Mr. Hickson’s Study Tips and Resources
Becoming a great scholar takes hard work and dedication, but these helpful tips from Mr. Hickson will aid you on your academic journey.
Organization is Your Best Friend
Preparation is key for success in any endeavor, especially one as important as your academic adventures. Each of your materials, books, and notes should have their own special place and purpose. Your notes are especially important to keep in order, so color code them, highlight them, and keep them organized in the best way that makes sense to you.
Read: Actively
Practice being an active reader. Ask yourself questions about the material as you go. Take notes and write down thoughts you have, as you have them. If the book is your own, do not be afraid to write in the margins! Collecting these thoughts along your journey through reading a text can lead to a greater sense of discovery and mastery of the material.
Experimentation = Excitement
By conducting small experiments on your own, at home, or in your free time, you can discover things about the world, and yourself, in ways that you might not have otherwise imagined. Hands-on practice, being consistent, and taking notes helps build the scientific method into your work. Discoveries can happen in the blink of an eye, but remember that they must be reproducible, so it is key to document each step of your experiments. Remember: safety first!
Explore Together
By finding a group of likeminded explorers, you can multiply the scale of your discoveries, and reinforce aspects of the scientific method in your experiments as you go by working in teams. Some of the greatest inventions and discoveries have been the product of many people who worked together in unison, so do your best to create or join a group that suits your study style.
The Importance of Routines
Create a routine for yourself that allows you time to deeply focus on your studies, that also incorporates time for rest, exploration, and exercise to be the best explorer that you can be. Pay attention to what works for you, and what does not, so that you can be consistent and notice results over time.
Khan Academy Lessons
Ask for Help
Asking for help is the smartest thing you can do. Of course, try things yourself when you can, but when you are unsure of where to go next, or what to do along the way, do not hesitate to ask a friend, your teacher, or your parent for some help. Together, we can achieve anything. Stay exploring and stay curious!
