Huntington Learning Center of Fayette/Coweta says good study habits and time management skills are crucial

For many students, back-to-school means new friends, extra-curricular activities or sports, and what may seem like an overwhelming amount of homework after months of summer vacation. Homework does not have to be a nightly battle if students can make the best use of their time.

Good study habits and time-management skills are two of the most important abilities a student can have for school success. According to Larry Sussberg, operator of Huntington Learning Center of Fayette/Coweta, one of the biggest problems that students have is learning to study efficiently. "By using an organized, active approach, students can make the most effective use of their study time," Sussberg said.

Sussberg suggests the following study tips for busy students:

1. First, establish a quiet, comfortable, neat study area in your home. Eliminate distractions – one hour of concentrated studying can be the same as three hours of studying amidst noise or interruptions. Schedule a regular study time each night and stick to it – it’s important to make studying a priority above other activities.

2. Being organized is also vital in order to work efficiently. Make sure you’re prepared to study with all the supplies and books that you may need. Write down assignments in a notebook to avoid forgetting due dates or putting off long-term projects until the last minute. Learn how to preview the material, read for details and take good notes. Finally, keep on top of reading – if you allocate one hour for studying and complete your homework in 45 minutes, use the extra 15 minutes to read ahead.

3. Parents can use these tips to work with younger children on making schoolwork a priority, establishing a time and a place for studying, and teaching them to work independently. For older students, building strong study habits can help them to do their best in school and will carry through for academic success in college as well.

If, as the semester progresses, a student is having difficulty with exams and getting poor grades, it may be more than just a study skill problem. The Huntington Learning Center, located at 2781 Ga. Highway 54 West, offers individualized testing and tutoring in reading, writing, math and SAT ACT prep.

For more information, please contact Larry Sussberg at 770-632-7336.