STUDY GUIDANCE

If you are ever in need of support with regards to studying

STUDY TIPS

Study tips for assessment

Avoid exam stress this term, by starting early and not leaving studying for the last minute. While some students do seem to thrive on last-minute cramming, it is widely accepted that for most of us, this is not the best way to approach the assessments.

  1. Start by setting out a time table, with realistic study time slots, which you can manage.
  2. Organize your study place, make sure you have everything you need and that there are minimal distractions (YES that includes your phone).
  3. Make sure you have the assessment outlines, all the notes, and past papers to test yourself.
  4. Find out what your study style is and work accordingly.
  5. Break up the work into smaller chunks. This way it does not feel too overwhelming. Make sure you fully understand one section then go onto the next one.
  6. Make meaning of what you are reading. Use your own words to make shorter summaries by using visuals like; mind maps, pictures, diagrams, and symbols. There are also valuable YOUTUBE videos and tutorials available online.
  7. Keep your body and brain well-fuelled by choosing nutritious food that aids in concentration and memory, such as fish, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and berries.
  8. Drink lots of water! Sugar and energy drinks might seem appealing, but your energy levels will crash an hour later. 
  9. Get enough sleep! You cannot focus if you are tired of cramming the night before.
  10. 10)Exercise is important, it alleviates stress and sends much-needed endorphins and oxygen to the brain. 
  11. 11)BREATH – You can do this.

There are so many different resources available online and at your school to help you deal with exam stress. It is important to manage your stress in a healthy way! Here are some worthwhile links to start with:

STUDY SPACE:

  • Ideally, this needs to be separate from the general communal living area, uncluttered, well-lit, and free of noise and distractions. 
  • There should be a desk or workable surface. Check stationery supplies.
  • Access to cellphones and social media needs to be restricted to time intervals that do not intrude with times dedicated to studying.
  • PS Lying on the bed is never conducive to studying!

ROUTINE & STRUCTURE:

  • Consistent mealtimes help create structure.
  • Make morning wake-ups and bedtimes a part of the routine.
  • Sufficient sleep is critical. All-nighters are to be avoided.

PLANNING & ORGANISATION:

  • The exam timetable should be placed where it is daily visible.
  • Use a weekly calendar or study planner to set up a realistic study program with study session times plotted.
  • Ensure files and workbooks are up to date and loose papers correctly collated. Ensure textbooks are available.
  • Download subject outlines to guide studying and work through past papers, especially in Mathematics and Science-based subjects.

STUDY METHODS:

  • Check the dominant learning style (visual, auditory and tactile/kinesthetic) and use appropriate study methods.
  • Take short, 1-2 minute breaks every 15-20 minutes during an hour’s study session to change the brain’s activity to ensure its ability to maintain focus throughout the study session.

MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH:

  • Eat nutritious, healthy food, especially foods rich in Omega -3 fatty acids (eg salmon, sardines), green fleshy veggies and fresh fruit, nuts and seeds. Avoid fast foods.
  • Keep hydrated by drinking sufficient water daily.
  • Incorporate regular exercise over the exam weeks to keep a balanced lifestyle.
  • Get sufficient sleep.

Study Skills

  • Plan for longer study time.
  • Find a quiet space that is used for studying only.
  • Develop a regular routine.
  • Take frequent breaks.
  • Keep up with work and do not wait until the last minute to study.
  • Allow extra time for writing assignments to includes editing & rewriting
  • Highlight or colour code important information in text and notes.
  • Test self on information studied – past papers and practice essay questions.
  • Use a laptop computer to take class notes.
  • Find your prime study time when you are most attentive and at your best.
  • Review notes as soon after class as possible, filling in any gaps, and helping to remember the information, then review notes prior to the next class.
  • Use the SQ4R method, Survey Question Read, Rite (write) Recite Review-survey sections by looking over the main headings, make up questions, read the entire sections, rite answers to the questions, recite the information out loud if possible, and review your work.
  • Use movement (reading, underlining, writing in margins, highlighting, stimulation, and conversation (reciting information out loud), to stay alert while studying.

Organizational Skills

  • Keep desk clear of mess.
  • Use folders/binders to organize class notes and study notes.
  • Leave margins when taking notes to add information from the text.
  • Keep track of books and other supplies.

Time Management Skills

  • Start each day with a list of what needs to be done and prioritize your goals
  • Do not overbook or overschedule.
  • Allow extra time for assignments, readings, and studying.
  • Organize time with space for breaks, rest, exercise, social time, and meals.
  • Be realistic about how long things will take
  • Build in extra room in case things take longer than planned.
  • Break down large tasks into small components and put these in planner. A large task may feel overwhelming however, when it is broken down into small parts each component is quite manageable.

Course/Assignment Strategies

  • Develop a relationship with each teacher and discuss your educational needs.
  • See teacher immediately if anything was missed in class.

Test Preparation Strategies

  • Review information frequently—this is the only way information is stored in long-term memory.
  • Understand information rather than just rote memorization.

Procrastination

  • Tackle tough assignments early.
  • Pick interesting topic for orals, essays and assignment to avoid boredom.
  • Time breaks to avoid letting a 10-15-minute break turn into 30-45 minutes.
  • Avoid the TV or when studying

LEARNING STYLES

BRIEF LEARNING STYLES ASSESSMENT 

Those are words worth remembering as you make the transition through middle school and on to high school. Research shows that people learn in different ways. While each of us uses all of our senses to gather information, some people use one sense more than others while learning.

Students can be better learners when they understand their preference for visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), or tactile (touching) learning. Often, students find that they have more than one preference when it comes to learning. For example, you could be almost equally strong in visual and auditory learning. Once you understand how you learn best, you can adjust the way that you study for tests or complete classroom assignments.

You also can learn to adjust when a teacher’s instructional methods don’t complement your style. Understanding your learning style and playing to your strengths when it comes to studying and doing homework will help you be more successful in school. You can use the learning styles inventory by downloading the pdf and investigate your learning style—or styles.

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