Relevant factors in the quality of academic performance

At the time of the study there are many factors that influence the final capacity that the student will have to internalize the learning contents with greater or lesser competence. As we will see below, both the physical and psychological aspects are going to be equally decisive for achieve effective academic performance.

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The concept of mental hygiene in the student

The mental hygiene of the study is defined as the set of physical, mental and psychological conditions that facilitate the intellectual task. In all conduct, successes or failures are largely the consequence of mood where the individual is. If the neurophysiological state is positively predisposed to learning, it is more likely that the abilities to achieve self-confidence, which are considerably relevant to configure an adequate motivational state in the acquisition of knowledge. This is strongly influenced by:

Internal representation or self-concept (positive or negative), which refers to the tendency to achieve success or avoid failure.

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physiological conditions and the use made of them, such as the level of muscle tension, fatigue, the activation of the organism, the level of relaxation and the general functioning of the organism.

These two factors can be favored by the person himself creating states or positive attitudes that activate the psychic capacity to the maximum and bring the student closer to success. It is somewhat possible, if one takes into consideration that internal representation is not a reflection of reality, but it becomes a personal interpretation derived from the individual particular beliefs of the subject in such a way that a person becomes what he thinks about himself.

A person cannot be intelligent or effective while they think otherwise, it could be said. A key aspect, therefore, is to work to change these internal representations so that they are consistent with the idea of success or personal efficacy. Thus, a fundamental element is to adopt a positive attitude towards one's own intellectual abilities to achieve greater confidence in one's own possibilities.

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Good physical condition and academic performance

Study or intellectual work is a mental activity and is conditioned by physical health and physical well-being. The following are distinguished as intervening and determining factors:

The hours of sleep

It is recommended to sleep between 7 and 9 hours a day. You have to recover and rest from the daily mental and physical exhaustion. Therefore, more than the quantity, the most relevant thing is the quality of sleep, which has to be restful and uninterrupted. That is, the feeling you have when you wake up should be a feeling of relaxation or freshness. Thus, the following is recommended:

Do not drag personal problems to the resting place, seeking their solution before the end of the day or, failing that, leave them postponed for the next day.
Stimulating foods or drinks, such as chocolate or coffee, etc., should be suppressed or reduced as much as possible, especially late in the day.
It is advisable to have dinner early, around 9:00 p.m., and eat light, easily digestible foods.
Not taking tranquilizers regularlyonly in exceptional cases.
Take a warm bath or walk for about 15 minutes before going to sleep.
Carry out the daily repertoire of body and oral hygiene behaviors and the use of loose fitting clothing is recommended. It is also relevant to adopt a comfortable position when sleeping.
Set a fixed time to go to sleep and try not to do activities that detract from sleep, such as watching TV.
Perform regular physical exercise so that the body seeks a form of natural rest from the fatigue produced by this activity.
Practice relaxation exercises for a while before going to sleep.
If in about 30 minutes you cannot fall asleep, it is recommended not to worry about it, but to get up and do some activity that makes it easier to fall asleep again.

Rational food

A balanced diet is essential for good intellectual performance. The diet must be varied and rich, including fish, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruit, etc. They should not be very abundant meals, it is recommended to have a strong lunch, eat well, and have a smaller snack and dinner. The balance between a healthy diet and regular physical exercise is a key factor.

Physical exercise

Constant and continuous practice is recommended, instead of punctual and extreme. The current pace of life affected by the rush, noise, stress, etc. they deteriorate the nervous system itself and cause the appearance of negative characteristics such as being more susceptible, a state of permanent alert, being defensive, irritable, etc.

relaxation

Very useful in students with a tendency to worry or anxiety. A dedication of 15 or 20 minutes a day can be very beneficial to increase mental performance. In a comfortable position with the extremities flexed, eyes closed and leaving the muscles relaxed, the mind is left blank. It is essential that during these minutes there is no interruption or external noise. Relaxation repairs the body from both physical and mental fatigue, restoring a sense of peace and general tranquility.

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The mental well-being of the student

In addition to physical conditions, as previously mentioned, psychological factors also play an important role in intellectual performance. Aspects such as the level of motivation, self-esteem, concern, general emotional state, anxiety... greatly influence individual behavior.

Thus, it can be a very useful exercise to dedicate a few minutes from time to time to talk to yourself, doing a small reflection on what is one's own mental state and see to what extent it is affecting intellectual performance daily.

According to Tierno (2009) the following phenomena are key factors that have a major influence on the level of emotional well-being and cognitive of the student. All of them interact and are bidirectionally related to the physiological state, favoring an adaptive or detrimental predisposition for the study:

self esteem level

That is to say, degree of self-confidence to achieve good academic results. It is important to be aware of both your own capabilities and limitations. A positive attitude consisting of being convinced that with time, effort and enthusiasm, success can be achieved, favors the increase of this personality trait.

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Enthusiasm

Having self-confidence and getting rid of complexes in the different areas of interaction (family and school) is a main aspect, although Recognition from others helps enhance this factor.

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Receptive attitude, curiosity and interest in learning

It is essential that the student presents a good orientation to acquire new knowledge that expands their cultural baggage. Dialogues with teachers and family members can enrich and increase curiosity and interest in learning.

Understanding and acceptance of others: ability that allows you to be more sociable, communicative and generous with others.

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In conclusion

Despite the fact that on the surface it may seem that the achievement of learning is exclusively defined by the level of intellectual capacity of the student, in this text described multiple phenomena, which in reciprocal interaction, are essential to explain the reason why a student may be below expectations in their performance academic.

It is known necessary, therefore, to carry out an analysis where it is determined which of all these element is altered and propose a series of measures that re-channel them in a adequate.

Bibliographic references:

Soria, E. (2015) Effective study techniques. Ed: Mestas Editions: Madrid.

tender, b. (2009) The best study techniques. Ed: Today's Topics: Madrid.