5 ESSENTIAL STUDY TIPS TO GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT
It’s almost exam time and learners wishing to get excellent marks, improve their grades or pass challenging subjects, need to start preparing in advance. A good academic record can open doors for you as you begin to make choices about your future studies.
Here are some useful study tips to help you achieve the academic results you are aiming for:
1. Get organised and have a revision plan:
Take stock of how many exams you are writing and when, and create a physical or digital study calendar that fits in with your daily activities and commitments. Some subjects will require more attention than others, especially those that involve understanding tricky concepts or formulas.
Aim to start your study program at least a month before the exams. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day (preferably at the same time) for revision leading up to your exams. Consistently reviewing your work with intention will ensure that the information is stored in your long-term memory. Proper planning will probably take 15 minutes a week, but, it’s worth it because you’ll be more efficient and productive.
2. Minimise distractions for maximum impact:
· Set-up a distraction free study-area and avoid multi-tasking when you are studying.
· Turn your phone off and put it out of sight and out of reach.
· Focus on taking in the information and retaining it.
· Think about the type of environment that will support you to study better: a comfortable chair, background music or silence, good lighting, lots of stationery options neatly set-out. Do what works for you.
3. Visual Aids:
Our brains process visuals sixty thousands times faster than text. Visual aids can be very useful and help you recall information more easily and quicker. Think about what materials stimulate your thinking and holds your attention. Some examples to consider are:
Mind Maps: help you see the whole picture and understand how concepts are connected.
Flow Charts: make it easier to approach large chunks of data and promotes logical thinking.
One page summaries: you are more likely to remember something when you’ve captured it in your own language style so summarise the information in your own original words. Condensing the information to fewer key points will help to prioritize the most important information.
Flash Cards: writing down bite-sized bits of information can help you remember the content. You can also add drawings to jog your memory. Reading the cards out loud is a helpful way to retain the information and they can also be used for quick tests.
4. Utilize Valuable Resources:
Consider what resources are at your disposal and tap into them: teachers, books, study-guides, past exam papers, extra lessons, tutors, friends, apps. Combining these resources is beneficial in being better prepared for the exams.
· Study-guides:
Assists with identifying the most important topics to learn and reduces the amount of information into a more manageable format.
· Tutors:
Working with a tutor allows you to focus on specific areas that you need to improve. A good tutor will help you come up with a strategy to achieve your exam goals and plan the lessons accordingly.
· Teachers:
Your teacher is there for you so it makes sense to speak to him/her about what you need help with. If you don’t understand a concept then ask your teacher to explain it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this during class time then you can always approach them in private. Your teacher will also highlight the most important information that needs to be studied which will save time.
· Past Exam Papers:
Practicing with these papers allows you to become familiar with how questions are likely to be asked and it gives you insight into the language style and how questions are structured.
Understanding the questions is vital to applying your knowledge and doing well.
They come in handy for testing yourself so you can see where you are at with your revision. Doing past papers allows you to manage your time and ensure that you are able to complete the paper within the time limit.
5. Exam Day:
You don’t want to arrive at an exam feeling frazzled so plan your day in advance. Allow yourself enough travel time and arrive 15-20 minutes before the start. Find out where the exam is going to be written, how long the exam is and what materials are allowed in the exam room. Dress appropriately for warm or cold weather so that you are comfortable. Make sure you eat beforehand and stay hydrated so your brain can function optimally.
Your attitude towards your studying will show-up in your results. Put in the effort so you can reap the rewards.
Good Luck!
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