Study Skills Checklist of Online High School Students
As a high school student, you are likely to be juggling many different responsibilities at once. From classes and homework to athletics and extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to find the time to focus on your studies.
However, following some simple study habits can help you stay on track and ensure you get the most out of your education.
In this blog post, we will provide a checklist of online high school students’ study skills that can help them succeed in their academic career.
Top Study Skills That Every Online High School Student Should Master
Online high school students need to have various skills to be successful. Here are the top study skills that every online high school student should master:
1. Organization skills
One of the most important study skills for online high school students is organization. Online high school students need to be proactive in keeping track of their assignments, due dates, and grades. An excellent way to do this is to create a system, whether it’s using a physical planner or an online tool like Google Calendar.
Make sure to note when assignments are due and when tests and quizzes will be given. This will help you plan your time accordingly and avoid last-minute cramming.
2. Effective reading skills
Reading is a fundamental skill for any student, but it can be incredibly challenging for online learners. When reading material for a class, it’s important to be active and engaged with the text. That means reading with a purpose and taking notes as you go.
Identify the main ideas and supporting details in what you’re reading. And when you come across something confusing, take the time to look it up or ask your teacher for clarification.
3. Time management
One of the most important study skills for online students is time management. Because you’ll likely have more flexibility in your schedule than traditional students, it can be easy to fall behind if you’re not careful. Set aside specific times for each class and stick to them.
You may also want to create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for homework, studying, and relaxation. And don’t forget to factor in time for unexpected events like doctor’s appointments or family emergencies.
4. Active listening
In an online class, it’s easy to get distracted by things like emails, social media, and other websites. That’s why practicing active listening is important when participating in a class discussion or lecture.
Pay attention to what the other students and your teacher are saying and resist the urge to multi-task. If you need to, take notes so that you can refer back to them later.
5. Note-taking
Taking effective notes is another important study skill for online students. When you’re listening to a lecture or reading a textbook, make sure to write down key concepts and information. This will help you remember the material and review it later on.
It’s also a good idea to keep your notes organized by date or topic. That way, you can easily find what you’re looking for when you need it.
6. Research skills
As an online student, you’ll likely do a lot of research for your classes. Whether looking for information on a specific topic or writing a research paper, it’s important to know how to find reliable sources and evaluate them properly.
Start by looking for reputable sources like scholarly journals, government websites, and news articles from credible media outlets. Once you’ve found some potential sources, take the time to read them carefully and make sure they’re relevant to your topic.
7. Writing skills
Writing is another essential skill for online students. Because much of the work you’ll do will be written, it’s crucial that you know how to communicate clearly and effectively. This means being able to write in a concise, well-organized manner.
Additionally, it’s important to use proper grammar and punctuation. If you’re not confident in your writing skills, there are many resources available to help you improve.
Your school may offer writing tutoring or workshops, and there are also many books and websites that can help you sharpen your skills.
8. Communication skills
Strong communication skills are essential for online students. When you’re learning online, you’ll be communicating with your professors and classmates through email, discussion boards, and video chats. To be successful, you’ll need to express your thoughts clearly and effectively.
Additionally, being a good listener and respectful of other people’s opinions is important. If you’re not confident in your communication skills, there are many resources available to help you improve. Your school may offer tutoring or workshops, and there are also many books and websites that can help you sharpen your skills.
9. Social skills
In an online setting, it’s crucial to interact with other people positively. That means being respectful of other people’s opinions and taking the time to build relationships with your classmates and teachers.
If you’re having trouble socializing, you can do a few things. First, try to participate in class discussions and ask questions when you’re unsure about something. You can also reach out to other students through email or social media.
Finally, remember that it’s okay to be shy—take things at your own pace and don’t force yourself to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
10. Time management
Another critical skill for online students is time management. Because you’ll likely have more flexibility in your schedule than traditional students, it can be easy to fall behind if you’re not careful. Make sure to set aside specific times for each of your classes and stick to them.
You may also want to create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for homework, studying, and relaxation. And don’t forget to factor in time for unexpected events like doctor’s appointments or family emergencies.
11. Self-motivation
Another important skill for online students is self-motivation. When you’re learning online, there’s no one there to force you to do your work or keep you on track. That means it’s up to you to stay motivated and focused on your high school goals.
One way to do this is by setting small, achievable goals. For example, if you’re working on a big project, break it down into smaller tasks you can complete daily.
Additionally, try to find ways to make learning fun and interesting. For example, you could create a game out of studying for a test or devise creative ways to remember important information.
12. Stress management
Stress is a common problem for students of all types, but it can be especially challenging for online students. When juggling multiple classes, work, and other obligations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
To manage your stress levels, it’s essential to find healthy coping mechanisms. Some students find that exercise or meditation helps them relax, while others prefer to spend time with friends or family. Find what works for you, and take some time for yourself when things start to feel overwhelming.
13. Technical skills
Online students need to have strong technical skills. Because you’ll be using a computer for most of your work, it’s important to be comfortable with basic computer applications like word processing and email. Additionally, you’ll need to be familiar with your school’s learning management system (LMS).
Most schools offer training on using their LMS, so take advantage of those resources. In addition, it is helpful to know how to troubleshoot common technical problems like slow internet connections or frozen screens. While you don’t need to be a computer expert, it’s essential to have at least basic tech skills.
14. Problem-solving skills
Another critical skill for online students is problem-solving. Because you’ll be working independently, you’ll likely run into some challenges along the way. Whether you’re having trouble with a class assignment or can’t figure out how to use a particular piece of software, it’s essential to solve problems on your own.
To do this, you’ll need to be resourceful and think critically about the best way to solve the problem. Additionally, it’s helpful to have a support system in place—a friend, family member, or fellow student—who you can reach out when you’re feeling stuck.
15. Critical thinking skills
Lastly, online students need to have strong critical thinking skills. When you’re learning online, you’ll be bombarded with a lot of information—lectures, readings, and discussions. It’s important to sift through that information and determine what’s important and what isn’t.
Additionally, you’ll need to be able to think critically about the information you’re learning and draw your conclusions. To develop your critical thinking skills, try to look at things from multiple perspectives and ask questions when you’re unsure about something.
It can also be helpful to practice brainstorming or writing essays on controversial topics.
Final Thoughts
While studying in a traditional high school setting, students have the opportunity to meet with their teachers face-to-face regularly. This interaction allows for real-time assessment and feedback that can help shape future instruction.
Online high school students do not have this same luxury. That’s why online students must develop good study skills early on to be successful throughout their academic career.
At High School of America, we work hard to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.
Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about our program or would like to speak with one of our Academic Counselors. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
