Succeeding in school can form the foundation for success in other areas in life. Getting good grades helps a student get into a competitive college, which can eventually lead to a rewarding career. But as educator Ed Bain says, passion for learning should trump other reasons for becoming a good student. Bain says the best students are "deep learners" -- meaning they do more than just enough to get by -- and he says they will have the most satisfactory and lasting educational experiences.
Participate in Class
Participation begins with showing up for class. Attendance is necessary for the student to absorb the material and stay up to date on current assignments. Once arriving to class on time, the student should stay engaged and involved, which is easier when the student comes to class prepared. Revising habits can be helpful in encouraging participation. For example, something as simple as changing where to sit in class can have an impact. The Minnesota Department of Higher Education recommends sitting in the front row to show enthusiasm and interest. If the student has questions, he shouldn't be afraid to speak up.
Study
A good student makes studying outside of class, either at home or in study hall, a top priority. Some students find it helpful to study at certain times or in a specific place that's distraction-free. Others find it beneficial to study in groups. One study cited in "Business Communication Quarterly" showed that some students find visual aids help them retain information. Flash cards, charts and graphs may help visually oriented students to succeed.
Stay Healthy
Students need to eat properly and get plenty of sleep and exercise to stay healthy and focused. A study done by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign showed a direct correlation between cardiovascular activity and cognitive function. Students who want to do well might consider walking to class or joining a gym. The Scholarship Experts website recommends students avoid junk food and sleepless nights if they want to stay focused and in top form for learning.
Do the Extras
For a student to truly excel, she should pay attention to details and take advantage of opportunities that others overlook. She turns in work that is neat, legible and formatted according to the teacher's instructions. And she does additional project work for extra credit when opportunities arise.
