Written by Devin Miller, Relate Contributing Writer

Starting to feel like the mid-winter blues are seeping into your performance in the classroom? Bobbi DePorter, co-founder of Super Camp and president of Quantum Learning Network, created nine helpful tips that can improve your academic success.

1. S.L.A.N.T.- This is a mnemonic device you will want to keep memorized for your entire school career.

S

Sit in the front or middle areas of the classroom. This will help you to stay focused on the subject being covered.

L

Lean forward in your chair. Lying back not only makes you look careless, it also makes it more likely that your focus will drift away from the teacher.

A

Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. There is no such thing as a dumb question. The worst feeling is seeing a topic come up on a test or quiz and wishing you would have built up the courage to get it clarified when you had the chance.

N

Nod your head to show your teacher that you are engaged and interested in the material.

T

Talk with your teacher after class in order to build an invaluable relationship. Teachers are great resources whether you are trying to apply to colleges or looking for a job.

2. Strategize your test-taking-

The day of a test, arrive a few minutes early to look over your notes so the information is fresh in your head. Always stay positive by reassuring yourself that you know the information and deserve an “A.” If you still feel nervous, take a few deep breaths and imagine a relaxing scene.

3. The perfect study area-

Be your own interior designer by setting up the optimal study area. Make sure you have good lighting, a desk and a supportive chair. Surround yourself with inspirational quotes and motivational posters or pictures.

4. Think like a winner-

You must remain positive to achieve success. Relating perfectly to this idea, DePorter quotes Henry Ford who said, “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Either way, you are right.”

5. Turn failure into feedback-

If you get a bad grade on a test, don’t crumple it up and throw it away. We must learn from our mistakes, and figure out how to fix them in the future.

6. Stay organized by planning ahead-

Get a calendar, a planner, a blackberry, whatever will keep you organized. By taking note of test and due dates, you will be able to better manage your time.

7. Discover DePorter’s “This is it!”-

DePorter’s “This is it!” means making the most out of every single moment. You must try to make all subjects interesting in some way because it will make learning much easier.

8. Defeat writer’s block-

When your mind is completely blank on a topic, try free writing. Pick a random subject and start writing about it. Give yourself a set amount of time, and let your ideas flow freely. This will clear your mind allowing you to focus on the task ahead.

9. Breaks are key-

After studying for 30 minutes, take a five minute break. DePorter explains that studies show you are most likely to remember best what you learn just before and just after a break.

Put these tips into action in order to boost your performance in class. Simple things like choosing a place to sit in class or taking breaks while studying can make a huge difference when test time comes around!

Tags: Bobbi DePorter, mnemonic device, S.L.A.N.T, study break, study tips, Super Camp, test taking, writer's block