Slant - Sit in the front row or middle section of the classroom. Lean slightly forward in your chair, as if you are hanging on the teacher's every word. Ask questions to clarify anything you don't understand. Nod your head to show you are listening and interested. Talk to your teacher after class to build rapport and establish a relationship.

Mind Mapping - Capture valuable class information with the innovative note-taking technique of Mind Mapping. Begin by writing your main topic in the center of the page, then draw branches radiating outward from your topic. Label each branch with a subtopic. As your teacher lectures, add information to each subtopic by drawing more branches. Use colors, symbols and pictures to help you remember the information and make your Mind Map more fun!

Circuit Learning - This is a great way to prepare for tests and learn more efficiently. It works especially well with teachers who like to give a test or a pop quiz every Friday. On Monday, begin a Mind Map of the week's topic. On Tuesday, add new information you learned, and review material from the previous day. Continue adding and reviewing information throughout the week and by Friday, you're ready for that test!

Test-taking Strategies - Does test-time jitters ruin the time you spend studying and preparing? Allow yourself enough time to get to class a few minutes early; hurrying causes tension and mental crunches, and you can use the few extra minutes to review your notes one last time. Before and during the test, give yourself positive messages: "I know this information and I'm going to get an A." If you feel yourself getting tense, close your eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Imagine a relaxing scene. If you're having trouble concentrating or are feeling overwhelmed, try drawing a Mind Map in the margin of your paper. It will help you remember what you studied.

Study Area - Design the optimum study area. Your study area should include good lighting, a desk or table to work at, a comfortable chair, inspirational posters, and plants. Play Baroque music softly in the background. Study at the same time every day and take a short break every 30 minutes. Tackle the most difficult subjects first. When you get them out of the way, the rest will be easy.