developed a strong ability to learn, adapt, and solve problems.
Traditionally, performance was measured almost exclusively with theoretical exams and averages. Today, more and more educational institutions value aspects such as social skills, the ability to work in a team, the emotional management and autonomy in studyingThus, a student who participates in class, works consistently, and knows how to organize themselves can have excellent academic performance, even if some occasional grades are not perfect.
Behind a rating lie elements such as the effort, the responsibilityRespect for others, how they collaborate with the group, and how they manage their time and energy are all important factors. Understanding this broad view of performance is key to avoiding reducing a person to a report card and to helping them improve more holistically.
Effective study habits for getting better grades
The Study habits These are routines and ways of working that are constantly repeated to learn more efficiently. Adopting good habits allows the time invested in studying to translate into... good grades and in a better use of the subjects, even when resources or time are limited.
A first step is to be clear about the targetEach exam, assignment, or exercise is a step closer to an academic and professional goal. When students connect what they are doing today with their desired future (a vocational course, a degree, a job, or a personal project), their motivation increases. and motivation and it's easier to sustain the daily effort without falling into demotivation.
It is also essential pay attention in classSitting in a place where you can hear the professor well, minimizing distractions at the table, and taking clear and organized notes are simple actions that make a big difference. Good notes, with underlinedAbbreviations and keywords greatly facilitate further study and avoid having to redo the work from scratch at home.
In addition, it is advisable to create a study plan Realistic: spread the topics over several days, establish a fixed schedule and stick to it, including short breaks. It's not about studying nonstop, but about organizing your effort so that your brain has time to... assimilate The information is readily available. Using a digital agenda or calendar helps to better visualize progress and correct delays in a timely manner.
Finally, the place where one studies should favor the concentrationAn organized workspace with minimal noise, good lighting, and a comfortable chair makes it easier to be more productive in less time. Having only essential materials on the table and avoiding distractions like a switched-on mobile phone or television helps maintain focus on the task at hand.
Study techniques to learn more with fewer resources
To truly benefit from textbooks, notes, and materials, simply reading and rereading isn't enough. There are other ways to do this. study skills that allow for better understanding, longer recall, and connection of concepts. Among the most useful are the underlined selective, the summaries personal, the schemes and conceptual mapswhich help to organize the information and see the structure of each topic at a glance.
Another very powerful strategy is the oral explanationTry explaining the topic in your own words, as if you were explaining it to someone else. If you can explain it clearly, it's a sign that you've understood it; if you get stuck, you'll quickly discover which parts you need to review. This technique also improves... security, when facing a written or oral exam.
Adapting the way of studying to type of test It is also crucial. In essay exams, it is usually more useful to organize information into broad outlines and relate concepts, while for multiple-choice exams it is advisable to practice details, definitions, and concrete examples, preferably with drills exams similar to those the teacher will give.
In all cases, what makes the difference is not so much the number of hours, but the quality of the studyHow content is processed, how often it is retrieved from memory, and how it connects with other information. When students focus their efforts on applying these techniques, it is possible improve grades with the same amount of study time, or even less, making the most of each session.
Factors that influence grades: beyond studying
Academic performance doesn't depend solely on what the student does with the book. There are other factors. personal, Protocols y visits that influence how one learns. Aspects such as family support, classroom climate, relationship with teachers, self-esteem, or the presence of emotional problems can either facilitate or hinder obtaining good grades.
Own notes They are a useful tool for detecting these factors. Uneven performance across subjects can indicate strengths that should be reinforced and areas where the student needs support or a different way of explaining the content. When a general decline in grades is observed, it is important to talk to the teachers to analyze whether there are problems with and motivation, time management, content comprehension, or even personal situations that may be affecting the student.
Furthermore, there are factors related to the education system itself, such as the methods of assessment or the amount of homework, that can increase the pressure on students. That is why it is so important that assessment takes into account not only the final result, but also the effort, the evolution throughout the course, class participation and the acquisition of key competencies (linguistic, mathematical, digital, social, civic, learning to learn, etc.).
Understanding notes as a indicator and not as a sentence allows them to be used constructively: they serve to recognize work well done, to encourage the healthy self-demand and help the student become aware of which behaviors and strategies bring them closer to their goals and which ones should be changed.
Take care of your body and mind to perform better
The ability to concentrate and the resistance to intellectual effort are closely related to the physical and emotional healthGet enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet Regular exercise is a key pillar of academic performance. A tired, sleepy student, or one who spends many hours sitting still, performs worse, is more easily distracted, and forgets what they study more quickly.
It is advisable to establish a routine of regular sleepTry to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and avoid heavy screen time right before bed. During study sessions, taking short breaks (getting up, stretching your legs, walking for a few minutes) helps clear your mind and allows you to return to your studies with more energy.
manage the academic stress This is another key aspect. Exam periods and deadlines can generate anxiety, which in turn makes it difficult to concentrate. Learning simple relaxation techniques, deep breathing, or even setting aside a few minutes each day for enjoyable activities (reading for pleasure, listening to music, taking a walk) helps maintain a healthier emotional balance and makes studying less of a burden.
When, despite everything, the student feels unable to concentrate, freezes up during exams, or experiences constant fatigue, it is important ask for helpTeachers, counselors, family members, or specialized professionals can offer support, tools, and, if necessary, refer to other resources to prevent the situation from worsening.
Ultimately, academic performance is built day by day by combining good Study habitsEffective learning techniques, self-care, and a proactive attitude are essential to making the most of available materials and opportunities. When these elements are aligned, studying more effectively with fewer resources It ceases to be an exhausting obligation and becomes an achievable challenge that opens doors to new personal, academic, and professional goals.