To be a productive student is to be able to successfully accomplish your goals and complete your work. The definition is much more simple than it is to do, however. There are a few changes every student can make to become more productive when it comes to their education.

1. Have a Planner. This planner could be a blank notebook, a personalized calendar, an app on your phone. Whatever it is, it is important to stay organized and focused. Having a planner allows you to visualize your short term and long term goals. It also helps you manage your time more wisely.
2. Turn off the Phone. This may be one of the largest sources of distractions when it comes to studying and doing your homework. It interrupts the pace at which you work and prolongs the amount of time it would usually take to finish an assignment.
3. Don’t Forget to Stay Social. If you let your homework and studies consume your life, it may be more difficult to stay focused and to work efficiently. Taking a study break to go enjoy lunch with your friends is fine, as long as you are able to find a balance between work and fun.
4. Communicate with your Classmates. Having acquaintances in classes that you can effectively study with can be helpful. It is important to have other people to check your understanding of different concepts with.
5. Try and Get Some Sleep. It’s hard to learn and obtain important information when you’re falling asleep in class, make a sleeping pattern a priority in your life.
6. Talk with Your Teachers. Whether this is a question about the material or being considerate of the authority in the classroom, it is important to keep open communication about your education with your educators. It helps them become better teachers and you become a better student.
7. Learn to Take Notes. It is important to take notes that you understand and can use to study. Find a way to organize your thoughts when you’re writing information down.
8. Read the Lessons the Night Before. There’s a direct correlation between being productive and being prepared. Successful students will often read the next day’s material the night before it is introduced in class so they can fully understand the lesson.
9. Know What Motivates You. When you know what you are working towards, working hard has more purpose, and you will push yourself to do your best. A motivated student is a productive student.
10. Know how to Deal with Stress. Being a good student can be difficult and stressful, so it’s important to know how to avoid shutting down when the pressures become too much.