Effective Strategies for a Student Success Essay

Effective Strategies for a Student Success - Essay Example This paper tends to discuss some very important steps and strategies that will help every student to show success by leaps and bounds. All that is needed is the determination and strong-mindedness to follow these steps. Determination and Commitment The first and foremost thing that a student needs is determination to succeed, and commitment with his work. If he has made up his mind to achieve his goals and milestones, and that he will do anything to reach his destination, then there is no power that can stop him from getting what he wants. This commitment will motivate him, and will boost his energies in the positive direction, so much so that he will start finding himself not too far away from his educational objectives. Time Management The next important strategy for a student is to manage his time properly, so that he can balance his work and extra-curricular activities in the most effectual manner. Students must set priorities in their lives, and must be determined enough to give their schoolwork the top priority. Time management will help them meet deadlines that their instructors have set for them regarding their assignments. Students must finish their assignments well in time, because this will make their image better in the eyes of their professors, which is a good thing toward their success. Students must also set regular routines for their sleeping and waking patterns, and must be able to follow their time tables. Again, all this comes with determination and commitment with work. Time management is the key to success in academic life (Hirsch, 2001, p.99). Improving Interpersonal Skills One important strategy is to be at good terms not only with the peers, but also with the instructors. Good communication is the key to success. A student must be able to share his ideas and problems with his class fellows and with the teachers, without hesitation. This way, he will be able to do his work more effectively. This will also help him gain knowledge through e xchange of thoughts. Good communication skills also help the student when he has to express his ideas, both verbally and in writing. A tip is that students may join communication improvement classes, which are held at some training institutes. This will help them not only in their educational phase, but also later in their professional careers. Developing Reading Habit It is a tragedy that today’s students have left the habit of reading books. Libraries are empty, because students find it easier to consult computers and the internet for every type of knowledge. A book is a man’s best friend, because it makes him learn such things that he cannot grasp from the internet. It is very important for a student to develop reading habit, because it is the most effective way of improving vocabulary and diction. Reading will help them become â€Å"strong, life-long readers† (Collins, 2004, p.50). Developing Critical Thinking Skills It is important for the students to devel op strong critical thinking skills. Only memorizing the concepts, words for word, does not guarantee success. The key to success is to think about issues critically; that is, to critically examine the evidence, facts, statistics, and to develop reasoning for arguments. Students must know how to develop arguments, and how to defend their position with sound proofs. They must be able to make judgments, and argue about what they feel objectionable.