10 tips for a successful school year

It's the beginning of the school year and most students should be filled with excitement and great expectations. Here are some tips to help you have a great year.

1. Make a plan. The plan for the year should be clear in terms of career goals, and this will determine the subjects you pursue. Discuss your plan with people with experience such as family members, friends, teachers and guidance counsellors. Even if you are not attending university, many universities will provide career counselling to prospective students.
2. Set clear goals. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. If you are studying for a history examination, for example, you should state that you intend to cover one specific chapter in one week. Ensure that given all your other obligations. it is realistic to cover this chapter in one week. Be realistic; do not take your book on the family or church trip as you know it is impossible to study under these conditions.
3. Create a study timetable. Do this by the second week of school and start preparing for examinations early. Remember to balance your life; find time for fun and relaxation. Make it an exciting and productive year.
4. Have learning objectives. These objectives may be in your course outline or syllabus. Follow them carefully.
5. Practise using past examination papers. I would suggest you start doing this very early in the school year. This will help to build your confidence and, moreover, many questions are repeated in a different format.
6. Develop study techniques. Each individual has a different style of studying. Some people prefer to study alone, while others function well in study groups. Decide which style works for you.
7. Secure a study area. This should be a place that allows you the opportunity to focus and is free from distraction. It could be around a dining table, a quiet room or the public library. Avoid the bed or in front of the television; with the former you will fall asleep and with the latter you may end up watching television.
8. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Marijuana (ganja) may affect your short-term memory. Sedative drugs, such as valium, should be avoided as they may also affect short-term memory. Caffeine will help some people stay awake, but it should be used in moderation.
9. Be positive. Create positive affirmations such as 'I must succeed if I work hard'. Repeat them to yourself. Paste them on your walls. During my days as a student I found positive affirmations very helpful.
10.  Don't procrastinate. Many people keep putting off organising themselves and getting their preparations for examinations going. Start today. Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Get going today.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.